An LED strip is a flexible circuit board which is populated with LED bulbs. They are a versatile lighting solution which can be fitted almost anywhere with easy installation and come in a range of specifications, including colour changing and water-resistant.
SuperSlim LED strips measure only a few millimetres wide and have an extremely bright LED chip. They are a high power but low energy light source, equalling the light distribution across the entire strip. Owing to their innovative design, they illuminate right up to the edge and lose as little light as possible.
This guide explains the benefits and typical applications of SuperSlim LED strip lighting and some of the things to bear in mind before purchasing this product. Click on one of the links to jump to that section:
Benefits and main uses
Like all LED lights, SuperSlim LED strips have a number of benefits, including:
- Very low energy consumption
- Can be cut to a custom length, granting you the flexibility to meet your design needs without having to worry about size limitations
- Are available in a range of colours as standard to create different moods and effects for project requirements
- Have a long lifespan of up to 30,000 hours, meaning they won’t need replacing frequently once they have been installed
- Are dimmable, so the light can be set and changed accordingly
- Can be placed in narrow profiles, such as around doorways, wardrobes and along bannisters. Our UltraSlim 168 and Ultra 180 LED strips measure only four millimetres wide, making them ideal for those hard to reach spaces
SuperSlim strips are commonly used for cabinet lighting, decorative lighting, accent lighting and backlighting. Due to their increased luminous efficiency and the higher power, they can be used for additional purposes such as:
- Halogen lighting fixture replacement
- Indirect lighting applications
- High brightness task lighting
- Film set and costume design
- Growing plants
Key things to consider
When planning or designing your light feature, there are several things about the SuperSlim LED strip light to consider. This includes aesthetics such as light position and colour, as well as safety and technical elements.
Colour
Our SuperSlim products are available in pure white, which produces a daylight effect. For RGB options for signage letters or more colourful applications, try the Colour Changing range.
LED chips
The number of LED chips and the distance between them is one of the first things to look for when buying. Some strips have 60 LED chips per metre strip whereas others have 180 LED chips per metre, so it will depend on the application the strip is intended for.
Resistors
The cheaper LED strip lights will give you a more luminous result as they have smaller resistors. However, this does put an extra burden on the LED chips, which in turn reduces their lifespan. The LED strips that are classed as high quality have the right resistors, so that you get a longer-lasting strip with excellent luminosity.
Internal or external use
Knowing where the lights will be installed will help you decide the exact requirements for your lighting. Our SuperSlim LED strips have an IP20 rating, meaning they are not water-resistant and should only be used dry indoor locations.
Application size
The application size and overall dimensions of the LED strip are two fundamental factors in deciding which LED strip to use. The cut points on our SuperSlim 60 strip are every six LEDs, whereas they are every seven LEDs on our UltraSlim 168 strip, so it is important to properly measure every aspect before buying.
Installation and fitting
Consider whether the lights need to be permanently fitted or just plug and play.
Frequently asked questions
Are LED strip lights considered safe?
Yes, LED strip lights are safe. However, they need to be installed and used properly. It is always best to consult a qualified electrician when installing any lighting that is mains wired.
How bright are LED bulbs?
LED light bulbs intended for general use around the house usually have a wattage between 5W and 15W. These will typically emit between 300 and 500 lumens. If the lights are outdoor then these floodlights can emit in excess of 20,000lm.
Are warm white LED lights bad for your eyes?
The lights are not bright or powerful enough to cause permanent damage to your eyes but it is recommended that you don't have too much direct exposure to the light for long periods of time.
