In outdoor landscape design, we have many lighting options. Outdoor lighting is also particularly important. Because lighting is not only for providing light, it can also enhance the atmosphere, improve safety and highlight architectural or plant elements. Outdoors, we can see LED light strips everywhere, which are widely used in modern landscape lighting. Especially low-voltage LED light strips (usually 12V or 24V), which are safer and more reliable. This article will help you understand and choose the right low voltage LED strip for landscape lighting design from multiple angles.
Can Low-voltage LED Strip be Used for Landscape Lighting?
Of course, most landscape lighting is using low-voltage LED strip. LED tape are a flexible lighting solution, especially suitable for scenes such as contouring, path lighting, garden decoration, bridge structures, and waterscape lighting effects.
Low-voltage LED strip used landscape lighting are safer, with high brightness and rich colors. The most important point for LED light strips to be used for landscape lighting is that they must be waterproof to at least IP65, so that they are suitable for various outdoor environments.
Where can Low Voltage LED Strip be Used for Landscape Lighting?
LED strips are widely used for outdoor landscape lighting, and we can see them in many places. Most of the time, we only see the light it emits, but not the LED light strips.
Garden path edge
LED light strips can be used on the roadside of the garden, without the path of the garden. As a guide light, it indicates the direction of the trail and creates a sense of fantasy path.
Steps and stair steps
LED light strips can be used on various steps and stair steps outdoors. They can be installed at the bottom or side of each step to avoid stepping on empty space at night and enhance the sense of hierarchy.
Fence/Guardrail
LED light strips can be hidden and installed at the bottom of the railing. It is mainly installed on the edge of the fence. It forms a contour light, softly illuminates the surrounding ground, and does not affect the line of sight.
Pool edge
LED light strips can be installed on the edge of outdoor ornamental pools and rockery. Arrange waterproof light strips along the contour of the pool to reflect the water surface at night and create a dreamy waterscape.
If you want to install the LED light strip in the pool, you need to soak it in water. You must use an IP68-rated LED strip.
How Long can Low-voltage LED Strips be Connected for Landscape Lighting?
The length of LED light strips is related to many factors. For example, the distance from the power supply, the installation environment, etc.
If low-voltage 12V LED strips are used for landscape lighting, we generally recommend a maximum single-side power supply length of 5 meters; for low-voltage 24V LED light strips, the maximum length can be 10 meters, but we recommend wiring at both ends.
In addition, it is recommended to use 16AWG or thicker (14AWG, 12AWG) cables to reduce voltage drop. Also, the power supply should not be too far away from the LED strip, try to keep it close.
How to Choose Low-voltage LED Strip for Landscape Lighting?
There are too many types of LED strips on the market. If they are used for landscape lighting, we need to consider the following three main factors first.
Low-voltage LED strip voltage
Outdoor landscape lighting LED light strips are available in two versions: high voltage and low voltage. Generally, we recommend customers to use low-voltage LED light strips, which will be safer.
Low-voltage LED light strips are available in 12V and 24V. If it is small and short-distance wiring, then 12V low-voltage LED light strips are most suitable. If it is a large area and long-distance wiring, then 24V low-voltage LED light strips are more stable.
Waterproof level
If LED light strips want to be used for landscape lighting, their waterproof level must be considered. At least IP65 or above must be selected. And, all power supplies and connection places must be guaranteed to be waterproof. Check more details, pls review How to Choose the Waterproof LED Light Strips?
Brightness selection
LED light strips are used outdoors, mainly depending on their installation purpose. It can be divided into functional lighting which is about 1000 lumens per meter and above and atmosphere decoration which is about 400-600 lumens per meter.
How to Choose the CCT of LED Strips for Landscape Lighting?
Different landscape areas are suitable for different color temperature selections, because different lighting purposes, choose different color temperatures. More details, pls read What Color Temperature is Suitable for Landscape Lighting?
- 2700K–3000K warm white light is soft and comfortable. It is mainly recommended for courtyards, gardens, paths, etc.
- 3500K–4000K neutral white is natural clear forest iron, which can be used for stairs, driveways, fences, trails, etc.
- 5000K–6500K cold white light is to keep people awake and enhance visual focus, generally used for sculptures, building facades, water features, etc.
- RGB/RGBW color light sources are dynamically changing and are often used for festival layouts, night activities, decoration, etc.
Summary
Low voltage LED strip are a solution that combines beauty and safety in landscape lighting. When choosing, you need to consider voltage, waterproofness, and brightness. Using low voltage LED tape for landscape lighting is a safer choice. For more outdoor low voltage LED light strips, please contact us.
FAQs
Yes, LED strips can be used for landscape lighting. It mainly depends on its waterproof rating. It is safe to choose a waterproof rating of at least IP65.
If the LED strip is only used for general outdoor use (rain, splashing water), at least IP65 should be selected. If the strip is exposed to heavy rain or moisture, or near water features, IP67 or IP68 should be selected.
Depending on the voltage and power supply, a 12V LED strip can be extended for 5 meters, while a 24V LED strip can be extended for 10 meters, so that the voltage drop is not so obvious.
No, doing so will cause the 24V LED strip to be very dim or non-functional. Please be sure to match the voltage of the LED strip to the power supply voltage. 24V LED strips need to be connected to 24V LED strips.
Yes, most LED strips have designated cutting points. After cutting, use waterproof caps or silicone to seal the ends to maintain the IP rating. However, it is best to customize the length of the LED strip, because after the waterproof LED strip is cut, the waterproof part may not be properly handled, resulting in the LED strip being soaked in water.