The LEDSA LED Strip Lighting Handbook: From Basics to Installation

LED strip lighting can seem complex initially. Whether you are updating signage, designing a commercial space, or working on a home project, understanding the basics ensures better results. This guide compiles our key resources to support your project.

The Fundamentals: Understanding Light Quality

Before you pick a fixture, it’s important to know what kind of light it gives off. These guides explain the technical details that affect how your lighting looks and feels.

CCT vs. CRI

Two of the most common acronyms in lighting are often confused. CCT (Colour Correlated Temperature) tells you the "hue" of the light, ranging from warm yellow (2700K) to cool blue-white (6500K). CRI (Colour Rendering Index) measures how accurately that light reveals the true colours of objects compared to natural daylight.

• Read more: What is CCT in LED Lights?
• Read more: CRI vs CCT in LED Lighting: What is the Difference?

Advanced Colour Metrics (TM-30-15)

CRI is the usual standard, but it has some limits. The TM-30-15 system is newer and uses 99 colour samples instead of just 8, giving a more accurate picture of colour quality. This is especially useful for high-end design and retail spaces.

• Read more: What is the TM-30-15 Colour Guide for Lighting?

Consistency is Key (SDCM)

Have you ever put in two 'white' lights that didn’t quite match? That’s because of poor SDCM (Standard Deviation of Colour Matching). A low SDCM rating, such as a 3-step MacAdam Ellipse, helps make sure all your strips or bulbs look the same.

• Read more: LED SDCM – What is it, and how do I use it?

Beam Angles

In projects like light boxes, the angle of the light matters to avoid bright spots. Narrow angles (10° to 50°) focus the light, while wide angles (60° to 170°) spread it out for even backlighting.

• Read more: How to Use Beam Angle Reference for LED Light Boxes

LED Strips: Technology and Innovations

Once you know what kind of light you want, the next step is to pick the right type of LED strip. Today’s LED strips are energy efficient, look great, and let you control colours easily.

COB vs. SMD LED Luminaire

Traditional SMD (Surface Mount Device) strips show each chip. COB (Chip on Board) technology puts the chips close together under one layer, so you get a smooth, dot-free line of light even without a diffuser.

• Read more: Creative Lighting Options with LBY COB, CCT Tunable and 2835 LED Strips
• Read more: Dotless LED Lighting - COB LED Strips at LEDSA

High-Efficacy Strips

For large commercial projects, power consumption matters. Our High-Efficacy (HEC) series produces incredible brightness (up to 1,340 lumens/meter) while using significantly less power, reducing operating costs over time.

• Read more: Power Efficiency on Large Lighting Installations

Dynamic Colour (RGBW & DMX)

For entertainment and architectural features, simple white light isn't enough. DMX-controlled strips allow for complex colour mixing, including RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White) and RGBTW (Tunable White), giving you complete control over the atmosphere.

• Read more: RGBW, RGBTW & CCT - DMX Controlled Coloured LED Strips

Custom Lengths LED Strips

To save you time, we offer LED strips cut to the length you need. Whether it’s several short pieces or a long 20-meter run, our pre-cut strips help you avoid waste and extra soldering.

• Read more: Commercial Custom Length LED Strips Available from LEDSA

LED Neon Flex: The Modern Alternative

For exterior signage and architectural accents, Silicone Neon Flex LED Strips offer the look of traditional neon with the durability of LED.

Standard & Silicone Neon

Our LBY Silicone Neon Flex is IP65 rated, resistant to various environmental elements, including UV rays. This range is available in side-bending, top-bending, and angled-bending orientations for complex signage or architectural installations.

• Read more: 24V LBY LED Flex Neon Strips and Accessories

Specialty Neon Flex LED Strips (Anti-Glare & Black)

We also offer special options like Black Neon Flex, which looks totally black when off, and Anti-Glare Neon with a honeycomb surface to reduce eye strain. These are great for subtle, high-end projects.

• Read more: Anti-Glare and Black Neon Flex LED Strips

Power, Control, and Installation

Even the best lights won’t work well without the right power setup. These guides explain drivers, dimming, and safety tips.

Choosing the Right LED Driver

For smooth, flicker-free dimming, you need the right driver. We suggest using drivers with PWM output, which keeps dimming steady no matter the load.

• Read more: What is the best LED driver for LED Strip?

Setting Up Tunable Systems

Tunable white lighting (adjusting from warm to cool) requires specific drivers. In commercial setups, using DALI drivers with compatible strips lets you adjust both brightness and temperature smoothly.

• Read more: How to Correctly Set Up Your 12V and 24V Tunable LED Lighting Systems

Installation Watchouts 

Problems like 'touch current' (a tingling feeling from shelves) or voltage drop (lights getting dim at the end) can be avoided by using good grounding and wiring methods.

• Read more: Shop Fitting – What to watch for when installing LED Lighting

Retrofitting Signage

Upgrading old signs to LED does more than improve looks. It can cut energy use by up to 80% and greatly lower maintenance costs.

• Read more: Benefits of LED Retrofitting for Sign Lighting

Need help with your project? Whether it’s architectural features or large commercial upgrades, the LEDSA team is here to guide you. Send any questions via our contact page here or call us directly on 1800 632 693 to speak to the team directly.