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LED strips are famous for the versatility, but not everyone likes the look of the bare strips. This is where profiles come in…

The amazing thing about LED strip lights is how anyone can install them with very little fuss. Often you can just stick the tape itself to any service. But this look won’t always blend into your décor, and if you’re not careful it can have a bit of an amateurish feel.

Profiles fix this problem.

What Is A Profile?

Profiles (they’re also known as extrusions, but these are the exact same product) are a solid, slightly hollowed out piece of aluminium. These can be used in loads of applications, from home appliances to spacecraft construction, but the ones we sell on our website are purpose built for use with LED strip lights.

What Are They For?

There are five main reasons to use LED profiles instead of just sticking your tape straight to a surface.

• Absorbing Heat. LED tape is quite sensitive to high temperatures, so a good heat sink is helpful for getting them to last a long time. If you’re planning to place your tape on wood, then a profile is essential for this reason. They can help your strip to last for 50% longer!
• Holding The Light In Place. We use a 3M industrial strength adhesive on our strip lights, which will last for a very long time. However, this glue will eventually weaken. Profiles help keep your lights in place with no stress.
• Easy Cleaning. You won’t have to worry about catching the LED chips with your duster, making it much easier to keep things dust free and clean.
• A More Uniform Look. Most LED strips will have a ‘dotted’ effect when lit, due to how the LED chips are embedded in. Profiles feature diffusers, which creates a more consistent and smooth lighting effect.
• Directing Your Light. LED strip lights will shine out good ambient, but if you want directed illumination then profiles can help with this.

Which Profile Is Right For You?

There are loads of different kinds of profile for you to choose from creating a variety of lighting effects, but the following three are the most common.

Surface Mounted Profiles

These are the simplest and most commonly seen profiles. They’re used with mounting brackets, and surface mounted to your walls.

Recessed Mounted Profiles

As the name suggest, these profiles can be recessed into any surface, concealing the bracket itself and creating a more seamless lighting effect.

Corner Mounted Profiles

These are designed to fit around 90-degree angle corners. This will cause light to shine out at 45°C angles. This profile is best used on ceiling and floor corners but it’s also popular under cabinets, shelves and cupboards.

Do note that not all of our strip lights will fit with every profile, our IP65+ tapes in particular tend to be thicker than standard. Always check you’re using compatible products before ordering.

You can give us a ring on 0116 321 4120 or send us an email to cs@wled.co.uk, and our team will be more than happy help you out.

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