Working with outdoor rated LED strip lights


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Old 06-23-19, 01:41 PM
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Working with outdoor rated LED strip lights

I decided to install a couple of LED strip lights on my screened in patio. In particular a vaulted ceiling space. I am planning to put it on top of a frame that goes around the vaulted space.

Initially, I thought I would use rope light but it seems LED strips are better choice. Also, it appears there are wet rated strips that should be safe for outdoor space.

I have a couple of beginner questions.
Can outdoor strips be cut as well?
Can I solder the leads on it and still make it water tight?
Use of channel. Is there any benefit?

Can anyone recommend a brand/source?
 
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Old 06-23-19, 02:03 PM
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Can outdoor strips be cut as well?
Yes. Every 3 LEDs there is a spot to cut them.

Can I solder the leads on it and still make it water tight?
Likely yes. I have not done it but I suspect you can cover the solder with any type of watertight sealant like silicone.

Use of channel. Is there any benefit?
It depends on your application. I have never used a channel but if you want the light to be defused and channel with a diffuser would be used to accomplish that.

I have bought LED's off Amazon and specialty websites (InspireLED, Super Bright LED, HitLghts, etc) and they all have worked just fine. Just pay attention to how many LED's are per 16m roll and the size of the LED's (3232 compared to 5050) The biggest issue I have had with some is the adhesive is a bit weak. Cleaning the surface you will be mounting the strip to will help a lot.
 
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Old 06-23-19, 02:20 PM
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Cleaning the surface you will be mounting the strip to will help a lot.
I second that. I use lighter fluid to clean the service before sticking them on.
 
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Old 06-27-19, 05:30 PM
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I need about 11ft in length. Looks like the standard rolls are 16ft?

Something like this?
https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...tributes/10831

maybe a bit dim?

or
https://www.amazon.com/ALITOVE-Flexi...-garden&sr=1-5
 
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Old 06-27-19, 05:50 PM
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Those should work fine, but it really depends on how bright you want it. Do you just want a soft glow or do you want the patio to be fully lit like a room?
 
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Old 06-27-19, 06:20 PM
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Somewhere in between. Possibly adding a dimmer.
 
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Old 06-27-19, 07:00 PM
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I just noticed the 2nd link you posted. (Amazon) For that price, I would be willing to give them a try.

If you want to buy from SBLED, I would recommend going with something that has a higher lumen per foot rating than the ones you chose. Something like this: https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...54/5696/12603/ (Please note these are 24VDC and may require other parts to adjust color) or this: https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...terproof/5602/
 
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Old 06-29-19, 11:48 AM
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Just checked out inspireLED taht you listed, they do custom length.
https://www.inspiredled.com/product/...oor-led-strip/

How does this stack up? assuming 12v DC is easiest
 
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Old 06-29-19, 01:53 PM
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Also look at Super Bright LEDs. I especially like the detailed specs they have for their products which makes comparison among items on their site much easier. Unfortunately most other sites don't provide squat for specifications so you're left guessing a bit.
 
 

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