LED Strip Lighting Blog & Buying Guides

2026-10-08

LEDs per Metre: How to Pick Strip Density (60/120/240 SMD vs 320/480/528/700 COB)

More LEDs per metre is not always worth it. I compare SMD 60/120/240 and COB 240/480/528/700 for dot-free light, heat, power, bend radius and cost for each application.

2026-10-08

Choosing an Aluminum LED Profile: Surface, Recessed, Corner, Plaster-In and Hanging Explained

Hundreds of extrusions exist. I break them down by mounting - surface, recessed/flanged, corner, trimless plaster-in, step and suspended - and match width, depth and diffuser.

2026-10-08

Everything You Need for an LED Strip Project: The Complete Parts List (Beyond the Reel)

The reel is maybe half the job. I list every part I order - profile and diffuser, driver, dimmer/controller, connectors, sensors, clips, wire and fuses - so nothing is missing.

2026-10-08

LED Strip for Electronics Benches, QC and Microscope Stations: Shadow-Free High-Lux Task Light

Assembly, rework and QC benches need high lux, zero flicker and no shadows on tiny joints. I lay out rigid lens bars, lensed profiles and constant-current strips for inspection.

2026-10-08

Permanent Roofline and Soffit LED Strip: Outline a House Without the Holiday Takedown

Year-round architectural outline lighting beats Christmas clips. I compare 220V high-voltage vs low-voltage IP67 strip for eaves, soffits and fascia, plus channels and power.

2026-10-08

Lighting Indoor Playgrounds, Climbing Gyms and Trampoline Parks With Safe, Tough LED Strip

Kids' venues need glare-free, shatterproof, low-voltage light with no exposed hot parts. I cover anti-glare IP-rated strip, wall wash and rigid bars for soft-play structures.

2026-10-08

LED Strip for Escape Rooms, Arcades and Mini-Golf: Pixels, Neon and Controllers That Survive Guests

Theming an escape room, arcade or mini-golf course means addressable pixels, RGBW neon and offline controllers running all night. I cover gear, wiring, durability and effects.

2026-10-08

LED Lighting for Pet Grooming Salons: Bright, True-Color and Wash-Down Safe

Groomers need accurate coat-color light that survives soap, fur and daily wash-down. I specify high-CRI IP65/IP67 strip, dimming at the table and calm CCT for anxious dogs.

2026-10-08

Lighting a Restaurant, Bar or Brewery Taproom With LED Strip: Layers That Make People Stay

How I light dining rooms, bar fronts, bottle shelves and brewery taprooms with warm cove, neon accents and wall wash - CCT, dimming and IP ratings for service areas.

2026-10-08

LED Strip in a Swimming Pool: IP68, Low Voltage and Potting That Actually Stays Dry

Putting neon strip in a pool or fountain? I cover IP68 vs splash ratings, SELV low voltage, potted heads, stainless channels, bonding and the mistakes that flood a fixture.

2026-10-08

How Tight Can You Bend LED Strip? Minimum Radius, Flat vs Twist Bends and the Cracks I See

Bend LED tape too tight and you crack joints, tear resistors or kill an IC. I show safe bend radius, flat vs twisted bends, fold points and zigzag strip for tight corners.

2026-10-08

WS2812B vs WS2815 vs SK6812/SK6813 vs UCS2904: Which Addressable LED IC I Spec and Why

I compare the addressable ICs I stock - WS2811/2812B, WS2815, SK6812/6813/6815 and UCS2904 - on voltage, backup data, RGBW, timing, cost and surviving a dead pixel.