As a skilled tradesperson, it’s essential to recommend LED lighting to your clients for several reasons. Not only do led strip lights offer design flexibility, but they also have an impressive lifespan and are highly energy-efficient, using a staggering 85% less energy compared to conventional lighting.
While the benefits of LED lighting speak for themselves, proper installation is crucial. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing LED strips in various areas of the home, providing you with our expert tips and tricks along the way.
Getting Started: Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the installation process, familiarize yourself with the core components of LED strips. These typically include LED strips themselves, power blocks or drivers, distribution blocks (with or without switches), and wiring. Depending on your design, you might also require additional materials such as corner clip connectors. Taking the time to gather all necessary components beforehand can make a significant difference. If you’re unsure about what you need, our bespoke lighting design service is at your disposal. Simply fill out a simple form, and our team will create a lighting layout, product list, and price quote for you — all free of charge.
Pro Tips:
- Led lights are available in pure white, multi white, and color-changing RGB options.
- Before assembling the components, calculate the required length of LED strips for your project. Additionally, take note of the wattage supplied by the power block. Keep in mind that power blocks provide a certain number of watts, while LED strips have their own necessary wattage for proper illumination.
Choosing the Perfect Locations
LED strips are versatile lighting solutions that can enhance various areas of your home. Consider incorporating them in the following places:
- Inside cabinets
- Under cabinets
- Along the floor or ceiling
- Around the bedframe
- Inside closets
- As uplighting by the front door
The possibilities are endless, and you can let your creativity run wild. If you’re installing LED strips to light the inside of a cabinet, it’s best to install them before hanging any cabinets. However, if you’re opting for under-cabinet lighting, you can proceed with the installation after hanging the cabinet.
Pro Tip: Once you’ve decided on the placement of your LED lighting, make sure to purchase the necessary components accordingly.
The Initial Steps: Preparing for Installation
Now that you’ve acquired all the items, review the lighting design and take note of where the power sources are located. Understanding where each component fits, as specified in the design, will ensure a seamless installation. Once you’ve received your Häfele items, open the box, and inspect all the components. Double-check them against the design to ensure you have everything you’ll need to get started. Lastly, locate the power sources that will be used to power the LEDs; these are vital for proper functioning.
Installing LED Lighting Strips Into Cabinets
If you’re installing LED lights into a cabinet or cupboard, it’s essential to drill wire holes before hanging the cabinets or attaching the panels. This way, you can easily route the wires to the drivers. To maintain a clean appearance, use wire covers and zip ties to keep everything secure. Additionally, label the lights, switches, and drivers for easy access in the future, if necessary.
How to Install LED Lights on the Ceiling
For ceiling installations, follow these steps:
- Find a discrete location to plug the power supply into the wall or battery. If desired, you can use a cable cover for added discretion.
- Measure the perimeter of your ceiling, making sure to include all corners.
- Attach your LEDs to the ceiling using a casing.
Installing LED Lights Without Damaging Walls
A high-quality LED installation should never leave the walls damaged. Follow these quick tips to ensure your clients’ walls remain in excellent condition:
- Use profiles for casing ribbon lighting.
- Use the correct jigsaws and drill bits for precise installations.
- Avoid using sticky substances to attach the LEDs.
- Browse our YouTube videos for helpful installation tutorials.
Pro Tip: If you’ve already used a sticky substance and need to remove it, try using a hairdryer. However, remember to unplug the lights first and exercise caution.
Explore Häfele’s Extensive LED Lighting Solutions
At Häfele, we offer a vast range of best led light strips solutions suitable for all projects. Whether you need strip lighting, spot lighting, pendant lighting, or more, we have you covered. Explore our various lighting options or speak to one of our knowledgeable team members for more information.
With these expert tips and tricks, you’re now well-prepared to tackle the installation of LED strip lighting and create a beautifully illuminated space for your clients. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!
