Nowadays, we can often see LED strip lights used in home lighting decoration, they are versatile, efficient, and easy to use. They are available in different colors and styles and are suitable for a variety of commercial or residential lighting applications. Unfortunately, if installed using only 3M backing adhesive, it takes a long time and the LED strip sometimes falls off. Especially if installed incorrectly, this can be frustrating as a falling LED strip can damage or cause electrical problems. In this article, we’ll show you how to keep your LED strip lights from falling out so your strip lights always stay on!
Table of Contents
- 5 Common Reasons for LED strip lights from falling down
- Tips To Stop the Led Strip from Falling Off
- Conclusion
5 Common Reasons for LED strip lights from falling down
The Installation Surface is Uneven Or Dusty
One of the reasons for the LED strip falling, we think it is mainly due to the uneven placement surface and long-term dust accumulation. Due to the dust on the installation surface, the double-sided adhesion of the 3M backing adhesive of the LED strip is insufficient or invalid.
Wet Places
Install the LED strip in a place that may be wet, which will destroy the stickiness of the 3M backing adhesive. There was no problem at first, but over time, the stickiness of the 3M backing adhesive was completely destroyed, which would lead to LED strip lights to fall down.
LED Strip light Heating Reason
The LED strip light will generate heat when it is working. This heat is not a problem for itself. However, if the LED strip light is installed in a narrow and airless place, the heat cannot be quickly dissipated through the air.
Overheating will damage the stickiness of the 3M backing adhesive, causing the LED strip to fall off. The heat created can make the strips fall off due to poor contact or even short them out.
Poor Adhesive Quality
Because of the price, some customers will choose products with poor quality products, so the quality of 3M backing adhesive is also poor, some products have expired adhesive, and when it is exposed to excessive heat or moisture, the 3M backing adhesive loses its adhesive properties.
Repeated Use of 3M Backing Adhesive
Sometimes the led strip is installed in the wrong place, we need to tear off the adhesive and re-attach it. This repeated pulling can break the adhesive’s tack. In the long run, the led strip is easy to fall off. However, if it happened due to improper installation, then you can try to apply another 3M backing adhesive.
Tips To Stop the Led Strip from Falling Off
Now that we have analyzed some reasons why the LED light strip may fall off, then we will give some following suggestions to solve the problem, and you can choose the method that suits you according to your actual situation.
Quality is The First Choice
First of all, you must choose a high-quality LED strip, and check its 3M backing adhesive. If there is any damage or discoloration, you need to discuss this issue with your supplier in time. Also, check to see if the tape well adheres to the light strip.
Keep Surfaces Clean
You need to ensure that the installation surface is flat, and then start to clean the surface where the LED strip will be applied. You can use a rag and a mild detergent to clean it and keep the surface dry.
Find the Right Adhesive
If you want to use adhesive to mount your strip, make sure you find the right adhesive to keep the LED strip from falling out. You can also choose from a variety of adhesives, such as epoxy or polyurethane products.
And installing it in the right way can reduce the chances of LED strips falling off. But by using this, you will reduce the chances of them falling off in the future, due to it will allow them to stick better.
Fixing Clip
When you buy a led strip, it is usually equipped with a fixing clip for installation. Currently, only waterproof light strips are equipped with clips. But it is ok, if you also need it for a non-waterproof led strip, the clip will not come loose unless you remove it on purpose. The clips are perfect for any position of the strip, whether facing down, up, or to the side.
Aluminum Profile
The aluminum profiles are a great way to hold LED strips in place. You can stick 3M backing adhesive to the profile, and there is also a cover to protect the tape.
The aluminum profiles are mounted with clips that can be directly screwed or snapped in. The profiles are perfect for the interior or exterior and help keep the LED strip light secure. They can be installed at any angle, such as downwards.
Keep Dry
When the led strip light is pasted, it must be kept dry first, and let the 3M backing adhesive dry for a while, so that it can exert its viscosity to the best state.
If you do not let them dry properly, they will eventually fall off just as quickly as they did before.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
You can clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before installing the LED strip, this will help prevent the LED strip from falling off. Because rubbing alcohol is 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, it removes bacteria, grease, and dirt.
Conclusion:
In short, when you install the led strip, please refer to the above steps to prevent your LED strip light from falling.
First, check that the adhesive is sticking properly to the surface and use the mounting clips for a more secure hold. Be sure to clean the surface and press firmly before applying the adhesive to avoid air bubbles. If you find that your LED strip is still falling off, try using foam straps or glue specially designed for LED strips.
We wish you understand now and are able to stop your LED strips from falling out in the future!