Channel for LED strip. Selecting a profile for the LED strip. Making a plastic box
Light-emitting diode (LED) strips are often used to organize lighting for various rooms. Most often, they are used to illuminate niches, showcases, stands, ceilings, etc. They are used to organize landscape and street lighting, billboards, illuminate ice sculptures, snow and ice slides, skating rinks, etc. Special boxes or profiles are used to fix LED strips.
Advantages of using boxes
You can install LED devices without using boxes. However, placement with their use allows:
- seal the lamp, thereby preventing the ingress of dust and moisture;
- organize the removal of heat that is generated during the operation of light-emitting diodes, thereby increasing their service life;
- give an aesthetically finished look to the lighting fixture;
- fit the lamp organically into any interior;
- create both diffused and directional light;
- protect the LED lamp from mechanical damage.
Profile classification
Cable channels are distinguished by type of installation, material of manufacture, and types of screens.
Types of profiles by area of application
Depending on where you plan to install the lamp, there are 5 types of boxes:
- corner;
- built-in;
- mortise;
- invoices;
- hanging.
The corner version is used when fixing the lamp in curved surfaces, as well as for illuminating structures that have complex geometry, for example, lighting steps, niches, cabinets, etc. Using a box of this shape, the light flux is directed at an angle of 45°.
The built-in type of lamps is placed in the cracks of plasterboard structures, chipboard structures or in suspended ceilings. Used to fix LED strips without silicone backing. They are installed either in the gap itself, flush with the surface, or protruding beyond its boundaries.
The mortise version is used in the same areas as the built-in ones, however, unlike them, this type of box has sides at the edges that allow you to hide the uneven edges of the cracks.
The overhead cable channel for the LED strip is a U-shaped structure that is attached to the surface using self-tapping screws or special glue. This type of box is the easiest to install, so it is most often used when organizing lighting. For an LED strip placed outdoors, it will provide reliable protection from ultraviolet rays, as well as from rain, snow, etc.
The pendant type is installed when organizing designer lamps, illuminating cornices, in car tuning, as well as when organizing lighting in the courtyards of private houses. The pendant version is similar in shape to the overhead one, but its installation requires the purchase of special plugs and hangers that hold the lamp.
The industry produces profiles of round, cone-shaped, square, rectangular and trapezoidal shapes.
Types of profiles based on material of manufacture
There are two types of products on the construction products market: aluminum and plastic.
Advantages of aluminum structures:
- high strength;
- long service life;
- easy installation;
- hermetically seal the ICE tape from the negative effects of moisture and dust;
- easy to maintain;
- Corrosion resistant.
Advantages of plastic fasteners:
- lower price compared to aluminum;
- reliable protection of the LED lamp from dust and moisture;
- the flexibility of the material allows it to be placed in structures of complex geometry;
- ease of maintenance.
Attention! When choosing a plastic profile, you need to pay attention to products made of high-quality plastic that will not deform when heated.
For high-power LED lamps, plastic mounting boxes cannot be used, since plastic does not conduct heat well from light-emitting diodes.
Plastic cable channels are used to illuminate trade displays and stands, furniture and other structures.
For your information. You can replace an expensive profile with an ordinary iron or aluminum construction profile, the main thing is that it does not have perforations.
Types of screens
Profiles are usually equipped with screens that are designed to diffuse the light coming from the LED source. In addition, they seal light sources and also protect them from mechanical damage, penetration of dust or moisture. If necessary, they can be easily removed and replaced.
Two types of plastic screens are produced for cable channels: matte and transparent.
The transparent type reduces the luminous flux by about 5%.
Frosted diffusers reduce the luminous flux by approximately 30%.
To create a directional flow of light, you can use screens with a lens.
For ease of maintenance, removable screens are most often installed, although there are also models with screens that are secured with sealant. The industry produces diffusers of various shapes and designs, so choosing the right option for you will not be difficult.
Dimensions of cable channel for LED strip
Since the LED strip has standard dimensions, the dimensions of the fasteners for it are also standardized.
Industry producesLEDtape in the following sizes:
- width – 8-10 mm;
- thickness – 2.2-5.5 mm;
- length – up to 5 m.
Accordingly, the U-shaped box has the following parameters:
- length - from 1.5 to 5.5 m, but the most common length is 2 m;
- width – from 10-100 mm;
- depth – from 5 to 50 mm.
Profile installation
Installation depends on the type of cable channel. However, the first steps to fix the structure are the same for all types:
- A lighting plan is developed and a lamp connection diagram is drawn up;
- Using a ruler, tape measure and pencil, the surface is marked;
- The box and LED strip are cut to the required length (preferably with a small margin). The tape is cut in strictly defined places.
If an overhead or corner type installation is performed, the cable channel is fixed to the surface using self-tapping screws, a mounting plate, a magnet, clips (brackets), double-sided tape or special glue.
If a mortise or built-in version is being mounted, then a recess is first made to the required depth and fasteners are inserted into it. Most often, installation is performed flush with the plane. The box is fixed with self-tapping screws or special glue. The mortise type is additionally secured using sides or wings.
If installation is carried out using self-tapping screws, then you need to choose hardware with hidden caps so that they do not interfere with the gluing of the LED strip.
When installing a suspension system, cables (strings or hangers) are first attached to the ceiling, to which the box itself is then attached.
Attention! Before installing the tape, you need to clean and degrease the surface on which the LED lamp will be glued. To do this, wipe it with a clean cloth soaked in alcohol.
Next, we glue the LED device to the profile. If the tape has an adhesive layer, you must first remove the protective film. After this, it is pressed tightly to the inside of the cable channel. Gluing must be done very carefully, because if you fix the lamp in the box incorrectly, then it will not be possible to re-glue it.
After installation, the lamp is covered with a screen and special plugs are installed on the ends of the fasteners.
For the suspended structure, special conductor plugs are used, which have holes intended for attaching the system to the cables. These holes are also used to feed wires inside the profile.
Rules for choosing a box for LED strip
Before purchasing fasteners, you need to choose the location of the lamp: indoors or in the yard, and also specify the type of surface to which it will be fixed.
You also need to decide on the tasks that the profile should perform: purely utilitarian (protective), or will it additionally be an element of interior design.
If the lamp serves as a design element, then it is best to purchase a mortise or built-in aluminum profile.
If the profile only requires protection of the lamp, then you can opt for the plastic type. It is also better to use a plastic product when you need to use a flexible cable channel, for example, to create illumination for an arch or a structure with rounded bends.
It is not recommended to use a wide profile for a narrow strip, since in this case shadows may appear when the LEDs are operating, and the lamp will not look very nice. Therefore, you should choose a cable channel with a width no more than 1.5 times greater than the width of the LED strip.
Using LED lighting will create unique lighting in your room. Even a non-professional can handle the installation of the box.
Video
The introduction of new lighting technologies allows you to carry out calculations and installation yourself. I’ll tell you how to choose the right plastic and aluminum profile for an LED strip. Many people simply do not know that cooling is required.
The LED profile is quite expensive due to the cost of the aluminum material and the complexity of its processing. If you want to save 5-10 times on your purchase, then you will find out what inexpensive alternative you can use from suitable materials.
- 1. Main types
- 2. 1. Corner
- 3. 2. Built-in
- 5. Correct prices
- 6. DIY iron
- 7. DIY plastic box
- 8. Video
- 9. Correct installation
Main types
The main characteristic is its ability to dissipate heat, and is expressed in Watts per 1 meter. The characteristic depends on the dimensions and surface area, usually from 10 to 150 W/m. Stores, of course, rarely indicate it, but you can ask the seller. Powerful is available on SMD 5630 and SMD 5730 LEDs, power ranges from 15W to 30W. A wide box for LED strip can be glued in several rows, so when selecting, keep in mind that the power per meter should be higher than that of LEDs.
It is made of aluminum and plastic. Based on installation location, it is divided into categories:
- angular;
- built-in, mortise;
- overhead;
As a rule, an aluminum corner profile for an LED strip is equipped with a removable diffuser. The brightness of LEDs is high and therefore a diffuser is required to protect the eyes. I measured how much light flux is lost on it, usually 25% is lost, but I got results of 40%. These numbers should be taken into account when designing lighting.
Most often, built-in is used for design solutions; it allows you to connect chipboard and drywall, and install tape at the junction. It can protrude above the surface or be flush.
Mortise differs from other types by the presence of an edge that covers uneven places in the groove. Allows you to illuminate the kitchen work surface without the LEDs sticking out near the cabinets. A recess is cut into the chipboard in the shape of the mortise element, which completely hides it. As a result, it turns out that the wall cabinet itself glows from below.
The invoice can be mounted on any surface and can be glued or attached with self-tapping screws. Flexible plastic has a certain flexibility that allows it to be mounted on a curved surface, such as an arch or a circle.
The Korean-made Leroy Merlin LED strip profile is in particular demand in Moscow.
Correct prices
I will give an example of the correct prices for mid-summer 2015.
Many stores sell expensive ones with prices ranging from 300-400 rubles. for 1m. But often the store indicates the cost for 2 meters, and this is indicated in small handwriting or somewhere to the side. Be careful when comparing costs between locations.
As a rule, you do not need Italian or foreign production; domestic production is sufficient. Finding a cheap one is not easy, they are rarely sold. They asked me about Leroy Merlin, I thought it was a glamorous profile, it turned out to be the name of the store.
DIY iron
Construction for drywall and ceilings
Often, when you make lighting in an uninhabited room, such as a pantry, bathhouse, or garage, you do not need high-quality installation. A high-quality appearance is not always required; even if it looks 30% worse in appearance, it will be 10 times cheaper. In this case, an affordable alternative to an aluminum profile for LED strips can be a construction profile, made of iron or aluminum. Just choose a smooth one without perforation and not corrugated. Iron comes in different sizes and metal thicknesses, and is also galvanized and does not rust. When the price of an aluminum LED profile for average power is 400 rubles. for 1 m., construction costs 15-20 rubles. It turns out 20 times cheaper.
The quality of thermal conductivity of iron is of course worse, but when installing diode strips of medium power it will be sufficient. It doesn't look like anodized aluminum, but no one will look at it anyway. And in a week you yourself will not pay attention to it.
DIY plastic box
Regular white
An alternative to a plastic profile is a plastic cable channel, which is used for laying wires. The cable channel, like a box, is tightly closed with a lid. The dimensions of the box can be from 10 to 100 mm wide, and from 5 to 50 mm deep. A cover is also used; I use this plastic strip when mounting it on uneven surfaces, such as wood or brick. It is glued onto a flexible strip, which is then attached in a convenient way to liquid nails or polyurethane. It bends well and can be installed on uneven and curved surfaces. From a thick cable channel I made full-fledged lamps for the summer kitchen and veranda.
Modern cable channels have a high-quality wood finish and can be of different colors. The fittings will allow you to harmoniously connect them at different angles and in different shapes. If you use it outdoors, you can close it with a sealed lid for the winter and install plugs to protect the LEDs from ice and snow.
During operation, plastic can heat up from the LEDs and become deformed. The situation will be corrected by a channel made of high-quality plastic, it is a little more expensive.
Price with wood finish:
- 12 by 12 mm. on average 10 rubles/m;
- 40 by 25 mm. 30 rub/m;
- 100 by 60 mm. 100 rub/m.
There are other suitable materials, aluminum curtain rods, window and facade ones. A cornice 8 cm wide. I bought it for 700 rubles. for 3 meters, such an LED costs 1000 rubles. You can glue an LED strip onto such an improvised box from above, which creates an interesting backlight along the top of the window. It will look especially interesting for the New Year if there is color RGB lighting.
Video
A colleague demonstrates how to make something cheap from scrap materials. A cable channel is used for the LED strip.
Correct installation
A foreign colleague will show in the video how to correctly profile, how to solder wires and install plugs. Everything is accessible and understandable.
First of all, it should be noted that the classification of profiles is based on the type of material:
- Polycarbonate products. Although the plastic box is used less frequently, it has a number of advantages. For example, it is flexible, so it can be installed around curves or uneven areas.
- Aluminum box. It is very popular because it is resistant to corrosion and has increased strength.
Types of construction have a main feature - heat dissipation (measured in W/m), which depends on the surface area and dimensions. There are several product categories that differ in installation method. These are types such as:
There are other types of products that differ in shape. These include round, rectangular, square, cone-shaped and trapezoidal products.
There are a huge number of models in shape and section. Their use allows you to create the interior of any room to suit your taste and style. This applies not only to premises: shop windows, office buildings, and billboards stand out from the general background thanks to such lighting.
In addition to the main options, there are several more types of profiles with which you can attach a light source. For example, an LED strip can be placed in a U-shaped profile. Such a device is used to illuminate a desktop, when decorating shop windows or stands and exhibitions.
Any profile includes such additional components as plugs, screws, clips and a protective screen (diffuser). The screen, in turn, can be matte or transparent.
The sealed box has also become very popular. This type is used for aquariums and many other elements. In such a box, the LED strip is protected from unwanted moisture.
The boxes differ from each other in color scheme. Colors are selected to match the overall interior of the room or object that will be illuminated. The LED strip also comes in different colors, so choosing the right color is not difficult.
Standard sizes
The profile size for the LED strip is adjusted to the light source. The LED strip has the following dimensions: width from 8 to 13 mm, thickness - from 2.2 to 5.5 mm, and length - up to 5 meters. For the side glow tape, the parameters are slightly different: the width is 6.6 mm and the height is 12.7 mm. Therefore, the standard size of the structure is on average two meters. But the common length is from 1.5 to 5.5 meters. The size of the box ranges from 10 to 100 millimeters in width and 5–50 millimeters in depth.
Profile dimensions may vary, because Each manufacturer has its own manufacturing technology and standards. Mostly products come in the following sizes:
Recently, LED strips have become incredibly popular. They began to be used quite often as a bright element and variation for or in a private home, at some commercial enterprises. Such great interest has changed many people’s ideas about how to beautifully and modernly illuminate a particular room.
Today, LED products that need to be fixed using special profiles are often used. With their help, you can provide not only complete protection, but also quickly secure lighting of this type.
Of course, many people have already heard about lighting technology of this type and there is enough information to be able to use them. If we consider the profile for the LED strip and other elements that act as decoration and help perform some important functions, then in this situation there is not much information. In this regard, making a profile with your own hands for an LED strip sometimes causes significant difficulties and problems for people.
Types and purposes of profiles according to installation method
Today, experts distinguish only three types of profiles that can be used for mounting LED products. Directly based on the installation method, contours can be divided into the following interesting types:
- corner;
- mortise or built-in;
- invoices.
As modern practice shows, corner profiles, which are made of aluminum, are sold complete with a special diffuser, which can be removed if necessary or desired. The diffuser is used to protect the eyes from too bright light emitted by LED-type products. While you are designing your project, it is very important to remember that using a diffuser can lose up to 40% of the light, although in most cases this figure does not exceed 25%.
In turn, built-in profiles are very often used to implement certain design solutions. With their help, you can quite simply connect together parts of drywall or chipboard. Directly in the place where the profile was installed and the LED strip itself is installed. In some cases, it may protrude slightly above the surface of the profile, and in others (which is most common) it may be located in this recess and not go beyond the surface level.
If we talk about the mortise profile for the LED strip, then the distinctive feature of such a product is that it has an edge that can easily cover all the uneven places, and they are very often present at the edges of the groove. Using a mortise profile, you can illuminate the room in such a way that the LEDs do not stick out from a flat surface. It is very easy to use such products. It is enough to cut a recess in the chipboard or drywall, which would have the shape of a direct mortise element. Its depth should be such as to completely hide the LED product.
A recess is cut into the chipboard in the shape of the mortise element, which completely hides it. As a result, it turns out that the wall cabinet itself glows from below.
DIY aluminum profile for LED strip video
The overlay profile can be mounted on a wide variety of surfaces. An interesting fact is that it can be glued or attached using self-tapping screws. If the overlay profile is made of plastic, then it bends quite well. Thus, this type can be used without problems on any surface that is at least slightly curved. Quite often, an overhead circuit is used for mounting LED products in an arch or along its circumference.
Types of profiles by shape
If you want to install the profile yourself, you must first select a product. It is very important to take into account the shape of the profiles for LED strips, because further work will depend on this.
Particularly popular today are those contour models that have a rectangular shape. It is worth noting that this form includes a standard mortise profile, which in some cases may additionally have a small shelf that is designed for milling.
Round-shaped products are usually classified as universal. They can be easily combined with a wide variety of lamps and in a variety of positions. The interesting thing is that round profiles allow you to implement even the most complex track system. It should be noted that a modification of this type of system is a panel that has slightly rounded edges. An important point is that they are mounted using special overhead equipment.
Profiles that have a rather complex shape are not very popular. They can even be triangular, but they are still incredibly durable. They are mainly designed for installation in floor coverings where a fairly large weight must be supported. It is necessary to use contours of complex shapes where a conventional profile for an LED strip will not work. Some profile options allow you to place the lighting even at an inclination of varying degrees relative to the surface.
Hanging models are becoming more and more popular every day. They do not need to be arranged anywhere or fixed mechanically at all. With the help of special, very strong ropes, panels of this type can be supported in weight. With the help of a suspended structure, you can provide not only the brightest lighting in any room, but also an incredibly original, beautiful design move.
DIY aluminum profile
The circuits, which are made of aluminum, are very popular, because they managed to combine the two latest modern technologies. The specialists managed to put not only a strong and high-quality anodized alloy into one product, but also LED technology, which is gaining popularity every day.
Thanks to this, the result was to increase the functionality of the backlight several times and make the device for mounting LEDs much more reliable and durable. The circuit, which is usually made of excellent quality aluminum, can be used so that the LED strip can be mounted directly into the wall. In addition, the aluminum profile for such products can be safely used for installing lighting in the floor covering, and so on.
Preparing an aluminum profile for an LED strip with your own hands video
Such profiles look great even in a variety of designs and do not harm other materials or their integrity. At the same time, aluminum alloy contours can be non-standard. This means that many modern models were decorated with different types of accessories. For example, you can often find plugs or various fasteners, even holders that look very beautiful, modern, original and at the same time discreet. Aluminum profile is an excellent option if you are planning to create a classic interior in the room.
Making a plastic box
Plastic boxes, which are used so that LED lighting can be installed, are used very often today. Such products are considered inexpensive and quite easy to work with. A plastic box can be made of polycarbonate, which is very flexible and can be either colored, transparent or, for example, matte.
Making a profile for LED strip from 12mm cable. video
A plastic box is a sealed product that is not affected by any mechanical influences or temperature changes. An interesting fact is that such products can be used in a wide variety of conditions and in order to bring to life the most daring design solutions.
In order to ensure that the installation of the LED strip with your own hands is carried out as correctly and accurately as possible, it is worth considering some recommendations when working with such products. Experts recommend the following:
- Carefully inspect all elements of the products you work with. If you find damaged or oxidized parts, they must be replaced immediately, because this will very soon be reflected in the operation of LED lighting in the room.
- When installing LED strips, you must pay attention to the polarity and strictly follow this rule - then the products will work normally and no damage will occur.
- It is best to connect the tapes in parallel, which will avoid too much voltage load during operation.
Profiles for LED strips can be installed without the help of specialists, namely with your own hands. If you are not confident in your abilities, then watch the video on our website, which will help you not only make the right choice of product, but also tell you all the nuances of installation.
Tips for choosing
Before moving on to choosing the right model, let's consider the main technical and design functions that an aluminum profile performs.
Even light distribution
The effect is achieved through the use of a diffuser. The screen, which is placed on top of the LED strip, gently distributes the spot light of the diodes along its entire length. Diffusers vary in shape, size and degree of blurring of light sources.
Creating designer effects
A perfectly straight line of light or a series of parallel light rays... a glow from a hidden niche or a matte glow from the depths - everything is possible thanks to the variety of profile shapes and diffusers.
overheat protection
Bright LEDs produce a lot of heat. The aluminum profile for the LED strip distributes the thermal load, protecting the mounting surface and strip from overheating, thereby extending their service life.
Installation in difficult to reach areas
A variety of shapes, sizes and types of mounting allows you to create local lighting in any area - under a suspended ceiling, on a plinth, window frame or showcase, etc. A waterproof profile is used for swimming pools and bathrooms.
Standard and KIT equipment
The standard kit includes a profile for the LED strip with a diffuser (if provided for by the design). The extended KIT includes end caps and hardware. Our store offers a wide range of components. In Moscow, free delivery is possible if the order price is over 25,000 rubles.
Example of name decoding
MULTI CR 59x9 kit
Multi- the name of a series of guides with several grooves for creating basic lighting
CR- cover profile with rounded flange
59x9- guide size in mm
kit- the kit includes fasteners and/or plugs
Series
Profile names use standard series names and abbreviations that indicate common features.
Micro- profiles of minimum width and height
Line- profiles that provide uniform illumination of the diffuser
Comfort- profiles with volumetric diffusers protruding beyond the profile plane
Multi- profile with several parallel light lines
Prof- built-in profiles protected from water and mechanical loads
Double- overhead profiles with lighting along the surface on both sides
Power- profiles are suitable for bright wide ribbon. Suitable for creating a source of additional lighting
Mega- wide profiles suitable for creating basic lighting
Abbreviations
DC- inside the profile there is a niche for the power supply
FL- recessed profile with side flanges covering the edges of the groove
CR- overlay profile with decorative side flange
kit- extended kit including fasteners and/or profile plugs
long- profile more than 2 m long
R- rounded diffuser shape
Q- rectangular diffuser shape
