Common Myths About LED Tape: Debunked!
Common Myths About LED Tape: Debunked!
LED lights are now being used by thousands of businesses and individuals all around the world, but that doesn’t mean that everyone has a clear understanding of how they work. LED tape, in particular, is often at the centre of many myths and misconceptions, deterring people from using a lighting solution that could be perfect for their needs.
LED tape, also referred to as LED strip lights, is essentially made up of lots of small LEDs joined together on a flexible piece of a circuit board. The strips sometimes come with self-adhesive backing and can be stuck to a huge range of surfaces.
If you’ve been considering using LED strip lights in your home or business premises, this blog will help to dispel any misgivings you might have. It takes common myths many people have about LED tape and turns them on their heads, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Myth: LED tape isn’t as bright as other bulbs
It’s easy to understand how this myth has come into existence. After all, LED strips are populated with lots of very small bulbs to give them a streamlined appearance. However, these small LEDs work in the same way as larger LED bulbs, which have been shown to be just as bright, if not brighter, than more traditional incandescent bulbs.
Some people still believe that LEDs are less powerful than incandescent bulbs because they are usually available at a much lower wattage. But watts don’t actually measure brightness – they measure energy. LED bulbs are much more efficient in their conversion of energy into light, so while they’re often sold at a lower wattage, they still deliver on brightness.
To really understand how bright your bulbs are, you need to be comparing how many lumens it produces per watt. LEDs can produce 50 lumens for each watt, while halogens can usually only manage around six.
Myth: LED strip lights only last a short amount of time
There’s a misconception amongst some people that because LED strips are a newer form of lighting, they’re poorly made and won’t stand the test of time. While there are some sub-standard products on the market sold by disreputable companies, true high-quality LEDs have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. As long as you purchase your LED tape from a reputable seller, you can rest assured that the technology will have been tested extensively and held to stringent quality standards.
Myth: LED strip lighting is only available in one style or colour
LED tape lighting is commonly fitted with cool or warm white lights, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only colour it’s available in. There is a huge range of single-colour LED tapes on the market, ranging from red to green to pink, but you can also find colour-changing LED strips that can be controlled with a remote.
What’s more, LED tape lighting isn’t just limited to one style either. LED neon flex strips act in a similar way to more traditional tape, but are made up of a solid bar of light rather than lots of little individual LEDs. Both lighting solutions are flexible and can be used in a variety of locations, but it’s worth noting that neon flex strips are usually a bit thicker.
Myth: LED lights and strips are too expensive
While buying LED tape lights typically incurs a higher initial cost than more traditional alternatives, they pay for themselves several times over in the long run, making them more cost-effective over time. The reason for this is because, as mentioned above, LEDs use less energy than other lighting solutions, which can lower your yearly energy bill. What’s more, because they last such a long time, they won’t need replacing as often, making them a better investment for your home or business.
Myth: LED tape can only be used indoors
LED strips are incredibly popular for indoor use, whether as cabinet lighting or to illuminate shelving units. However, it’s a mistake to assume they can only be used indoors.
As long as your LED strip lights have an appropriate waterproof rating, there’s no reason they can’t be used in all kinds of weather conditions. Ideally, you need to choose a tape that has an IP rating of 67 or above to perform safely and prevent water ingress.
Some waterproof LED tape is only suitable for use in bathrooms or kitchens where it might be splashed or exposed to moist environments. If you have purchased an LED tape light without sufficient waterproofing, you may be able to protect it with a waterproof profile. This acts as a shield between your LED tape light and water, helping to prevent moisture from damaging the lights or wiring.
Myth: LED tape takes a long time to turn on
All LED lights turn on instantly. This means you won’t have to wait for bulbs to warm up to reach their full brightness, enabling you to see clearly as soon as you hit the on switch. So, where has this myth come from?
Because LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs, they’re often confused with CFL light bulbs. These were originally released as the ultimate energy-saving solution and took quite some time to light up after being switched on. However, not only are LEDs quicker to turn on, but they’re now also more energy efficient than CFLs, making them the preferred lighting solution of thousands across the world.
Start using LED tape lighting in your home or business today
Now that any myths you might have believed about LED tape have been debunked, you can use this lighting solution with confidence. It’s easy to get swept away in doubts and misconceptions, but you really have nothing to worry about when buying your lighting strips from Ultra LEDs.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor LED lighting, a colour-changing LED tape light or a replacement bulb, you will be able to find a solution for all your lighting needs.