When selecting a LED string light, you should consider lots of factors. Besides, when it comes to low voltage LED lights, 5V, 12V, and 24V are the most popular ones.
So, you might have to choose between these three types. That is why today. I am hoping to shed some light on 12V low voltage LED string lights.
For a 12V LED string light, you will need a power input of a 12VDC. If you are planning to use it at home, remember to get an AC/DC transformer or use the 12V battery. These batteries will provide DC output.
What is 12 Volt LED String Light?
For those who are looking for a LED string light, 12V LED string light is one of the best choices on the market. It only needs 12V and works well even in extremely cold or hot conditions.
These 12V low voltage LED string lights are popular among light designers and architects because of their efficiency, brightness, and color options.
How many outdoor string lights can you connect?
Most typical conventional string lights enable you to link just 4 or 5 pairs end to end, while many LED mini light strings enable you to link 40 to 50+ sets simultaneously based on the number of light counts.
How to Choose 12V Low Voltage LED String Lights?
When you choose a 12V LED string light, there are a lot of factors you should consider. For instance, the length of the string, number of strings, and waterproof ability are some of them.
So, in this section, I am going to discuss these factors. Even though these factors seem less important, they play a huge role in the performance of your brand new 12V LED string lights.
Length of the String
The length of the LED string might vary according to several types. For instance, LED string lights can go up to 5m or more.
However, when deciding the length, remember to pick one that suits your project. Besides, more strings mean more voltage drops.
If you don’t understand the reason for the above voltage drop, do not worry about it. I am hoping to explain it to you.
Voltage Drop
A good wire needs to have low resistance. That does not mean the wire has no resistance.
Therefore, whenever the current flows through a wire, the amount of resistance get increased according to the length.
In other words, if you use a 5m string and a 7.5m string, the 7.5m string produces more resistance due to the length.
When the resistance increases, the voltage drops according to the resistance. So, a long string length means more voltage drop. To get a clear idea, follow this test.
Step 01: First, gather ten 12V LED strings and connect them.
Step 02: Supply the power to the strings and change the color to white.
Step 03: You can see after the sixth string; that the white color will not display properly (from the 7th one). The reason for this is the voltage drop.
So, remember to consider the length of the string when you are choosing 12V low voltage LED string lights.
Tip: You can prevent this voltage drop to some degree by connecting ta second wire to LED strings. And that wire will balance out the voltage drop.
Number of String
With the increased number of strings, the total length of the strings will increase. So, the voltage drop will increase too. Do not buy or connect an unnecessary number of strings.
Waterproof or Non-Waterproof
Also, remember to check the waterproof ability of the LED strings. Nowadays, you can find waterproof LED strings and non-waterproof LED strings on the market.
It is always better to choose waterproof LED strings for your project. That way, you can place the LED strings outdoor too.
However, waterproof LED strings are a little expensive compared to ordinary ones. But extra protection is guaranteed.
Single Color or Color Changing LED String Lights
LED string light’s color is a key factor that you should consider while buying. Depending on your project, you might have to get color-changing LED string lights, or single-color LED string lights.
So, make sure to choose the right type of LED string lights for you. However, color-changing LED string lights are a bit expensive compared to single-color lights.
Brand
The brand is another key factor, and there are numerous brands available in the market. Choosing a reliable brand is difficult.
Also, make sure to do some research before choosing any product. Read some previous reviews and do deep research before jumping to conclusions.
How Do I Know If My LED Strip is 12V or 5V?
5V LED strips come with 01 LEDs per unit, and 12 V LED strips come with 03 LEDs per unit. This is a major difference that you can observe quickly, and it will help you identify the 5V and 12v.
Apart from that, there are significant differences between 5V and 12V strips.
- The 5V LED strip’s minimum cutting length is shorter compared to the 12V LED strip. LED strips have a minimum cutting length of 5-10 cm.
- 5V LED strips come with 3 dry batteries. These batteries provide power to the strip. However, 12 V LED strips can be powered by a transformer, power supply, adaptor, or battery pack.
Can I Connect String Lights to Low Voltage Transformer?
Yes, you can connect the 12V LED string light to a low voltage transformer. Here is how you can accomplish that.
Step 01: First, take a razor knife and separate the landscape wire that comes from the transformer.
Step 02: Then, use a dikes tool to cut off the separated two wires.
Step 03: Next, strip the two wires using a wire stripper.
Step 04: Now, take the two wires coming from the LED string lights and twist them with the landscape wires. For one connection, there should be three wires.
Step 05: Finally, connect a silicone wire nut for each connection. It will secure the strip wire connections.
How to Install 12 Volt LED String Lights?
Installing 12 low-voltage LED string lights is not as hard as you have imagined. It is quite a straightforward process.
All you need to do is have patience and implement each step mentioned below with accuracy and focus.
Without further ado, let us now look at the essential steps for installing a 12 Volt LED string light.
Step 01: Start by testing the supply units
It is advised that the supply, especially LED strings and control systems, be tested before installation.
The test ensures that the string lights are set and functioning and that the brightness and the temperature of the colors in the LED are what you desire.
LED control systems operate properly and can produce the desired lighting effects if all the functions are in a working condition.
Step 2: Prepare the mounting services
String lights may be mounted quickly and securely on well-prepared mounted surfaces. To get the best traction, the bonding or mounting points must be smooth, clean, and well-aligned.
Surface cleaning comprises the removal of filth, grease, and other contaminants. A common surface cleansing solvent is an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) mixture that is 30% water and 70% IPA.
Acetone should be used as an alternative to IPA for oily substrates. When handling chemicals, take the necessary precautions.
To establish a firmer connection, use an adhesion primer. Abrading the surface of the foundation can effectively remove oil coatings and other contaminants in some circumstances.
We can go on to the next stages while the treated surfaces dry.
Step 3: Make sure to measure the length
You may have calculated the entire length of light strings required in the first section while arranging the pattern of string light setup.
We must now calculate the length of each attachment component. As previously stated, most string lights must be terminated as they make rotations.
Make a note of your specifications because you will require them eventually when trimming LED strings.
Step 4: Powering the string lights
Linking an LED string light to the power source and then to the 110V household electricity supply is how it is implemented.
Technically, it is the power source that supplies direct electricity to the LED strings.
The power system supply ports are labeled L, G, and N, with L representing live cable, N representing neutral cord, and G representing ground cables.
Ground terminals are frequently designated with grounding symbols. Power cables are interconnected to the electrical network via the three operating connections L, G, and N.
Step 5: Checking the output
It is critical to verify all the connections created in prior phases before attaching LED strings.
The purpose of the test is to ensure that all the connections operate properly, avoiding problems when we install the string lights.
It would be extremely challenging to remove the LED string once it has been adhered to using 3M duct tape.
Even if you were successful, the LED string may have suffered from stress during the removal process.
Furthermore, if you are using the 3M adhesive tape for the second test, you will be unable to build a firm bonding.
Where to Use 12 Volt LED String Lights?
Most often, these 12V LED string lights are used as Christmas lights. Apart from that, here are some locations where you can use these LED string lights.
- Parade float
- Truck
- Car
- Golf Cart
- Horse-drawn carriage
- Pop-up camper
Advantages of 12V LED String Lights?
For times such as Christmas, these LED string lights are must-have items at your home. Besides, these lights come with many advantages.
So, in this section, you can learn the various advantages of 12V low voltage LED string lights.
Eco-Friendly
Even though some lights provide excellent brightness, they consume a large amount of energy. Higher energy consumption will reduce the number of natural resources that help produce the energy. But LED string lights consume less energy, and because of that, the natural resources last longer.
Less Pollution
When we produce more energy, the power plants contribute to the pollution on a much larger scale. It is not a perfect situation at all. So, less energy means less pollution. That is why LED string lights are an excellent choice to prevent pollution.
High Durability
If you compare LED string lights with incandescent bulbs, you will realize that LED string lights are more durable. Incandescent bulbs are made from glass, and they will shatter quite easily.
However, LED string lights are made with plastic or epoxy lenses. Therefore, they will not shatter easily. Besides, LED string lights last 10 times longer than traditional lights.
Cost-Efficient
If we compare the price of LED string lights and incandescent bulbs, without a doubt, LED string lights are expensive. However, this high price tag can be covered with less energy consumption.
Because of the less energy consumption, you will get a less electricity bill.
Besides, these LED string lights have a long lifespan. Because of that, the bulb’s replacement cost reduces remarkably. So, LED string lights are a cost-efficient option for all of us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Different Types of Voltage of LED String Lights?
You can find different LED string lights voltages in the market. Below 24V are considered as the low voltage LED string lights.
Above 110V are considered as high voltage LED string lights. If you are looking for low voltage LED string lights, you can choose from 5V, 12V, and 24V.
Among these three types, 12V is the best option when considering the cost and energy consumption.
Which One is Better, 5V or 12V LED String Light?
Both 5V and 12V are excellent options for LED string lights. However, 12V is brighter and comes with many options. So, 12V LED string light should be your pick.
What are the Different Power Supply options I Can Use for 12V LED String Lights?
There are several power supply options. For instance, you can use a transformer, power supply, adaptor, or battery pack. Depending on your project, you can choose any one of them.
Conclusion
With the above post, you now have a good understanding of the 12V low voltage LED string lights. You will be able to buy the preferred LED string type without much trouble.
Always remember, using LED string lights will be more environmentally friendly. Besides, it will save some cash too.