LED Light Strips Explained: An Introduction

LED lighting has become increasingly popular recently, but not all of us are familiar with it. LED light strips can be a great way to light up home and commercial spaces. They are more energy efficient and longer lasting than other types of bulbs, plus they emit a pure wavelength of light that does not cause eye strain or fatigue. LEDs come in many different shapes and sizes, so you'll have no shortage of options if you are looking to add them to your decorating scheme!

Light strips are an easy way to add light to your home or business. You can choose from different styles of strips and colors, making them versatile enough for any setting.

But what are they and what are their benefits?

What is an LED Strip Light?

An LED strip light is a flexible circuit board embedded with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light when powered. These strips are usually thin, narrow, and adhesive-backed, making them easy to install on various surfaces, like under cabinets, behind TVs, or along ceilings.

Key Features:

Flexibility: Can bend around corners or curved surfaces
Energy-efficient: Uses less power than traditional lighting
Customizable: Can be cut to size or extended
Color options: Available in single-color, multi-color (RGB), or smart (app-controlled) versions
Easy installation: Peel-and-stick adhesive or clip-on mounting

LED strip lights are popular for ambient lighting, task lighting, or decorative effects in both homes and commercial spaces.

How Do LED Strip Lights Work?

LED strip lights work by passing an electric current through small light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a flexible strip. Each LED chip lights up when powered, producing bright, energy-efficient light. The strip usually has built-in resistors to control voltage and prevent overheating. Most LED strips are powered by a 12V or 24V adapter and can be controlled by a switch, remote, app, or smart assistant—especially if the strip supports features like dimming or color changes.

The Different Types Of LED Strips

There are many different types of LED strips. To help you get started, we will break down some basic information about each type and explain how they work.

Flexible LED Strips. These strips consist of flexible plastic that is covered in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) along both sides. They are flexible enough to be cut into any shape and bent around corners without breaking or damaging the LEDs inside. The wide range of colors available means you can match them to most surfaces, too!
Rigid LED Strips. This type is much harder than flexible ones, which makes them more durable but also less versatile when it comes to design options. On top of this limitation, there is also only one color available per style so if you want something other than white or red then rigid strips aren't an option unless you plan on painting them yourself after installation.

LED Strips And Connectors

When you are buying LED strips, you will come across connectors. These are used to connect different strips together, and there are many different options available. Here is what you need to know about them:

Male/female connectors. Male/female connectors allow for one of each type on either end of the strip. This allows for mixing and matching lengths of your lights. The only downside is that these connectors can be unreliable in outdoor environments where they may be exposed to water or high temperatures.
Twist-lock connectors. Twist-lock connectors have a locking mechanism built into them, which means they will not come apart unless you want them to or if something gets in between the two pieces. If a twist lock connector comes loose without your knowledge while working with it outdoors, it could cause damage or injury.
Screw down connectors. Screw-down connectors have no locking mechanisms or other parts that might fail over time when exposed outdoors so they are very reliable in this regard.

LED Strip App Management

To get your LED strip up and running, you will use app management.

TP-Link’s Tapo Smart Light Strip responds to your favorite smart home assistants, such as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. All Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Strips allow you to connect directly to the Tapo App, where you can control your light strip however you want.

Advantages Of LEDs

LEDs emit a pure wavelength of light. This means that LEDs are a single point source of light, instead of having the same kind of bulb with different sizes and shapes like other types of bulbs.
LEDs use less power than incandescent bulbs and halogen bulbs. This makes them more energy efficient than other types of bulbs because they do not use up as much energy to spread their light out over a wider area. It also means they last longer, since there is less distance for the electricity to travel through the lamp before it reaches the bulb itself.
LEDs also produce less heat than traditional lighting options such as incandescent and halogen lights, making it safer to touch when they are turned off or not in use by any potential hazards such as pets or children who may play with the cords attached to these lights if left lying around on surfaces where they could be easily reached by curious hands

What do Letters or Numbers in the LED Strip Light Mean?

The letters and numbers on an LED strip light tell you about the type and size of the LED chips used. “SMD” means surface-mounted device, which is how the LEDs are attached to the strip. The numbers, like 3528 or 5050, refer to the chip’s size in millimeters—for example, 5050 means the chip is 5.0mm by 5.0mm. Larger chips usually give off more light and may support more features like color-changing.

Understanding the Characteristics of LED Strip Lights

Here are the key characteristics to look for when choosing LED strip lights:

LED Type (e.g., 3528, 5050, 2835): Indicates the size and brightness of each LED chip.
Color Options:
- Single-color – emits one fixed color (like warm white or cool white).
- RGB – can change between red, green, and blue colors.
- RGBIC – allows individual segments to show different colors at the same time.
Brightness: Determined by chip size and the number of LEDs per meter (e.g., 30, 60, or 120 LEDs/m).
Water Resistance (IP Rating):
- IP20 – indoor use only
- IP65 or higher – splash-proof or waterproof, ideal for outdoor or damp areas.
Voltage: Commonly 12V or 24V; affects power delivery and maximum strip length.
Dimmability and Control Options:
- Can be dimmed with a remote, app, or smart home system.
- Some models support voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Cuttable and Extendable: Most strips can be cut at marked points or connected to extend the length.

These features help you choose the right LED strip light for your space and purpose.

How to Install LED Strip Lights?

Here's the step-by-step guide on how to install LED strip lights at home:

1. Plan Your Setup: Start by deciding where you want to place the LED strip lights—popular spots include under kitchen cabinets, behind TVs, or along ceiling edges. Measure the area to determine how much strip length you'll need before purchasing or cutting.

2. Clean the Surface: Use a dry cloth to clean the surface where you'll stick the lights. Make sure it's smooth, dry, and free of dust or grease. A clean surface ensures the adhesive sticks properly and lasts longer.

3. Cut to Length (If Needed): If the strip is too long, you can trim it to size. Only cut along the marked cut lines—these are usually spaced evenly across the strip. Use sharp scissors and avoid cutting in the middle of an LED or connector area.

4. Peel and Stick: Peel off the adhesive backing on the strip. Carefully press it onto your desired location, applying even pressure to make sure it sticks well. Go slowly to avoid crooked placement or bubbles.

5. Connect to Power: Plug the LED strip into its controller and connect it to the power adapter. For USB or battery-powered versions, simply plug it into a suitable power source. Some models may also connect to a smart hub or Wi-Fi network.

6. Secure the Strip (Optional): If the strip doesn’t stick well or you’re mounting on a vertical or rough surface, use mounting clips, brackets, or extra adhesive to keep it in place. This step helps prevent sagging over time.

7. Test the Lights: Turn on the lights to make sure everything is working. Try changing colors or brightness using the remote control, app, or voice assistant if your strip supports smart features.

Achieve Creative Lighting With TP-Link

As you can see, LED Light strips are a useful tool for many projects. They are easy to use and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. You can find them at your local hardware store or online at places like TP-Link. They come in different types, such as flexible or rigid, which are used in different applications like lighting up cabinets or under countertops, where they do not need to move around too much.

If you are looking for a way to add more color, light and style to your home or office, then TP-Link’s Tapo'smart Light Strip is the perfect choice. They are simple and easy to install, energy-efficient, and versatile and can be used in almost any room. With TP-Link, you can achieve creative lighting.

Here are our top recommendations for you:

Tapo L930‑5 Smart Wi‑Fi Light Strip: This premium model is a fully capable RGBWIC strip—featuring gradient lighting across 50 addressable zones, plus extra white LEDs for brighter, tunable white light. With IP44 PU coating, it is dust- and splash-resistant, making it ideal for kitchens or semi-outdoor use.

Tapo L900‑5 Smart Wi‑Fi Light Strip: This is the more budget-conscious L900 version, offering full RGB color, 3M adhesive mounting, scheduling/timer features, and music sync. While it doesn’t offer zonal color control or extra white LEDs, it’s bright enough for ambient lighting and does not require a hub—just rely on the Tapo app and your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LED light strip?

An LED light strip is a flexible circuit board with surface-mounted light-emitting diodes (LEDs). It provides bright, energy-efficient lighting that can be used for decoration, task lighting, or ambient effects.

How do LED strip lights work?

LED strip lights work by sending electric current through small LED chips on the strip. These chips then emit light. Most strips come with a power adapter and controller to manage brightness and color.

Can I cut LED strip lights to fit a space?

Yes, most LED strips are designed with marked cutting points so you can safely trim them to your desired length without damaging the rest of the strip.

Are LED strip lights energy-efficient?

Absolutely. LED strips use much less power than traditional lighting while still providing strong brightness. They're ideal for long-term use in both homes and businesses.

Do I need special tools to install LED strip lights?

No special tools are required. Most strips come with adhesive backing, so you just peel and stick. However, for more secure mounting, clips or brackets may be helpful.

Where can I use LED strip lights?

They can be used in a variety of places, including under cabinets, behind TVs, along ceilings, in cars, and even outdoors—provided they have a waterproof rating like IP65.