Understanding Components of a Low Voltage LED Lighting System
We sell a wide variety of low voltage LED Strip Lighting, Neon, Backlight Modules, Outdoor Fixtures, Power Supplies, Lighting Controllers, and Components that can be a bit confusing if you are a first time LED user. The first step is deciding what type of light output that you would like, single color, color changing, color changing plus white, etc. After deciding the lighting you prefer you can then browse through the different products that we carry in order to learn which products work best with one another. A better understanding of our low voltage lighting systems can help you determine the best possible LED system for your project.
The Different Types of LED Output
Deciding the color and tone of lighting that you prefer is the first step in determining what you will need for your project. We carry different types of single color and color changing LED lighting and each has its own specific components that are necessary for optimal performance.
The Necessary Components for each Output Type
LED Power Supplies
LED Power Supplies, also known as LED Drivers are a key component of any low voltage LED lighting system. They convert your high voltage AC power to low voltage DC power. We carry many different types and styles of both 12VDC & 24VDC Constant Voltage type transformers. The power supply's DC output must match the rated DC input of your LED lighting and the capacity must greater than the load of your lights. If the capacity is not large enough for the load this will cause overdriving and eventually lead to power supply failure. For smaller projects we recommend our plug-in style power supplies that plug directly into a wall plug outlet and have many different barrel connection options. For larger or hard wired projects, we have various sizes of both dry and wet rated drivers for both small and large scale project. For single color LED lighting we carry dimmable drivers that allow you to dim and control your lighting from and compatible AC wall switch, these are a popular choice in high end residential and business applications.
Choosing the Right Power SupplyLED Controllers & Dimmers
LED Lighting Controls act as the brain of your lighting, without them the lights will simply turn on when power is applied correctly. Static white lightins is the only type which does not require a dimmer or controller but one still can be used if you desire functionality over simply powering on and off. When using tunable white, color changing, RGBW or RGBCCT a controller is necessary to change and control the output. There are a variety of LED Lighting Controls designed to dim, and provide programmed lighting effects to your LED lights. We have simple controls with preset colors and modes and more advanced controls that use apps or computerized software to build custom lighting scenes. Depending on the requirements of your project certain controllers may be better suited than others, if you are unsure feel free to call or email us for our recommendation.
Using a PWM Dimmer Using a Single Color Amplifier RGB Controller Basics Using a Single Color Amplifier Understanding DMX ControlLED Lighting
The main component of your lighting system is choosing the ideal light for your project. We have multiple types and styles with each having an intended purpose. Our strip lights are the most popular and are ideal for creating custom linear lighting in an array of applications. A brighter stirp would be more ideal for ambient lighting while a less bright strip would be ideal for accents. The less bright strips have lower density so if you wanted a dotless effect, a brighter strip on a dimmer might would be the best option there. We also have many aluminum tracks and diffusers for our tape lights. LED Neon is a newer product which is basically a strip encased in a milky silicone housing that creates dotless lighting that resembles traditional neon. These are waterproof and can be used both indoors and out. For signs and back lighting, we have modules and backlighting sheets. For large scale, outdoor and underwater lighting we have numerous wall washers and fixtures with various power outputs. We carry a large inventory which can be confusing for a first time LED user, if you have any questions or want to know what product is best for your application feel free to call or email us anytime.
LED Strip Lights Explained LED Neon ExplainedWiring Accessories
Wiring and accessories are the bones and veins of your LED lighting system. Without them you will have no conductivity in your circuits and without utilizing them properly you will have poor connections and potential safety hazards. Having the correct accessories for your LED lighting project is crucial for a successful install and to ensure that your LED products will last as long as they should. Using the wrong wires or connectors can lead to installation headaches and can potentially cause irreversible damage to your LED products. Using the correct gauge of wire and having secure connections are critical based on your lighting load and will help with voltage drop and consistent illumination throughout your system. If you are unsure about what wire or connectors to use, please do not guess, contact us or hire a professional for assistance.
Wiring Single Color LEDsRelated Categories
LED Lighting Controls
Browse our large selection of low voltage LED lighting controls and remotes including All in One Controllers, LED dimmers for single color LED lights, RGB Controllers, RGBW Controllers and RGB+CCT Controls for color changing LEDs as well as DMX LED controllers to create unique lighting effects for your LED lights using computerized software.
LED Strip Lights
If you are looking for high quality ETL and UL listed LED Strip Lights from a trusted manufacturing source of over 15 years then we are the shop for you. Our tight knit team has been a leader in strip light distribution for over a century. Our tape lights have been installed everywhere from airplanes, museums, manufacturing plants, amusement parks, restaurants, nightclubs and maybe even your neighbors kitchen. There is no lighting project too big or small, we want you to love your lights no matter where they go. We are not happy until you are happy and that is what we bring into our Ribbons Star LED Strip Light line of products. Browse our selection of color changing, white and single color strips below. If you're not sure a first time user feel free to give us a call during business hours and we can walk you through everything you will need.
KLUS Strip Light Channels & Diffusers
Browse our wide variety of KLUS brand LED Strip Light Channels and Diffusers to create custom and quality linear LED lighting fixtures for any application. The aluminum channels, also known as LED profiles, are not only a great housing for light strips but also act as a heat sink for them as well, which in turn will expand your LEDs lifetime as well as brightness over time. Extrusions are sold in 1M, 2M and some in 3M lengths and can be cut and customized to fit any project. We have LED Extrusions for 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, doublewide, as well as waterproof outdoor rated channels. 2M lengths are available for all channels, some are available in 3M lengths, but not stocked please call 775-636-6060 to arrange a drop-ship.
LED Light Fixtures
Browse our large selections of eco-friendly LED lights and fixtures. RGB LED color changing lights, RGBW 4 color LED downlights, flood and wall washers. Whether you need home or business lighting our industrial LED fixtures can easily be installed for accent, spot lighting, and outdoor building and sign illumination. We have products for both indoor and outdoor lighting projects in a wide array of color temperatures and styles.
LED Wiring Accessories
LED Lighting Accessories are essential in any low voltage LED lighting install. Without using the proper wire or having secure wire connections their is risk of electrical shock or fire damage, which nobody wants. We stock a complete line of DC connection wire, wire connectors rated for up to 300V as well as IP68 waterproof junction boxes that are rated to be submersed for underwater wiring purposes. Don't shortcut the essential of your LED project and use our wiring accessories for a secure and safe wire electrical circuit.
LED Neon Lights
Browse our growing selection of dotless LED Neon Flex Strip Lights. These LED Neon Lights have a special silicon coating to fully diffuse the low voltage strip light below, which in turn gives the effect of neon lighting. The only thing these strips lights don't have when compared to traditional neon is harmful chemicals, gases, unreliable transformers and unsafe operating voltage. Our Neon Flex Lights operate on safe to touch, low voltage 24VDC power and have an operating lifetime of 50,000 hours with ETL safety mark and approval. Their are two types for different applications, Top Emitting which bends on a vertical axis and Side Emitting which bends on a horizontal axis.
LED Backlight Modules
LED Backlighting Modules are a great LED Lighting source for indoor or outdoor project requiring even illumination from behind. LED Modules are designed to be used in channel letters and signs but can also be used in home remodel projects, accent lights, and even outdoor patio and landscape lighting. LED Light Modules are a great versatile product because there is lead wire between each LED Module, making them easy to cut and re-connect for any custom project. We have UL Super Nova Modules and more affordable non-UL LED Modules, all are water-resistant, non-UV proof.
LED Power Supplies
We stock many different types of AC to DC power converters to drive your 12VDC and 24VDC LED lights, neon, modules and fixtures. Our LED Power Supplies, also known as LED Drivers or LED transformers, have universal AC inputs for both residential and industrial lighting projects. Hard wire your transformer to your AC source or use any of our wall plug cords and accessories to plug a power supply into any existing light socket. Use our different types of high quality Mean Well and Magnitude transformers and drivers for your next low voltage interior or exterior LED Lighting project.