Norman Lamps, Inc.

LED strip lighting, also called LED tape light or LED ribbon, consists of flexible circuit boards populated with small LED chips and resistors, creating versatile linear light sources that can illuminate places traditional bulbs and fixtures can't reach. The thin, flexible format allows you to install accent lighting under cabinets, inside display cases, around architectural features, in cove lighting applications, and countless other situations where you need continuous, even illumination in tight spaces or along curved surfaces.

The basic construction places surface-mount LEDs at regular intervals along a flexible printed circuit board, typically with adhesive backing for easy installation. The strips can usually be cut to precise lengths at designated cut points (marked every few inches), making them adaptable to virtually any space. Most LED strips operate on low voltage (12V or 24V) requiring a separate power supply or driver to convert line voltage to the appropriate DC voltage. Some versions operate directly on 120V, but these are less flexible in installation and can't be cut to custom lengths as easily.

LED density significantly affects light output and visual appearance. Lower density strips (30-60 LEDs per meter) provide more spaced accent lighting suitable for decorative applications or areas where you want individual LED visibility. Medium density (120 LEDs per meter) offers more continuous illumination good for under-cabinet task lighting and general accent applications. High density strips (240+ LEDs per meter) provide nearly seamless linear light that appears continuous rather than as individual points, ideal for applications where you want perfectly smooth illumination without any visible gaps.

Color options range from single-color strips (warm white, cool white, or specific colors) to RGB strips that can produce millions of colors, to RGBW strips that add a dedicated white channel for better white light quality alongside color-changing capability. Single-color white strips work well for task lighting, accent lighting, and functional applications where consistent illumination is the goal. RGB and RGBW strips excel in decorative applications, entertainment spaces, retail displays, and anywhere dynamic or color-changing lighting creates ambiance or visual interest.

Brightness specifications use lumens per foot or lumens per meter, with typical ranges from 100-600 lumens per foot depending on LED density and power. For under-cabinet task lighting in kitchens, 200-400 lumens per foot generally provides adequate illumination. For accent lighting or decorative applications, lower output may suffice. For display cases or areas needing substantial illumination, higher output strips work better. Color temperature in white LED strips typically ranges from warm white (2700K-3000K) for residential and hospitality applications to cool white (4000K-6000K) for task lighting and commercial use.

Installation considerations include proper power supply sizing (calculate total strip length × watts per foot to determine required supply capacity), adequate heat dissipation (strips mounted in enclosed spaces or against heat-sensitive materials may need aluminum channels to act as heat sinks), and appropriate IP ratings for the environment (IP20 for dry indoor use, IP65 for damp locations, IP67-68 for wet environments or outdoor installations). Dimming capability requires compatible power supplies and controllers – not all LED strips dim smoothly with all dimmers.

The flexibility and customization possibilities make LED strip lighting extremely versatile. Common applications include under-cabinet kitchen lighting, cove and architectural lighting, display case illumination, step and pathway lighting, vehicle customization, sign lighting, studio and photography lighting, and endless creative installations. The low profile, flexibility, and ability to cut to exact lengths solve lighting challenges that traditional bulbs and fixtures simply can't address.

Voltage Options: Low voltage (12V, 24V - requires power supply), line voltage (120V - less flexible)

Color Options: Single color (warm white, cool white, colors), RGB (color changing), RGBW (color changing plus dedicated white)

Typical Applications: Under-cabinet lighting, cove and architectural accent, display cases, step lighting, pathway lighting, vehicle customization, retail displays, decorative installations