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So, you've picked your new LED strip lights. Before you order, it's worth checking that you have everything you need to install them properly.

The LED tape is the part you'll see, but it may not be the only component your installation requires. Depending on the type of tape you've chosen, you'll need the right power supply and, for some types of LED tape, a compatible controller. You may also need a core cable or connectors to help you position and connect the tape, while an aluminium profile can give your installation a cleaner finish and help protect the LEDs.

The important thing is to know what your particular LED tape needs before you buy. That way, you can order the right components together and have everything ready when you're ready to install your new lighting.

You'll Need a Power Supply

First things first, your LED strip needs a suitable power supply. The driver you choose needs to match both the power requirements and voltage of your LED tape, so it's important to check these specifications before buying.

It's worth allowing 10% leeway when working out which driver you need, as we recommend leaving a little extra capacity.

Tape wattage × tape length = total wattage
Total wattage × 1.1 = driver wattage

For example, WLED's Aon Single Colour 24V COB 8W Warm White 3000K LED Tape uses 8W per metre.

8W × 5m = 40W
40W × 1.1 = 44W

So the driver needs to be 44W or higher.

Voltage is just as important as wattage. Some LED tapes run at 12V, while most of WLED's newer LED tape ranges use 24V. Your power supply must have the same voltage as your tape, so always check this before choosing your driver.

WLED has a range of power supplies to suit different LED tape installations, from simple plug-in options to larger drivers for more permanent setups.

Getting the right wattage and voltage from the start means you can install your LED tape with the correct power supply ready to go.

Do You Need a Controller?

Not every LED strip needs a controller. Simple single-colour tape can often be switched on and off without one. Once you move into RGB, RGBW, CCT or smart lighting, though, a controller can give you much more control.

Want to change the colour, adjust the brightness or control your lights remotely? That's where a compatible controller comes in.

WLED's EasiLight 5-in-1 controller works with single-colour, CCT, RGB, RGBW and RGB+CCT LED tape, while also enabling smart lighting features. For app-based control through your phone, the controller connects to an EasiLight Zigbee Gateway, which links your Zigbee lighting to your Wi-Fi network and the relevant app. If you only want to use a compatible 2.4GHz remote, you can use the controller without the Gateway.

So, before choosing your tape, think about how you want to control your lights and check whether you need a compatible remote or Gateway for the type of control you want.

Don't Forget Your Core Cable

Depending on where your power supply or controller is positioned, you may also need a core cable to connect everything together. The number of cores you need depends on the type of LED tape you're using:

• Single-colour tape: 2-core cable
• CCT or dual-colour tape: 3-core cable
• RGB tape: 4-core cable
• RGBW tape: 5-core cable
• RGB+CCT tape: 6-core cable

Having the right core cable is particularly useful when your power supply or controller can't sit directly beside the LED tape, giving you the flexibility to position your components where they're needed.

It's worth checking the requirements of your chosen tape before ordering, so you have the correct core cable ready for installation.

When Do You Need Connectors?

Connectors can make installing LED tape a whole lot easier, particularly when you need to join different sections without soldering.

The type of connector you'll need depends on how you want to position your tape:

• Straight connectors: Join two sections of LED tape together for a continuous run.
• Corner connectors: Help you take your LED tape around a corner without soldering.
• Strip-to-core cable connectors: Connect your LED tape to a separate length of core cable when your power supply or controller needs to be positioned further away.

You won't need connectors for every project. A simple, straight run may not require any at all, while more complicated layouts can benefit from having the right connectors ready to go.

Just make sure the connectors you choose are compatible with your tape, including its width and type, before buying.

Should You Use an Aluminium Profile?

An aluminium profile isn't essential, but it can make a big difference to the finished look and help protect your LED tape.

There are several profile styles to choose from, depending on where you're installing the tape:

• Surface-mounted profiles: A versatile option for installing LED tape directly onto a visible surface.
• Recessed profiles: Sit within a channel cut into the surface, giving the installation a more integrated finish.
• Corner profiles: Designed for installations where LED tape needs to be positioned around a corner, with options including wide corner profiles, square corner profiles and 45° profiles.
• Plaster-in profiles: Can be built into plasterboard to create a sleek, almost seamless finish.

The LED tape sits inside the profile, with a diffuser covering it. This helps hide the individual LEDs and creates a smoother, more even-looking light. The aluminium also helps draw heat away from the tape, which can help protect the LEDs and extend their lifespan.

If your LED tape is going somewhere visible, choosing the right profile can give your installation a cleaner, more finished look.

So, What Do You Actually Need?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. What you'll need depends on the LED tape you're using and how you plan to install it.

A basic single-colour setup may only require LED tape and a suitable power supply. Colour-changing or smart tape may also need a compatible controller, while connectors and extra core cable can come in handy for more complicated layouts.

Then there's the aluminium profile. It's optional, but worth considering if you're after a cleaner finish or your tape is going somewhere visible.

The key is to check what your chosen LED tape needs before ordering. That way, you'll have everything ready when it's time to install your new lighting.

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure which LED tape or accessories you need for your project?

Our team can help you find the right products for your setup. Get in touch with WLED on 0116 350 1930 or email sales@wled.co.uk, and we will be happy to help.

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