LED Strip Lights

Yes. LED strip runs on low voltage, so it needs a driver, sometimes called a power supply or transformer, between the strip and mains power. Size it to the total wattage of the run and leave some headroom, so a 5 metre run drawing 14.4 watts per metre needs a driver rated comfortably above 72 watts. Running a driver at its absolute limit shortens its life. We stock drivers, controllers and dimmers alongside the strip, and your electrician can confirm the right one for your run.

Both are low voltage and both need a driver. The practical difference is voltage drop: 24V carries power further along a run before the far end starts to dim, so it is the easier choice for longer runs such as a full kitchen or a large room. 12V is common on shorter runs and where you are tying into an existing 12V garden or cabinet system. Whichever you choose, the strip, driver and any controller or dimmer must all be the same voltage.

Most strip can be cut, but only at the marked cut points along the tape, which typically fall every 50mm to 100mm depending on the product. Cutting anywhere else breaks the circuit for that section and it will not light. Sections are rejoined with solder or with clip on connectors. If you need an exact finished length, check the cut interval on the product page before ordering, because it determines how close you can get.

Yes, on the low voltage side. Plug in kits are the simplest: strip, driver and plug in one box. If you are cutting strip to length, plug and play clip connectors join sections or add a lead with no soldering iron: they clamp onto the copper pads at a cut point. Ours suit IP20 strip on 10mm boards (single colour, COB and RGB) and 12mm boards (RGBW), so match the clip to your strip. Sealed waterproof strip needs soldering to rejoin properly, or our workshop can make it up for you. Anything wired into mains must be installed by a qualified electrician.

It depends on the job. In our range, 2W to 5W per metre gives a soft accent glow for shelves, coves and under beds. Around 10W to 14W per metre is practical task light for kitchen benches, vanities and wardrobes. From about 20W per metre the strip can light a room on its own: the Pixel 25W High Output COB gives 2,500 to 2,625 lumens per metre. Compare lumens as well as watts, because efficiency varies between strips.

Every strip has a maximum run from one power feed, listed on its product page. In our range most strips run 5 metres per feed, the Pixel 7W Slim runs 4 metres, and long run strips such as the Pixel 7.5W Long Run and Havit 4.8W Long Run reach 20 metres. The Pixel 10W and 14W reach 10 metres when fed from both ends. For longer installs, split into separate runs and check cable size with our voltage drop calculator.

Most are. Strip dims through its driver, so you need a dimmable driver plus a compatible dimmer or controller. Our drivers cover Triac, which suits many standard wall dimmers, as well as 0/1 to 10V, DALI and push dim. Havit's Viper COB kits are Triac dimmable straight out of the box. The strip, driver and dimmer must all be the same voltage, and any dimmer wired into your mains must be installed by a qualified electrician.

Indoors and away from water, unrated IP20 strip is fine and is the cheapest option. In a bathroom, or anywhere exposed to splashes and steam, use either a sealed strip rated for the zone it sits in, or IP20 strip fitted inside an IP rated aluminium profile with its diffuser and end caps sealed. Outdoors you need a higher rating again, because the strip has to cope with driving rain rather than the occasional splash. We stock separate waterproof, bathroom and outdoor strip ranges, so filter by IP rating rather than assuming, and confirm the zone with your electrician if the run sits near a bath or shower.

While with some strip lights you do not need an extrusion, we almost always recommend them. They not only dissipate heat and light but also ensure a clean, professional finish.

No, it's important that you select profiles that are compatible with your strip. We have profiles for every strip light that we stock, and one of the widest ranges online. On most of our strips, you'll see recommended compatible products however for peace of mind we recommend filling in our LED strips form and one of our experts can provide you with the best options, at no extra cost.

Yes. Add a smart controller between the driver and the strip. We stock Havit WiFi controllers for single colour, tunable white and RGBW strip, plus Havit Zigbee receivers, remotes and wall panels that work with a compatible Zigbee hub. For an all in one option, the Havit VIPER HaviSMART RGBCW kit dims and changes colour by app or remote. Browse our LED strip controllers or read our guide to smart LED strips.

Cut to length strip is priced per metre on each product page, and custom cuts are rounded up to the next full metre. For a finished custom strip, send us your measurements, the look you want and where it is going through our LED strip quote form. We reply within 1 to 2 business days, the quote is free and there is no obligation. Our workshop cuts, solders, heat shrinks, seals and tests every custom strip, and cuts profiles to exact size.

Absolutely! LED strips are versatile and some of our favourite applications are submerged in swimming pools. However, it is critical that you choose the right IP rating - IP68. We have a collection of IP68 rated strips which you can purchase and customise online however we also have experts on hand who can help you with your selection, at no additional cost.