Low Voltage LED Strip Wiring and Installation – Expert Guide for Electricians and Contractors!
GL LED
Low Voltage LED Strip Wiring & Installation– Expert Guide for Electricians & Contractors!
Are you struggling with flickering or dim LED strip lights? Choosing the right connection method is key to ensuring even brightness, long-lasting performance, and hassle-free installation. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this guide will help you make the best choice for your LED setup. In this guide, we’ll explore the best connection methods to help you achieve optimal LED strip performance, ensuring stunning brightness, easy installation, and minimal voltage drop issues.
What is Voltage Drop?
Voltage drop is the decrease in brightness across an LED strip light due to a gradual decrease in voltage across the strip if it exceeds the maximum run (the recommended length maximum as established by the lighting manufacturer).
Why is Proper Connection Important for Low Voltage LED Strips?
Low voltage LED strips run on DC power, meaning that as the strip length increases, voltage drop occurs, which can cause dimming at the far end. Therefore, different strip lengths require different connection methods to ensure stable lighting performance.
Manufacturers usually specify the maximum recommended length before voltage drop becomes noticeable. If this length is exceeded, optimized power supply methods must be used to prevent noticeable brightness reduction at the far end of the strip.
Best Connection Methods for Low Voltage LED Strips: How Do I Ensure Even Brightness?
Connection for Strips Within the No-Voltage Drop Length (≤ Manufacturer’s Stated Length)
✅ Best for: LED strips that are within or equal to the manufacturer’s specified maximum length (usually ≤16.4ft (5m)).
Power Supply Method: Single-End Power Supply
Connect the power supply’s positive and negative terminals to one end of the strip.
Pros:
✔ Simplest connection, ideal for small projects.
✔ Suitable for home or short-distance installations with no additional power supply.
✔ No significant voltage drop.
Cons:
✖ Only suitable for short strips (usually ≤16.4ft (5m)); longer strips may have dimming at the far end.
Connection for Strips Exceeding the No-Voltage Drop Length (> Manufacturer’s Stated Length)
✅ Best for: LED strips exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended maximum length (>16.4ft (5m)), requiring optimized power supply methods.
Option 1: Dual-End Power Supply
Best for: LED strip lengths that are 1%-200% of the manufacturer's specified no-voltage-drop length.
Connect the power supply’s positive and negative terminals to both ends of the strip to allow current to flow from both directions, reducing voltage drop.
Pros:
✔ Suitable for long connections, reducing voltage drop.
✔ Even brightness, even for long strips.
✔ Reduces power supply load, extending strip lifespan.
✔ Can extend strip length up to 100%-200% of the manufacturer’s specified no-voltage drop length.
Cons:
✖ Requires additional connection, making installation more complex than single-end supply.
✖ If the strip has an internal short circuit, it may affect the entire power circuit.
Option 2: Parallel Connection Power Supply
Best for: Multiple light strips using the same power supply
Connect the power supply's positive and negative terminals to a splicing method of your choice, splitting the charges between each LED strip light. Each individual light strip can be no longer than the strip's max run - most GL LED strip lights have a max run of 16.4 feet (5 meters). This can also be done as a dual-end setup in addition to being parallel.
Pros:
✔ Stable power supply with uniform brightness.
✔ Allows for long-distance applications with a single power source.
Cons:
✖ Requires additional connection and careful planning.
✖ The length of the entire light strip is limited by the available power of a single power supply.
Option 3: Center Power Supply
Best for: Suitable for LED strips 16.4ft - 32.8ft (5m-10m) when dual-end power supply or parallel connection is not preferred.
Connect a power supply point in the middle of the LED strip instead of supplying power from one or both ends. This allows current to flow toward both ends, reducing voltage drop.
Pros:
✔ Relatively simple, requiring only an additional power connection in the middle.
✔ Suitable for minor voltage drop issues without requiring major wiring modifications.
Cons:
✖ Still requires additional wiring.
Which LED Strip Can Be Wired for Longer Lengths?
Higher Conductivity LED Strips
✅ Choose thicker copper foil (such as 2oz or 3oz copper foil) instead of the ordinary 1oz copper foil. Choosing GL low-voltage LED strip lights that use 3-ounce PCB boards effectively reduces resistance, allowing for longer connections.
● Recommended Product: GL LED Full Series LED Strips with 3-ounce PCB Boards
✅ Use LED strips with constant current ICs instead of regular constant voltage strips.
Constant current strips can automatically adjust the current within a certain range, reducing the impact of voltage drop on brightness. Using GL LED INFINITE Series Constant Current LED Strips allows for automatic current regulation, minimizing voltage drop.
● Recommended Product: GL LED INFINITE Series - Single-end powered up to 65ft with no voltage drop, dual-end powered up to 130ft with no voltage drop.
Comparison of Low Voltage LED Strip Power Supply Methods
Comparison of Low Voltage LED Strip Power Supply Methods (If maximum recommended length is 16.4ft/5m) |
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Connection Method |
Suitable Length |
Description |
Pros |
Cons |
|
One-End Connection to LED |
< & = 16.4ft (5m) |
Power enters at one end |
Simple wiring, suitable for short runs |
Potential voltage drop |
|
Dual-End Power Supply (Both Ends Connected) |
16.4ft - 32.8ft (5m-10m) |
Power supplied to both ends to balance current |
More even brightness, reduces voltage drop |
Requires additional wiring |
|
Parallel Connection Power Supply |
>16.4ft (5m), The total length should be based on the maximum available power of the power supply. |
Sections of 16.4ft (5m) each powered separately |
Reliable brightness distribution |
Requires additional power inputs |
|
Using Center Power Supply |
16.4ft - 32.8ft (5m-10m) |
Power supplied at the middle of the strip |
Reduces voltage drop, simple implementation |
Requires additional wiring |
Conclusion
Choosing the right power supply method depends on the length of the strip, power needs, and installation requirements. We hope this article helps you choose the best connection solution for your LED strip lighting needs!
📢 Recommended Products: GL LED Full Series LED Strips with 3-ounce PCB Boards | INFINITE Series Constant Current LED Strips
