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How long is the lead length on a normal strip light?

Every strip light is made with 22 gauge, 6" long wire leads on both ends of the 16.4' reel of lights. This allows you to cut the strip light on the cut marks and utilize both ends for your project. 

Should I choose Standard Brightness or Ultra Bright? 

This is a personal preference and depends on your application. If you generally like your light levels high or brighter or if you are trying to light a larger area, go with Ultra Bright as the light will spread farther. If you generally like a dimmer light, go with Standard Bright. For example, Standard Bright will still be bright enough to light a counter as under-cabinet lighting and makes a nice accent lighting for cove lighting. However, if you want more of a task lighting for your counters, or you want to wash a wall with light, you will likely be happier with Ultra Bright. If you are unsure, go with Ultra Bright and use a dimmer to allow you to choose your own brightness once installed. 

Do I need Waterproof, Water Resistant or Non-Waterproof?

To select the right LED strip light, consider your application. If it is going to be used outdoors where it will be exposed to rain, humidity or moisture go with the Waterproof. The Waterproof strip lights are completely encased in silicone and can be submersed under water. They are also more resilient to heavy traffic or abuse because of this protection layer. If your strip will be installed indoors near a sink or in a location where it might occasionally get splashed, go with the Water Resistant. If you are installing your strip indoors and there is no chance of direct water or moisture exposure, the Non-Waterproof will be your best bet.

What lengths are available?

Our strip lights are manufactured to 16.4' (5 Meters) reels. For some styles you can daisy chain 2 reels together to form a 32’ (10 meters) max run. Special order custom length strips are available, minimum order quantities may apply. For more information, please reach out to one of our LED lighting experts via chat, email or phone.  

How do I connect my strip lights to the power supply?

Yes, you can but the distance you can run will depend on the voltage you select. If you plan to run more than 16 feet select 24VDC strip lights and you can run up to 32 feet or 2 full reels daisy chained together. If you plan to cut your strip lights and are looking for pre-made connectors to avoid soldering, check out our Strip Light Connectors and make your install easier.

How do I connect my strip lights to the power supply?

On the strip light, there are two wires; a red wire and a black wire. The red wire is the V(+) wire and the black wire is the V(-) wire as indicated on the strip itself. Your power supply output will also have a V(+) and V(-) wire. Connect the corresponding wires together using standard wire nuts or splice/crimp connectors.

What gauge wire should I use to run between my strip light and my power supply?

This will depend on multiple variables, such as the distance between your strip light and the power supply, your starting voltage, as well as how many total lighting products you are using. Our LED lighting products, including strip lights, will operate normally with up to a maximum of 10% voltage drop.  If you measure your voltage drop to be higher than 10% at the end of one of your wire runs, you will need to either shorten your wire length, or go to a thicker wire gauge (or both).  If you are unsure on how to proceed with your wiring, we recommend consulting with a certified licensed electrician to determine the correct size wire for your application. 

Which voltage option should I choose?

Both options perform well and would not affect the lumen output of the strip lights. Both options would require the use of a power supply. 12VDC strip lights are popular for battery powered applications like automotive, motorcycle, boat/marine applications, or anywhere where you are connecting to a 12VDC supply. Our 12V strip lights also typically have the cut points closer together. 24VDC option is the most popular for residential and commercial applications. 24VDC is a safe low voltage, dims the best, and is the most stable and reliable voltage for your aspectLED strip lights.