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Frequently Asked Questions
+ New to LED Strip Lights?
If this is the first time you're considering using LED strip lights, we recommend first reading through our guide on Everything You Need to Know About LED Strip Lights.
+ What Kind of LED Strip Lights Does Waveform Lighting Offer?
Waveform Lighting offers high CRI white LED strips in color temperatures ranging from 2700K to 6500K, as well as single color and color-changing options.
Our LED strip lights are premium products that are designed for high performance and longevity, and include a 3-year warranty.
We use medium or high-density diode configurations only, and incorporate heavy duty 4-oz copper circuits to ensure that the LED emitters can be under-driven and remain cool, all without sacrificing light output.
Finally, we specify 3M VHB industrial-strength adhesive to ensure that your LED strips remain securely in place for years to come.
Browse our LED strip selections here.
+ How Much Brightness Do I Need?
Brightness, of course, is one of the most fundamental and important aspects of an LED strip lighting installation. Most of our LED strip products will provide 450 lumens per foot (see individual product pages for further detail). It is difficult to provide any absolute answers when it comes to recommended lumens number for a given space, but you may want to consider the following three guidelines:
800 lumens = 60W Incandescent
Every 800 lumens gives you approximately the same amount of light as a 60W incandescent bulb. If, for example, you're trying to reproduce the brightness of 4 incandescent bulbs, make sure you have approximately 3200 lumens (4 x 800 lumens).
450 lumens = 1-ft T8 Fluorescent
4-ft T8 fluorescent lamps emit approximately 3000 lumens. However, because it emits light in all directions, much of it is "lost" in the fixture. When replacing T8 fluorescent lamps with an LED solution such as LED strip lights, we recommend budgeting 450 lumens per foot as a direct replacement. For example, a 2-lamp 4-ft T8 fixture would require approximately 3600 lumens (8 x 450 lumens).
1000-2000 lumens Per 100 Square Feet
If you're lighting up a new space or don't have a reference point to compare with incandescent or fluorescent lamps, you can also estimate your lighting needs by square footage. Determine the total square footage of the space, and divide that number by 100, and then multiply the result by a value between 1000 and 2000, depending on your brightness needs. 1000 lumens is sufficient for low-light level areas such as living rooms and lounge areas, while task-oriented spaces may require up to 2000 lumens.
Finally, keep in mind that we offer a free returns & exchanges program. We encourage customers to test out our LED strip lights prior to installing them to make sure the brightness and color meet or exceed their expectations. As long as the LED strips are in their original condition (e.g. segments uncut, adhesive liner not removed), we will gladly accept returns and exchanges of LED strip lights. See our full return & refunds policy here.
+ What Color Temperature Should I Choose?
Color temperature can be a tricky question because there are no "right" or "wrong" answers - it is ultimately a question of personal preference.
Generally speaking, 2700K and 3000K are great choices for home and residential applications, while 4000K and 5000K offers a more balanced spectrum.
Color temperatures 5000K and higher do a great job of replicating natural light, but may be too "cold" for a residential application.
For further information, take a look at our blog post on LED strip light color temperature.
Finally, keep in mind that we offer a free returns & exchanges program. We encourage customers to test out our LED strip lights prior to installing them to make sure the brightness and color meet or exceed their expectations. As long as the LED strips are in their original condition (e.g. segments uncut, adhesive liner not removed), we will gladly accept returns and exchanges of LED strip lights. See our full return & refunds policy here.
+ What is the Difference Between 12 Volts and 24 Volts?
You will see that many of our LED strip options are available in both 12V and 24V. Unsure which one to choose?
If you are installing the LED strips into a system with a fixed voltage, you will want to choose whatever makes the most sense for that application (e.g. 12V LED strips for an RV with a 12V battery system).
If you are purchasing new power supplies as well, you may be wondering which is a better choice. The short answer is that while the light output of both systems are the same, 24V systems will run a bit more efficiently due to the lower electrical current. The only downside is that the cut-line intervals for 24V LED strips will typically be twice that of 12V LED strips (e.g. every 2 inches vs every 1 inch).
For further information, take a look at our blog post on LED strip voltage selection.
+ How Do I Dim LED Strips?
All of our LED strips are fully dimmable, but to successfully implement a dimmable system, they must be paired with the correct accessories.
If you are looking to dim your LED strips from a traditional wall-dimmer switch (e.g. Leviton/Lutron brands) you will need a power supply that is "TRIAC dimmable."
Alternatively, you can also dim LED strips using an in-line PWM dimmer. For example, see our FilmGrade Flicker-Free LED strip dimmer.
For further information, take a look at our blog post on LED strip dimming.
+ How Do I Select A Power Supply?
Waveform Lighting's LED strips all operate on low voltage DC current. Therefore, they cannot be directly plugged into a wall outlet and require a power supply unit that converts AC 120V to the correct DC 12V or 24V level.
Additionally, the power consumption of an LED strip system must not exceed that of the power supply's capacity. The power consumption of an LED system is determined by the LED strip's power draw per foot, multiplied by the length of LED strip in the system.
For additional information, reference our guide on blog post on LED strip power supply selection.
+ Do LED Strips Need Heatsinking?
Because our LED strips use a higher LED density, we are able to under-drive our diodes, and as a result, heatsinking is not required for our LED strips.
The LED strips should be installed in locations where the ambient temperature does not exceed 120 degrees F. The LED strip can get quite warm to the touch - temperature rise of the strip itself at max power is typically 50 degrees F over ambient - but this is well within the maximum temperature limits of the LEDs and components.
+ How Do I Connect an LED Strip to A Power Supply?
On each end of every Waveform Lighting LED strip reel is either a set of wires, or a DC plug that comes pre-attached. Visit the product page for the specific LED strip to determine whether it comes with a set of wires or plugs.
Any cut-to-length LED strip segment can have a set of wires connected by using PN 3070.
Next, determine whether your power supply includes a plug or a set of wires. Our FilmGrade power supplies use a DC plug output, while our TRIAC dimmable power supplies use a pair of wires. Use the illustrations below to determine the connection method required.
PLUG TO PLUG - No Accessories Needed
PLUG TO WIRE - Use PN 7095 Adapter
WIRE TO PLUG - Use PN 7094 Adapter
WIRE TO WIRE - Use Screw-On Wire Connectors (Wire Nuts) - Sold at Your Local Hardware Store
For additional information, reference our guide on blog post on LED strip connectivity.
+ How Do I Connect Two LED Strip Segments Together?
There may be times when you have isolated segments of LED strips that you would like to connect to the same power supply. As long as the power supply capacity is sufficient, you can simply connect the segments in series or parallel, using low voltage wire. If you are comfortable with soldering your own wires, this can be a quick and cost effective method. Simply solder the wires onto the copper pads, making sure that the polarity of the connections (+ to +, - to -) match.
For a solderless method, you may want to consider the following options. Use PN 3071 where a short rejoin or turn is needed.
To achieve a longer run, you will want to use PN 3070 along with low voltage wire that is cut-to-length. Join the wire ends using screw-on wire connectors (wire nuts).
PN 3070 and PN 3071 are compatible with all single-color LED strips, including our high CRI white, SimpleColor, realUV and Infrared series.
+ Can You Give an Example List of Parts Needed?
The list of parts needed will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you require dimming and the placement of LED strip segments. Below is a nonexhaustive list of examples of potential configurations and the parts that would be needed. Prior to purchasing, please be sure to select the appropriate power supply voltage that matches your LED strip selection.
- Scenario A -
Non-Dimmable Continuous 16-ft LED Strip (With PLUG) Installation
1) 1x Reel of LED Strip (PLUG System)
2) 1x Power Supply
- Scenario B -
Inline PWM Dimmable Continuous 16-ft LED Strip (With PLUG) Installation
1) 1x Reel of LED Strip (PLUG System)
2) 1x Dimmer
3) 1x Power Supply
- Scenario C -
Wall-Dimmable Continuous 16-ft LED Strip (With PLUG) Installation
Example use case: cove lighting
1) 1x Reel of LED Strip (PLUG System)
2) 1x PN 7095 (4-pack)
3) 1x TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply
- Scenario D -
Non-Dimmable Continuous 16-ft LED Strip (With WIRE) Installation
1) 1x Reel of LED Strip (WIRE System)
2) 1x PN 7094 (4-pack)
3) 1x Power Supply
- Scenario E -
Wall-Dimmable Continuous 16-ft LED Strip (With WIRE) Installation
Example use case: cove lighting
1) 1x Reel of LED Strip (WIRE System)
2) 4x Wire Connectors
3) 1x TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply
- Scenario F -
Non-Dimmable Segmented 16-ft LED Strip (With WIRE) Installation, LED Strip Segment Ends Less Than 5 inches Apart
Example use case: multi-row LED strip array in DIY lighting panels
1) 1x Reel of LED Strip (WIRE System)
2) 1x PN 7094 (4-pack)
3)* 1x PN 3071 (10-pack), sufficient for connecting 11 or fewer segments
4) 1x Power Supply
- Scenario G -
Non-Dimmable Segmented 16-ft LED Strip (With WIRE) Installation, LED Strip Segment Ends More Than 5 inches Apart
Example use case: under cabinet lighting with no dimming
1) 1x Reel of LED Strip (WIRE System)
2) 1x PN 7094 (4-pack)
3)* 1x PN 3070 (10-pack), sufficient for connecting 6 or fewer segments
4) 1x Low Voltage Wire
5) 10x Wire Connectors, quantity depends on segment quantity
6) 1x Power Supply
- Scenario H -
Wall-Dimmable Segmented 16-ft LED Strip (With WIRE) Installation, LED Strip Segment Ends More Than 5 inches Apart
Example use case: under cabinet lighting with dimming from wall-dimmer
1) 1x Reel of LED Strip (WIRE System)
2)* 1x PN 3070 (10-pack), sufficient for connecting 6 or fewer segments
3) 1x Low Voltage Wire, quantity depends on segment quantity and distance between them
4) 10x Wire Connectors, quantity depends on segment quantity
5) 1x TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply
- Scenario I -
Single-Switch Wall-Dimmable Segmented 32-ft LED Strip (With WIRE) Installation, LED Strip Segment Ends More Than 5 inches Apart
Example use case: under cabinet lighting with two more more power supplies, dimming from a single wall-dimmer
1) 2x Reel of LED Strip (WIRE System)
2)* 1x PN 3070 (10-pack), sufficient for connecting 6 or fewer segments
3) 2x Low Voltage Wire, quantity depends on segment quantity and distance between them
4) 20x Wire Connectors, quantity depends on segment quantity
5) 2x TRIAC Dimmable Power Supply - connect the power supplies in parallel to each other on the dimmer circuit. To remain within the power supply power capacity, do not exceed more than 20 feet of LED strip per power supply.
*Items marked with an asterisk are not needed if soldering your own wires
+ Does Waveform Lighting Offer Waterproof LED Strips?
At this time, we do not offer any waterproof LED strips. All of our products are for indoor use only.