LED lighting has long ceased to be an innovation; such sources are widely used as additional lighting, for advertising decoration and for other purposes. Various types of LED strips are powered by 12 and 24V power supplies. Some are designed to be powered from a 220V network.
Content
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Types and designations
- Connection methods and diagrams
Advantages and disadvantages
Compared to other light sources, diode strips have a number of advantages and some disadvantages.
Of the positive aspects, one can single out:
- The choice of the size of the segments and easy installation.
- Low energy consumption.
- Safe to use.
- Large selection of colors.
The disadvantages of using include:
- Irrational use as the main lighting.
- Using power supplies and other equipment.
Types and designations
For the correct connection of the diode tape, it is necessary to understand its marking and characteristics. The width of the products can be 8, 10, 12 and 14.2 mm. For various purposes, models are produced that not only allow you to choose a color, but also have protection against moisture and are designed for different powers.
The marking contains the following data:-
Colour. CW - white. R, G or B - red, green and blue, respectively, Y - yellow, if the tape has diodes of the same color. Or a combination of letters for multicolor (RGB). - Diode size. Example: 5050 - 5x5 mm, 3028 - 3x2.8 mm.
- Density of placement. Depending on the type and size, the number of diodes can be from 30 to 240 per meter.
- Degree of protection. It is designated as IP (Internationale Protection), consists of two numbers, each of which denotes the degree of protection from zero to maximum - the first from mechanical damage, the second - from moisture.
- Voltage and power: for AC 220V and DC - 12, 24V.
Additionally, the number of rows and the color of the base can be indicated. The power consumption is indicated for meter sections and depends on the diodes. For the SMD 5050 meter, this can be 2, 4, 7, 14 and 28v. For SMD 3028 - 4, 6, 8, 9 and 19.2v.
Most of the LED strips are connected to a 12 and 24V power supply. There are more expensive types that require 36V sources. This voltage is safe. Tapes designed for 220V are more convenient to connect, but they have a limitation on the length of the cut (multiples of 50 cm), basically they do not have the ability to adjust the brightness and change the color. Although such species are more protected from damage, they can be harmful to health in case of breakdowns.
There are many schemes for connecting to a 220V network of LED sources, which are designed for 12 and 24V, without the use of power supplies. Most often, this requires the connection of quenching capacitors. But since the products themselves are not designed for such use, such experiments often lead to fires and accidents.
Connection methods and diagrams
To connect an LED strip designed for 12 and 24V of the same color, you only need a power supply that converts the alternating current of the network into a constant and lowering voltage. For RGB types with 4 pins, in addition to the power supply, you will need a controller that is responsible for each of the three colors and is included in the circuit behind the power supply. If there is a need to adjust the intensity of the glow, a dimmer is additionally used.
Diagram of connecting the LED strip to the 220v network.
All listed devices are marked on their housings for correct connection. When choosing them, it is necessary to calculate the power of the connected light sources, and the parameters of the devices must exceed the power consumption by 20-30%.
For the correct separation of the required piece on the LED strip markings are applied by the manufacturerindicating where to cut. You can connect the LED strip to each other, that is, its two sections, using wires and a low-power soldering iron (so as not to damage the strip). A heat-shrink tube is used to isolate the contacts. If the tape is monochrome, you can directly solder the contacts of the two segments. For the same purpose and to connect the LED strip to the power supply, you can use special connections - plastic connectors. When choosing such connections, the width of the tape is taken into account, otherwise the contact areas will not coincide.
If the total length of the strips does not exceed five meters, the sections are connected in series. To connect several solid strips or if their total length is more than 5m, the connection must be parallel. In large areas, power can be supplied from both sides for a uniform glow along the entire length.
For ease of installation on the reverse side of the tape has a sticky layer, similar to double-sided tape, thanks to which it will not be difficult to fix it. To avoid overheating problems, it is recommended to use a special aluminum profile.
