LED strip is a fairly common element of decor. This is due to the ease of installation, reasonable cost and excellent decorative properties. It is a flexible canvas with a length of not more than 5 meters. One side is equipped with LEDs, and the other is a glue mass. Another advantage of such a tape is that it is attached to any surface, extended and cut. Special profiles simplify the installation process, which easily give the tape the desired shape, and also make it possible to realize even the most daring design decisions.
What is a LED strip profile
The profile for the LED strip is a universal object that serves not only as a protective case, but also as a radiator to prevent overheating of the LED strip. Profiles are divided into two types - equipped with a transparent diffuser and matte. The device is used for any type of lighting fixtures: for chandeliers or decorative spotlights.
Profiles are most often used to illuminate architectural structures, shop windows, counters, billboards or to properly highlight home accents.
The main types of profiles for highlighting
According to the material of manufacture, the profiles are divided into aluminum and plastic. The composition of plastic boxes includes polycarbonate. The advantage of this material is its elasticity, which allows you to make rounded frames. Other advantages of plastic profiles:
- low cost;
- ease of installation;
- elasticity;
- the ability to choose a transparent or plastic case;
- different texture (surface, color).
In comparison with aluminum, plastic has worse thermal conductivity and cooling tape.
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- Aluminum profile
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- Plastic profile
Metal profiles are made only of aluminum. They come in different lengths - 1150, 2000, 2500 mm. The advantage of the material is the removal of heat from the light source, in this case diodes.
LEDs like SMD 3528 and their analogues do not need a heat sink. SMD 5050 samples must be installed on surfaces with low thermal conductivity.
Aluminum boxes are most often used for decoration in the kitchen, in public places and on the stairs. To seal the case, use a special tape if it is mounted on the street or in rooms with a high level of humidity.
Profiles are attached to surfaces using double-sided tape, self-tapping screws or glue. Using adhesive tape, it is important to familiarize yourself with its operating temperature in advance, since most products lose their adhesive ability when heated.
Products are divided into several types and according to the installation method.
Angular
This type is used to install LED strip in the corners of building structures, cabinets or, for example, commercial equipment. With their help, it is possible to effectively hide all the irregularities of the joints.
This option is preferred if you want to provide lighting at an angle. By themselves, the diode light sources emit light that irritates the eye, so be sure to additionally install a diffuser (almost always it is included).
Recessed or mortise
The main difference between the built-in type is the presence of special protrusions that hide the unevenness of the edges of the material at the installation site. There are two installation methods:
- A groove is made in the material, and the profile itself is inserted into its cavity.
- Mounted in places of material change. Example: a line connecting a plate and drywall, plastic panels of different colors. The hidden design is out of reach to the human eye, it sees only a bright band.
The second method is more common, since the modern design of the premises involves the use of different materials and textures, which can be combined thanks to LED strips.
Overhead
These models are considered one of the most sought after and popular products. You can install them on any flat surface. They are attached to it with the help of high-quality double-sided tape, self-tapping screws and glue.
As a rule, the kit includes not only a profile, but also a special cover made of plastic. Matte or transparent polycarbonate serves as a diffuser. The type of cover will depend on the purpose of the lighting. Matte profiles are used for decorative purposes, and transparent in lighting. The end side is closed with a plug.
Cases have different geometric shapes - circle, cone, square, rectangle.
From overhead profiles, you can make LED lights yourself.
To illuminate the ends of the glass
A wide range of profiles for illuminating 8 and 10 mm glasses, which are used for mounting tape and fixing glass, is presented in construction stores. Recently, more and more often, the acrylite technique has been used in the design of apartments, houses and other premises. The bottom line is applying to plexiglass or any glass surface of the pattern using laser engraving. The image becomes visible only at the moment when the end side of the profile is illuminated by LEDs.
Outboard
Suspended profiles externally and in technical characteristics resemble overhead structures. The difference is that the outside of the product is smooth. The ease of installation, processing and, if necessary, cutting allows you to make a large number of different length lamps with your own hands.
Channel installation for LED strip
To securely fasten profiles of different shapes, lengths and types, you need to follow a few simple rules.
The main objective of the design is to remove heat so that spontaneous combustion of the electrical device does not occur.
The patch channel, which is attached directly to the surface, loses more than 1/3 of its cooling ability due to its fit to the base. For proper installation, you need to use special factory clips, thanks to them, a gap of 3 mm is formed.
For mounting to the surface, it is recommended to use a mounting base. A profile is mounted on it. As an alternative, they first make washer gaskets from any available material.
If it is not possible to install with air access to the base, it is necessary to give preference to profiles with high sides, their height ranges from 15-20 mm. It is also not recommended to install the profiles with the sides close to the surfaces. This applies to mortise and corner models.
If we are talking about the internal profile, it is better to give preference to structures with wide external protrusions, thanks to them excellent heat dissipation will be provided.
In corner and mortise profiles, LED strips with a power higher than 9.6 watts / meter cannot be installed.
When purchasing diffusers, it is important to consider the bandwidth for light:
- matte - 60%;
- semi-matte - 70-75%;
- transparent - 90-95%.
End caps must cover both sides of the profile, otherwise moisture, dust and dirt will penetrate. Built-in structures can be mounted on the floor only in places where sections of the electric cable are not subjected to heavy loads.
Installation of LED strips in profiles with diffusers is very popular. Without much effort, with a minimum amount of knowledge, experience and tools, you can independently make and install a lighting device. In construction stores there is a wide range of LED strips and profiles.
