Frequently Asked Questions about the LED strip lights at Sparks
At Sparks Electrical Wholesalers - together with FossLED - we provide a comprehensive selection of LED strip and rigid board lighting products designed to meet a wide variety of needs across numerous applications. Each product is crafted from premium-grade components, ensuring superior performance, durability, and the highest quality finish. The FossLED LED strip lights are engineered with a minimum CRI (Color Rendering Index) rating of 92+ and up to 97+, delivering exceptional light output and accurate colour representation. In order to help you choose the right LED strip and LED channel, we put together the following Frequently Asked Questions about the LED strip lights at SparksWhat lengths are LED strips sold in?What is the maximum length of LED strip that can be used?Can you cut LED strip?How do you use LED strips around corners?Do you need a profile to house LED strip?Are LED strips waterproof?Are LED strips dimmable?What is CRI?What is the difference between 12V and 24V LED strips?What is FREE CUT LED strip?What lengths are LED strips sold in?We take pride in offering our most popular LED strips in a wide range of lengths to meet diverse customer needs. Depending on the strip model and IP rating, we provide standard lengths such as 5m, 10m, 20m, 25m, 30m, and 50m. Additionally, we offer a customisation service on these reel lengths if you require a specific size or DIY-compatible clips.What is the maximum length of LED strip that can be used? The maximum length of LED strip that can be used is dependent on an array of factors but most importantly the LED strip type and wattage per metre; exceeding the recommended lengths can cause voltage drop as well as damage to the LED driver powering it. Within every LED strip product page, we list the maximum run length each specific LED strip can be powered to.Can you cut LED strip?Yes, you can cut LED strips, but there are some important factors to consider:Cutting points: Standard LED strips have designated cutting points, typically marked with a small line or scissor icon. These points are located between the copper pads along the strip. However, our new Free Cut Series offers more flexibility.Free Cut LED strips: These strips allow you to cut at any point along the length, without needing to adhere to specific cutting marks. Unlike traditional LED strips that are limited to predetermined intervals, Free Cut LED strips provide greater customisation options. This makes them ideal for achieving a precise fit for any project or space, especially when exact measurements are crucial or when traditional cutting points don’t align with your needs.How do you use LED strips around corners?For sharp, precise 90-degree corners, use our LED strip L connectors. For more flexible, less exact applications, our corner connectors are ideal. Be sure to choose a connector that matches the type of LED strip you are using. Compatible connectors are listed on each fossLED strip product page for your convenience.Do you need a profile to house LED strip?Yes, at fossLED we only warrant our LED Strip to 5 years if installed in conjunction with our aluminium LED profiles for the following reasons.Protection: Profiles offer physical protection for the LED strip, guarding it against dust, moisture, and mechanical damage, which helps to extend the strip’s lifespan by preventing physical harm.Heat dissipation: LED strips generate heat, and fossLED profiles, made from a 6063-aluminium alloy, are designed to function as heat sinks. This material effectively dissipates heat away from critical components, ensuring a cooler operating temperature and extending the product’s lifespan.Aesthetic finish: Profiles offer a sleek, professional look by concealing the LED strip and providing a clean, finished appearance. They come in various styles and materials, allowing you to match the profile to your design preferences.Light diffusion: fossLED Profiles are offered with diffusers that help to evenly distribute light and reduce glare, creating a more uniform and visually pleasing illumination.Ease of installation: Profiles streamline the installation process by offering a structured housing for the LED strip, which facilitates easier mounting and alignment. They also provide an optimal surface for the LED strip’s 3M backing to stick to, reducing the risk of long-term detachment and potential product failure due to improper heat dissipation.Best LED Striplights at SparksAre LED strips waterproof?LED strips are available in a variety of IP Ratings (Ingress Protection), and their level of water resistance varies based on their design and rating.Non-Water-Resistant LED Strips (IP20): These strips are not intended for contact with water or moisture. They are best suited for indoor environments with low moisture levels, such as living rooms or offices, and should be avoided in areas with high humidity, like bathrooms or outdoor spaces.Waterproof LED Strips: For applications exposed to water or high humidity, look for LED strips with higher IP ratings, such as IP65, IP67 or IP68. These ratings indicate different levels of resistance. The IP65 rating provides protection against water jets and low-pressure streams of water from all directions. The IP67 rating ensures full protection against dust and allows for temporary immersion in water, up to a depth of 1 metre for a maximum duration of 30 minutes. With an IP68 rating, the device is safeguarded for continuous immersion in water up to 1 metre deep. This level of protection is ideal for situations where the product will encounter substantial moisture, such as underwater lighting or outdoor use in areas prone to heavy rain. Always verify the IP rating of the LED strip to ensure it suits the requirements of your intended environment.Are LED strips dimmable?Yes, all fossLED strips are dimmable when paired with a fossLED mains dimmable driver and a standard LED-compatible UK dimmer, or when used with standard LED drivers and fossLED controller combinations. For more information on further dimming methods, protocols and lighting system integration, please contact us.What is CRI?CRI, or Colour Rendering Index, is a measure of how accurately a light source displays colours in comparison to natural light. It is expressed as a number on a scale from 0 to 100. CRI is a critical factor in assessing the quality of light and its impact on colour perception, with higher values indicating better colour rendering capabilities.What is the difference between 12V and 24V LED strips?The key differences between 12V and 24V LED strips lie in their voltage, wiring, and overall performance, impacting their suitability for various installations. 12V LED strips operate on a 12V power supply and are commonly used for shorter runs, such as in automotive lighting or very small-scale home projects. 24V LED strips require a 24V power supply and are ideal for longer runs. They generate less heat and operate more efficiently, making them better suited for general home and commercial installations.What is FREE CUT LED strip?These strips allow you to cut at any point along the length, without needing to adhere to specific cutting marks. Unlike traditional LED strips that are limited to predetermined intervals, Free Cut LED Strips provide greater customization options. This makes them ideal for achieving a precise fit for any project or space, especially when exact measurements are crucial or when traditional cutting points don’t align with your needs.Buy FossLED LED Strips
