What is an LED (Light Emitting Diode)?

An LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. It is compact, energy-efficient, and has a longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting sources. LEDs are available in various colors, including red, green, blue, yellow, and white. They offer advantages such as low energy consumption, minimal heat generation, and durability. LEDs have revolutionized lighting technology and are widely used in residential and commercial lighting, electronic displays, automotive lighting, and more.

What are lumens (lm)?

Lumens (lm) are a measurement unit used to quantify a light source’s brightness or light output. It provides a standardized way to compare the brightness of different light-emitting devices. Unlike wattage, which measures power consumption, lumens focus specifically on the visible light emitted by a source. When selecting an LED strip light or light fixture, it is crucial to consider the lumen output as the primary factor. To ensure the optimal choice for your project, it is recommended to compare the lumen outputs of different LED lights.

What is AC Volatge?

AC is the common electricity type, alternating direction periodically. It’s used in homes, industries, and powered by alternators. The most common voltage is 120V in the United States and higher in Europe. AC enables long-distance transmission and voltage transformation through transformers, powering electric motors and other appliances.

What is DC Volatge?

DC is used in most LED strips, requiring a transformer or battery to reduce voltage from AC to 12V-24V. It flows consistently in one direction from sources like batteries or solar cells, offering stability and predictability for electronics and automotive systems. DC is less efficient for long-distance transmission compared to AC due to higher energy losses.

Do LED strips operate on a constant current or constant voltage?

EnoLED’s LED Tapes require a constant voltage input (24VDC) to operate. To maintain a stable voltage level, a constant voltage LED driver is utilized. This ensures consistent illumination, color, and performance, enhancing the longevity of the LED tapes and providing an excellent lighting experience.

What is CRI and why is it important?

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a numerical measurement that indicates the accuracy of a light source in rendering colors compared to a reference light source. It is represented on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating better color rendering capabilities. CRI is important because it directly affects how colors appear under a given light source. A high CRI value signifies that colors will appear more vibrant, natural, and true to their actual appearance, while a low CRI can result in colors appearing dull or distorted. This metric is particularly valuable in settings where color accuracy is critical, such as art galleries, retail stores, and photography studios, as it ensures that colors are accurately perceived and evaluated.

What is LED pitch and how does it affect the type of lighting I wish to achieve?

The LED pitch denotes the separation between individual chips on a strip (FPCB). Comprehending the significance of pitch in your project is vital. A shorter pitch enhances the uniformity of light and reduces the occurrence of spotting, making it a critical factor to consider.

What is color temperature?

Color temperature refers to the perceived warmth or coolness of light and is measured in Kelvin (K). Lower color temperatures, ranging from 2700K to 3500K, produce warmer, yellowish light associated with a cozy ambiance. Higher color temperatures, typically between 5000K and 6500K, generate cooler, bluish-white light resembling daylight. Color temperature impacts the mood and functionality of a space, with warm light often used in residential or hospitality settings, and cool light preferred in offices or retail environments. Selecting the appropriate color temperature is crucial for creating the desired atmosphere and meeting the lighting requirements of a specific space.

Which color temperature should I choose?

The choice of color temperature depends on the desired ambiance and function of the space. Warm white (2700K-3500K) creates a cozy atmosphere, neutral white (3500K-4500K) provides a balanced light, and cool white (5000K-6500K) is bright and energetic. Consider personal preference and the specific requirements of the space when choosing the color temperature.

What is a Watt per foot meaning ?

“Watt per foot” is a unit of measurement used to express the power consumption or energy usage of a lighting fixture or LED strip light. It indicates the amount of electrical power consumed by the light source per linear foot (or per foot of length) of the fixture or LED strip. For example, if an LED strip light is rated at 3 Watts per foot, it means that for every foot of length, the LED strip will consume 3 Watts of electrical power when it is turned on. This measurement is important in determining the energy efficiency of the lighting product and can help users estimate its operating cost.

What is a lumens per foot meaning?

“Lumens per foot” is a unit of measurement used to express the amount of luminous flux emitted by a lighting fixture or LED strip light per linear foot (or per foot of length). Luminous flux, measured in lumens, refers to the total amount of visible light produced by the light source. When a lighting product is specified with lumens per foot, it indicates the brightness level of the light emitted over each foot of the fixture or LED strip. This measurement helps users understand how much light output they can expect from the lighting product, making it easier to determine its suitability for a particular application and space. The higher the lumens per foot value, the brighter the light emitted by the fixture or LED strip.

What is an Isocandela diagram?

An isocandela diagram is a graphical representation showing the distribution of light intensity emitted by a light source in a specific direction. It consists of contours or lines connecting points of equal luminous intensity, resembling a topographic map. Isocandela diagrams are commonly used in lighting design and engineering to analyze and visualize illuminance or luminous intensity. They provide insights into factors like uniformity of lighting, shadows, glare, and brightness levels in a given space.

What is IP rating stand for?

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system is used to define a product’s ability to function effectively in various environments. It assesses the level of protection against solid objects like dust, sand, and dirt, as well as protection against liquids. An IP rating consists of two numbers. The first number indicates the degree of protection against solid objects, while the second number indicates the level of protection against liquids.

IP Rating Chart Guide:

IPXX: The “IP” stands for Ingress Protection.
First Number (X): Represents the level of protection against solid objects, such as dust, sand, and dirt.
0: No protection against solid objects.
1: Protection against objects larger than 1.97 inches (50mm).
2: Protection against objects larger than 0.49 inches (12.5mm).
3: Protection against objects larger than 0.10 inches (2.5mm).
4: Protection against objects larger than 0.04 inches (1mm).
5: Limited protection against dust, but not entirely prevented.
6: Dust-tight, complete protection against solid objects.

Second Number (X): Indicates the level of protection against liquids.
0: No protection against liquids.
1: Protection against vertically falling drops of water.
2: Protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees.
3: Protection against sprayed water up to 60 degrees from vertical.
4: Protection against splashed water from all directions.
5: Protection against low-pressure water jets from all directions.
6: Protection against powerful water jets and heavy seas.
7: Protection against temporary immersion in water up to 3.28 feet (1 meter) depth.
8: Protection against continuous submersion in water beyond 3.28 feet (1 meter) depth.

Which are the five most important factors to consider when comparing LED strip lights before making a purchase?

  1. Brightness (Lumens per foot): Check the lumens per foot rating to ensure the LED strip provides the desired level of brightness for your specific application.
  2. Color Temperature: Determine the color temperature (measured in Kelvin) that suits your preference and the ambiance you want to create. Lower values create warm, yellowish light, while higher values produce cooler, bluish light.
  3. IP Rating (Ingress Protection): Consider the IP rating to ensure the LED strip is suitable for the intended environment. A higher IP rating indicates better protection against dust and water, making it ideal for outdoor or challenging indoor conditions.
  4. CRI (Color Rendering Index): Look for a high CRI value (typically above 80 or 90) for accurate color representation and vibrant lighting, especially in spaces where color accuracy is essential, such as retail displays or art galleries.
  5. Choose the Right LED Driver: Ensure the LED driver is compatible with your LED strip and dimming requirements. The LED driver should match the voltage and current ratings of the LED strip and provide smooth and reliable dimming performance as per your needs.

What are the top five factors to consider when selecting an LED driver?

  1. Compatibility with LED Strip: Ensure the LED driver is compatible with the voltage and current requirements of your LED strip. The driver’s output voltage should match the LED strip’s voltage, and the current capacity should be sufficient to power the strip.
  2. Dimming Compatibility: Check if the LED driver supports the dimming method you intend to use for your LED strip. Different LED drivers may be compatible with 0-10V or Triac dimming, so choose one that aligns with your dimming needs.
  3. Power Capacity: Verify that the LED driver has enough wattage capacity to handle the total power requirements of your LED strip. Select a driver with a wattage rating higher than the total wattage of the LED strip to avoid overloading the driver.
  4. Efficiency: Opt for an energy-efficient LED driver with a high power factor. Efficient drivers help reduce energy consumption and minimize heat dissipation, leading to a longer lifespan and cost savings.
  5. Reliability and Safety: Choose an LED driver from a reputable manufacturer known for producing reliable and safe products. Look for certifications such as UL or ETL to ensure the driver meets necessary safety and performance standards.

Can EnoLED LED strips be cut?

Yes, EnoLED LED strips can be cut. LED strips are typically designed with designated cutting points along their length, where you can safely cut them to your desired size. It allows you to customize the length of the LED strip to fit specific installations or spaces. However, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for cutting the LED strip to ensure proper functionality and safety.

Can EnoLED LED strips be soldered?

Yes, EnoLED LED strips can be soldered. Soldering is a common method used to join or connect sections of LED strips together. It allows you to create custom lengths by attaching additional segments to the original LED strip or to connect different sections around corners or bends. When soldering LED strips, it’s essential to use the appropriate soldering equipment and techniques to ensure a secure and reliable connection. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for soldering will help maintain the LED strip’s performance and avoid any potential damage.

Are adhesive backings included on EnoLED LED strips?

Yes, EnoLED LED strips come with adhesive backings. They use M3 red type adhesive, which is known for its strong bonding capabilities. This adhesive ensures a secure attachment of the LED strips to various surfaces, providing a reliable and durable installation. The M3 red type adhesive allows for easy and hassle-free mounting of the LED strips, making it a convenient option for users during installation.

Does the brightness of LED strips decrease in longer runs?

Yes, longer runs of LED strips can experience brightness loss due to voltage drop. As the electrical current travels through the strip’s length, the available voltage gradually decreases, leading to reduced brightness towards the end of the run. To address this, you may need to add another separate run of LED strip lights from the power source to maintain consistent brightness throughout the entire length. Additionally, measures like power injection and using appropriately-sized wires can help mitigate the brightness loss over longer distances.

What is the maximum operating temperature for EnoLED LED strips, and how hot do the strip lights get during operation?

During operation, EnoLED LED strips typically run with a maximum temperature of 113°F (45°C). We intentionally design our LED strips to maintain lower temperatures by keeping them within safe operating limits. This ensures both safety and optimal performance during extended use. If you plan to use the LED strips in higher ambient temperatures above 104°F (40°C), it is advisable to use a heat sink to dissipate heat and further maintain the LED strip’s performance and reliability.

What beam angle do your strip lights produce?

All EnoLED LED strip lights have a beam angle of 120°, which provides a wide and even spread of light. If you need to adjust the beam angle, you have the option to use an aluminum channel with a special lens, allowing you to modify and customize the light distribution according to your specific requirements.

Do you offer color-changing LED strips (RGB, TGBW, RGBCW)?

EnoLED offers wireless controllers for the RGBCW LED strips, providing you with multiple control options. With the wireless controller, you can conveniently adjust the colors and brightness of the LED strips using the wall switch, a dedicated app on your mobile device, and even through voice control. This flexibility allows for easy and seamless customization of the lighting according to your preferences, making it simple and convenient to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

Why is it important to have UL or ETL Listed LED drivers and LED strips?

Having UL or ETL Listed LED drivers and LED strips is essential for safety, compliance, and product reliability. UL Listing ensures rigorous testing for electrical hazards, compliance with building codes, and high-quality performance. It provides peace of mind, reduces liability risks, and ensures a safer and dependable lighting solution for your space.

Can your LED Tape be used with dimmer switches?

Yes, all our LED Tapes are fully dimmable and can be used with compatible dimming switches. It is crucial to ensure that the dimmer and power supply you choose are compatible with each other. We provide a dimmer switch compatibility list with each of our dimmable LED drivers. Please note that for RGB+CCT and CCT LED Tapes, they can only be dimmed using an RGB controller.

What is triac dimming?

Triac dimming, also known as Phase Cut dimming, is the most common dimming method used in North America. It’s a way to dim LED lights by adjusting the power they receive, using a special electronic switch called a Triac. This method is popular because it works with standard wall dimmer switches found in homes and offices, making it easy to use. However, remember to check if your LED lights or LED strips support Triac dimming, as not all products are compatible with this method.