LED Tape – A Type of Flexible LED Strip Lighting for Precision Installations
What is LED tape?
Other names for it are LED strips or ribbon lights. LED tapes are a popular (and ideal) lighting choice for residential and commercial applications due to their high energy efficiency, potential cost savings, and versatility.
They produce minimal heat, making them safe for indoor installations. Since there’s minimal wasted energy, they require very little power to operate. They also don’t need a lot of maintenance, making them one of the most cost-effective lighting solutions.
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- IP67 Dotless, Waterproof COB LED Strip , CRI 90, Cool, Natural or Warm White Light£10.42 £12.50 Was £20.00 Save £7.50
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LED Strip Light Anatomy
The “tape” is a thin, flexible circuit board made in a tape-like or ribbon-like fashion (hence the names) and holding a series of small LED chips. LED strip lights are usually installed on walls, ceilings, under cabinets, etc., to brighten or enhance a space's aesthetics.
LED tapes are very lightweight and flexible, which makes them easy to mount. With most, you can just stick them to a surface and be good to go.
Simple Lighting’s collection of high-quality LED tapes is one of our best-selling light fixtures.
Applications of LED Tape
When talking about versatile lighting, LED tapes will always be one of the most mentioned solutions. One of the popular features of the LED tape is its wide range of applications.
You can find them in residential areas, generally installed for:
- Under-cabinet lighting,
- Accent lighting (used to highlight shelves, architectural features, or artwork),
- Backlighting for ambient glow, and
- Staircase and handrail lighting
They’re also common in commercial spaces, typically used for:
- Signage
- Display case lighting
- Architectural lighting
- Bar and restaurant lighting, and
- Entertainment venues
LED strip lights can also be used for automotive lighting and holiday decorations. Your imagination is the only limit to their use.
Features of LED Tape
What makes LED tapes a good lighting choice?
Flexibility: LED tapes can easily be bent and shaped around curves, corners, and uneven surfaces.
Customisation: They can be cut to desired lengths (at designated cutting marks), so you can fit them in most design outlines. They’re also very thin, so brightening up those narrow areas? Done.
Long Lifespan: LEDs typically have an average lifespan of 20,000 hours, some reaching 50,000 hours. That’s a long time before you can even think about replacement!
Colour Options: LED tapes are available in single-colour options (warm white, natural white, cool white) and RGB for colour-changing functions.
Dimmability: Want to have control over the brightness of your tapes? Get dimmable LED strips. You can lower or increase the brightness depending on your desired illumination level.
Waterproof Options: IP65 to IP68-rated LED tapes are waterproof and can be installed outside or in areas with high moisture.
Ease of Installation: You won’t need to call a professional for help. Plug-and-play kits are available and make setting up your lights easier. Many LED tapes also come with an adhesive backing for simple peel-and-stick installation.
How to Install LED Tape
Installing LED tapes is simple and only takes about five steps to complete. But it’s the preparation that also needs paying attention to. Before installing, make sure you:
- Choose the right LED strip lights
- Plan your layout
- Take the correct measurements of the tapes you need (you might need several strips with different lengths, depending on your layout)
- Prepare your tools and materials
You can install your LED tapes once you’re done with the preparations:
- Clean the surface — Use alcohol and a microfibre cloth for effective cleaning.
- Cut the LED tape — Check your measurements and cut only on designated cutting marks.
- Peel the adhesive backing — Start from one end, moving to the other.
- Stick the tape to the surface — Carefully place the tape over the surface, following your outline, and push on the tape for maximum adhesion.
- Use connectors or solder strips to extend the length or manoeuvre around obstacles.
- Plug into the power supply. Make sure that the total wattage of your LED tape does not exceed the power supply’s maximum load. LED tapes are rated per metre (e.g. 8w per metre). Multiply by the total length to get the total wattage. (example: 8w x 5 meters = 40w total). Always allot a 10%-20% safety margin.
- Test the lights — You can now plug the power supply into the outlet. Check the lights for dark spots, flickering, or not turning on.
If you’re using LED profiles, install them using the provided screws and then insert the tape inside. This replaces steps 3 and 4.
SAFETY FIRST! Never work on the LED tapes while they’re plugged in.
Product Range
Simple Lighting has a wide range of LED tapes. Some of our best-selling options are:
LED Tapes:
COB LED Strips:
- Dotless, No Spots, Warm White 2700K CRI >90
- No Spots, Cool, Warm or Natural White, CRI >90
- Dotless, No Spots, Natural White 4000K CRI >90
LED Strip Light Kits:
- 5m, LED Strip Light / Tape Kit, Cool, Warm & Natural White
- 5m COB Dotless LED Strip Kit - Warm White 2700K
- 5m COB Dotless LED Strip Kit - Cool White 6400K
RGB and Colour LED Tapes:
- 5m RGB LED Strip Kit Including Plug-In Power Supply, Controller & Remote
- 5m RGB, Colour Changing LED Strip Kit Inc Power Supply & Controller
Frequently Asked Questions
Do LED tape lights need a power supply?
Yes. LED tape lights operate on low voltage (typically 12V or 24V), so you'll need a compatible LED driver or power supply to convert standard mains electricity to the correct voltage.
Are LED tapes waterproof?
Some are, and some aren’t. Check the tape’s IP rating:
- IP20 is for indoor dry areas.
- IP44 is splash-resistant and can be used in zone 2 areas of the bathroom.
- IP65/IP67/IP68 are the big boys, able to withstand the outdoors. They’re completely waterproof and dust-resistant.
Can I dim LED strip lights?
Yes—by using a dimmable power supply and an LED-compatible dimmer switch. Some LED tapes also have remote or smart controls for easy brightness adjustment.
Can I connect multiple LED strips?
Yes, you can connect multiple strips using compatible connectors or solder. Ensure that the total length doesn’t exceed your driver's power limit.
What is the difference between 12V and 24V LED tape?
Both perform similarly, but:
- 12V strips are better for short runs and small projects.
- 24V strips are better for longer runs as they experience less voltage drop, meaning more consistent brightness across the length.
Do I need an electrician to install LED tape lights?
For plug-and-play kits, no electrician is needed. But if you're hardwiring the lights into your mains, hiring a licensed electrician is the safest option.
Brighten Your Space With Simple Lighting
Ready to upgrade your space with stylish, energy-efficient lighting? Whether adding a subtle glow or making a bold statement, we’ve got the right LED tape lights to level up your space.
Remember that the only limit to LED tape's potential is your imagination. So, let your creativity shine with high-quality LED tapes from Simple Lighting.
Check out our collection today!
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