Led strip installation guide

Have you been thinking about modern, stylish and valuable lighting? With LED strip, this dream is very easy to realize, whether you are building a new one or slightly updating your existing lighting. LED lighting solutions for all kinds of needs and its installation are very easy projects.

Look also

Led strips and accessories Led strip dimming GUIDE Led strip selection GUIDE

LED strip installation guide

1. Choose the appropriate strip, aluminum profile and transformer for the installation location
   • Measure the required length
   • If you need help choosing the right strip, see the article: LED strip selection guide
   • Different led strips and accessories can be found here: Led strips and accessories
2. Cut the profile and strip to the appropriate length
   • If you cannot find the exact length you need, it is worth buying the LED strip and profile(s) too long, as both can be shortened to the appropriate length if necessary
   • The strip can be shortened with scissors and the aluminum profile can be cut neatly, e.g. with a hacksaw or circular saw
3. Fasten the profile in place
   • Fasten the brackets supplied with the profile with screws, then click the profile onto the brackets. Alternatively, depending on the installation location, you can also attach the profile directly to the surface using double-sided tape, glue or drilling screws through the bottom of the profile
4. Attach the strip to the profile
   • Remove the protective paper from the tape behind the strip, and press the strip to the profile along its entire length
5. Connect the strip to the transformer
   • Thread the strip's power cord hidden in a place where it is easy to connect to the transformer
   • AGGE transformers have connectors compatible with the strips, meaning that connection is very easy
6. Connect the transformer to the mains
   • Depending on the transformer and installation, the transformer can be connected either directly to the socket or alternatively permanently to the mains (requires an electrician)
7. (Connect a dimmer or controller if you want to dim the strip)
   • For more information on dimming and control, see the article Dimming and controlling LED strips
8. Finish the installation
   • Test the operation of the strip
   • Attach the end caps supplied with the profile into place
   • Press the profile cover to place

Cutting and extending the LED strip

Cutting

All LED strips can be easily cut to the desired length. The cutting points are usually marked with a small image of scissors on the strip itself. This ensures the appropriate installation length for each location.

Extending

The LED strip can be extended in two ways: with separate connectors or by soldering. When extending by soldering, the wires are soldered to the copper strips found on the strip, and the other end of the wires is soldered to the corresponding points on the next strip.

The easiest way to extend the strip is with LED strip extension connectors. There are several different types of connectors available, some of which allow the strip to continue straight and there is practically no light loss at the extension point. In some situations, a piece of wire is desired between the strip to be extended, so that, for example, when installing the strip in an intermediate space, the strip can be cut at the cooker hood and continued on the other side. For these purposes, we have different LED strip extension connectors in our selection:

Fixed installation or socket installation?

In fixed installation, the LED strip transformer is permanently installed in the mains, and in socket installation, the transformer is connected to the socket. Both installation methods have their own strengths and weaknesses, so you should choose the method according to the location.

Fixed installation

As a fixed part of home lighting. Best suited for installation in new buildings or during renovations, when the structures are open and the connections can be made hidden.

Strengths

• Part of fixed lighting
• Neat appearance: wires and transformer can be hidden in the furniture or house structures
• Convenience: The lighting can be built in such a way that it can be controlled, for example, with a wall switch

Weaknesses

• More challenging installation, wires must be threaded into walls or furniture and the connection requires an electrician
• Permanence: changes will be more difficult to implement in the future

Socket installation

Very easy to install in any location. Best suited for retrofitting when it is not possible to install wires hidden in structures.

Strengths

• Easy installation even afterwards. Connection does not require an electrician, as all connections are made on the low voltage side (12V or 24V system)
• Flexibility: The lighting is easy to modify or move

Weaknesses

• Visible wires: if the socket is not inside a cabinet or otherwise hidden, at least the transformer wires will be visible
• Limited control: If the socket does not have its own switch, you will have to install a separate switch or controller on the strip

Long LED strip installations and LED strip power supply

Is it worth connecting the LED strip to one end, both ends or the middle?

LED strips are often specified with a maximum length that can be connected to one power supply. The biggest limiting factor here is how much current the strip itself can carry, which is naturally affected by the power of the strip. If the maximum length is, for example, 5 meters, the strip can be installed for 5 meters so that the power comes to the strip only from one end. If these dimensions are exceeded, the end of the strip farther from the transformer will light up dimmer than the original end, because the current is not enough.

If you want to make longer installations, you can either bring the power supply to the middle of the strip, in which case the strip can be installed 5 meters from the middle in both directions (10 meters in total).

Another option is to connect the transformer to both ends of the strip, in which case the transformer pulls wires to the beginning and end of the strip and connects the transformer to both ends of the strip. This way, the same 10 meters of strip can also be installed. For even longer installations, the same installation can be duplicated further, i.e. only its own wire is pulled from the transformer to the next 5 meter section.

NOTE! If significantly longer installations are needed, it is worth taking a look at 230V LED strips, which can be used to implement lighting solutions up to 100m long: AGGE 230V LED strips