LED Tube vs Strip Lights: Which should I choose?

I'm trying to choose between LED Tube and Strip Lights, and I need info on how I can hook it into my existing ceiling outlet box. 

While each installation can differ, we generally recommend using our LED tube lights if there is an existing 4-ft fixture already in place. Our LED tube lights can be used without a ballast and therefore can be used without any additional electronic components.

LED strip lights, on the other hand, can provide you with some additional versatility and installation options. This approach, however, will require additional wiring and configuration, including power supply units and LED strip assembly.

I actually have six separate tracks on separate dimmer switches. They connect to the ceiling wiring through the standard round plastic end feed box that is recessed into the ceiling. Are there any other advantages or disadvantages I should be aware of for strips vs tubes?

If I go with the strip light option, what do I need to do? How does it connect to the end feed and will the extra transformer fit inside the end feed? Will I need new dimmer switches? I currently use these (Lutron CTELV-303P-WH Skylark Contour 300W Electronic Low Voltage Single Pole / 3-Way).

Since you don't have a fluorescent fixture at all, the LED strip light option is definitely worth considering.

The challenge with installing an LED strip light in a location like this is that the existing track systems operate at a completely different voltage type and level. Typically, they are 120 volts or 12 volts AC, while the LED strip lights require 12 volts DC.

As such, the electrical wiring and systems inside the track lights will not be useful here and will need to be bypassed completely.

Below is a configuration diagram for a simple LED strip setup:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/layoutmaps/3001_1A

You will see the TRIAC dimmable power supply, which is the key component here that you will want to determine where you can fit this in your current installation. It is a somewhat bulky device and you will want to ensure it is installed in a location compliant to local electrical code. (Most frequently, it is installed inside of a junction box mounted inside of the wall).

The TRIAC power supply appears to be 9 inches, so it won't fit in the current electrical box in the ceiling. Could I just purchase your junction box and attach it to the ceiling? Do you sell it in white?

Alternatively, I could install the TRIAC in the attic near the switches, but then it would need to feed into the current wires that run to the ceiling position. I'm thinking that those standard wires must be different than the ones needed for the DC, is that right? If so, I guess the TRIAC has to go right next to the strip lights. 

Do you all plan to offer tube lights with 99 CRI soon?

We're not sure about the electrical code requirements and considerations of mounting the junction box on the ceiling, so that is something you will want to confirm before going down that path. The junction box is unfortunately not available in any other colors.

The concern with installing the TRIAC dimmable power supply far from the LED strip lights is that large distances between the power supply and LED strip lights can result in voltage drop, whereby the brightness of the LED strips become diminished by the reduction in voltage supply. Generally, we recommend keeping the LED strip sections within 32 feet of the power supply unit to reduce the impact of voltage drop.

​We are hoping to be able to incorporate our 99 CRI LED technology in our LED tube lights in the future, but we do not have any firm release dates on that at this time.

Question posted under:

LED bulbs (General)LED strip lightsT8 LED tube lights

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