Led Strip Only Works When I Touch It
You might own several LED light strips. Once in a while, you accidentally touch one of these to find out that it lights up. Some of your strips act the same, but others do not. So, here is the reason.
Most LED strips react to sources of disturbance in the network. For example, photovoltaic inverter, WiFi, or low-quality impulse power supplies.
Experts call it capacitive coupling. In short, it is a transfer that may or may not be desired. In this case, we can talk about parasitic capacitive coupling.
The first troubleshooting tip is to take away your light strip. Alternatively, you can find and remove the source of the disturbance.
Better yet, replace your power adapter with an EMC certified power supply for your systems. Surely, that is better than a generic power noise suppressor filter.
Led Light Strip Wont Turn On
Did you just unplug the strip light while the light was on? Maybe, you reattached it, but it gave no sign of life.
Sometimes, you are just in a hurry. But cheap strip lights do not care for your precious time. So, they stop working. Or they burn out.
Before you throw away your LEDs, you should test the power supply to see if it works. Most of the time, it is the power supply that fails or breaks down.
In case of doubt, bring your power supply to an electronics repair shop for a quick test. Literally, testing it takes seconds.
If your product runs on batteries, try to change them. Also, this applies to your remote controller. If anything fails, check the wires. Indeed, loose wire connections can prevent your strip from lighting up.
Common Problems With Led Strip Lighting How To Troubleshoot
Until a few years ago, only specialists knew about the LED tech. In the narrowest tech environments, light emitting diodes were a sort of tech underdog.
At first, red, green, or blue strip light diodes were unusual electronic gadgets. Recently, however, LED products begun to invade the lighting sector. Even at the consumer level, you can easily find countless models.
So much so that it is now possible to buy a LED strip light almost everywhere. And of course, any model comes with at least one problem to fix.
So, here is a list of common problems with LED strip lighting that you can troubleshoot. Follow along to find and solve your specific issue. Or read more about the subject so that no problem can ever puzzle you.
In detail, each issue comes with a short description and an easy fix. Also, you will learn more about what makes it problematic. Either from the consumers or the technicians point of view.
This troubleshooting guide may also help you to orient yourself in the product market. Given that the market offers very different products in terms of age and quality, you will find it useful to make savvy purchases.
You May Like: When Is The Last Time Republicans Controlled Congress
Flexible Rope Light 36 Bright Led Patriot Lighting Indoor/outdoor
£16.19eBay Money Back Guarantee
Seller:bmerritt913100%, Location:Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, Ships to: US & many other countries, Item:4020560262326 Flexible Rope Light 36 Bright Led Patriot Lighting Indoor/outdoor. I purchased these but never used. Just opened the box. 6 Flexible Rope Light 36 Bright Led Patriot Lighting Indoor/outdoor. Condition is New. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope.Condition:Open box, Restocking Fee:No, Return shipping will be paid by:Seller, All returns accepted:Returns Accepted, Item must be returned within:30 Days, Refund will be given as:Money Back, Brand:Patriot, Installation Area:Indoor & Outdoor, Type:Rope/Wire, Sensor Type:Light, Lighting Technology:LED, Power Source:Corded, Department:Adults, Features:Flexible See More
- Popularity 2,442 views, 3.9 views per day, 634 days on eBay. Super high amount of views. 0 sold, 1 available. More
How Do You Cover Led Strip Lights
Some popular options include silicone covers and aluminum profiles. Alternatively, you can buy waterproof products with several types of protections.
Waterproof and non-waterproof LED strip lights behave differently underwater. Underwater, the non-waterproof LED strip creates tiny air bubbles. When you pull it away from the water, it gets darker and darker. That is, it oxidizes quickly.
Instead, waterproof strips work just fine because they have enough protection already. In reality, most silicone covers are ideal for humid places.
When you buy a channel system for your strip light, you find detailed instructions. Before you buy, make sure that the width of the channel system is appropriate for your strip.
If you want to use some fabric cover, you can staple it to the support base. In this case, you might be using cardboard for extra support. First, secure the LEDs via its adhesive. Next, use some tape to put the extra cardboard in place.
When choosing a covering, you should take into consideration the amount of space left. That is, the ventilation or medium in which you put the LED strip lights.
Some LED strips should be protected with a plastic cover. For example, if you use IP20 LED strips, protection is critical to prevent any issue.
You May Like: How Long Have The Republicans Controlled Congress
Two: Measuring How Many Feet Of Led Strip You Need
You may have your LED strip light sent to you in a reel or by the foot, depending on the quantity ordered. Decide how much flexible LED strip lighting you will need for your project. Since the LED strip can only be cut every third LED, you may have to go slightly over or under your desired specification.
Read Also: How Many States Are Controlled By Republicans
Can Led Strip Lights Catch Fire
In normal circumstances, a LED strip will not start a fire. However, it is still an electrical device. In other words, a short can compromise the safety of any environment.
When you turn on the strip light, the diodes increase their temperature. Then, the heat dissipates into the air and through the contact at the base.
Over time, related problems can arise. For example, one of the wires you installed, which carried current, may lose its protection. Basically, the PVC material covering the copper or aluminum wire can melt away.
Because LED strip lights remain turned on for many hours, overheating is a real issue. For this reason, prevention is of the utmost importance.
Other than that risk, the LEDs themselves should not catch fire. At most, the current return can cause damage or shorten their life span. But the risk of an actual strip burning due to overheating is low.
In case of the installation of a new electronic control unit, make sure that it does support the connected products. In detail, the copper of the strip light may add to the overall resistance of the wires. Thus, heating them up in the entire system.
Read Also: How Many Democrats In Congress 2017
Light Color Is Different At The End Of The Strip
In one of the LED strips, some LEDs are very weak at the beginning and off towards the end. Commonly, the light color is different too.
It could be an absorption problem. To fix this, you just have to change its position.
Another way to make a quick diagnostic test includes the use of another light strip. Exchange the two to see if both display the same issue.
If the second one works just fine, maybe the first LED light was somehow damaged. For example, you should never place the led strip with a curvature of less than one degree. Or, even worse, at a right angle.
Otherwise, a similar result tells us something new. Precisely, that the strip might not be receiving enough power.
Also, you could troubleshoot the voltage drop in another way. Instead of relying on the original structure, use multiple LED drivers.
While you are at it, look for crossed wires that may be causing the same problem. Sometimes, wires that should never get in contact are one over the other.
What Is An Led Strip Light
Usually, you will find a LED strip on the shelf in the form of a long roll. At first sight, it looks like a strip on which someone welded light diodes, one after another.
On most LED strips, the number of LEDs and the distance between them are never the same. Generally, the amount varies according to the light power you want to obtain.
If you only need a short piece, you can shorten your led strip. In this case, you follow the instruction manual carefully. Alternatively, you can follow our short tutorial to troubleshoot the cutting in real-time. More on this later.
Finally, a LED strip is a lighting solution designed for specific needs. For example, it is useful to decorate or point out something. Plus, it offers the opportunity to bring light to any environment. Even where only one light point is set up.
Thanks to its structure made of a series of LED Chips in sequence, it lights up in the shape of a bright line. Indeed, this fact alone opens up numerous applications.
One of the most popular features of LED strips is their flexibility and ease of installation. With a single LED strip, you can create plays of light and luminous grooves. Or shadows for truly decorative walls or false ceilings.
You May Like: Gop Senate Races
Adhesive Of Strip Light Is Losing Adhesion
The LED strips can be placed with extreme simplicity in almost all environments. The key features of this type of lighting are its flexibility and sticky adhesive. But what can you do when the glue does not stick anymore?
Beginners may encounter this issue because they remove the cover too soon. Before removing the protection that prevents the adhesive material from drying out, choose where to place the strip. More importantly, prepare to apply it by cleaning the area well. No dust or powder should be present where you install the LED strip.
For light strips that do not stick anymore, using a screw is a common fix. Just make sure to place the screw under the string of LEDs. Above all, the goal is to clamp it and avoiding any damage or excessive pressure.
What Are Led Strip Lights
LED Strip Lights feature surface mounted diodes which produce the brightest light offered by current LED technology. The chips, or SMDs, are attached directly onto a flexible printed circuit board to maximize durability and longevity. This ribbon like combination of connected LEDs resembles a long linear strip of lighting. In order to protect the strip, it is then encased in a protective layer of clear, flexible PVC that will contour and bend to almost any shape. Combine this with the ability to cut the strip lighting to length at the designated intervals and you can experience one of the most versatile and customizable lighting solutions for almost any application.
Read Also: Who’s Left In The Republican Race
Is It Ok To Sleep With The Led Strip Lights On
At the very least, this question leads to two different interpretations. On one side, you might be asking for the technical pros or cons of keeping a LED light on. On the other side, you might be wondering about possible health effects.
Technically, the safety issues related to the continuous use of LED lights concerns the quality of isolation. Also, current leakage is a common problem. To eliminate any doubt, hire an electrician to perform maintenance and check-ups.
From a medical standpoint, artificial light is one of the factors most closely associated with sleep deprivation. In detail, sleep problems are a very common condition in our society. On the other hand, many researchers relate them to other risk factors. Especially to those of pathological conditions that are becoming increasingly epidemic, such as:
- obesity
- depression
- stroke
If you want to avoid any potential health risks, you can resort to using a remote. With the use of a receiver and remote control, you can turn your LED strips on and off anytime you want.
The Led Lights Wont Flash Or Chase
Even though you connected the strip light to the power supply and the WiFi, you still cannot control its functions. Indeed, some LED strips seem to not work as advertised.
The latest LED light strips come with their own software or app. Sometimes, they are compatible with universal apps or specific operating systems. So, the whole fix step by step can be quite a pain to troubleshoot.
In principle, two are the main factors that can lead to a strip light that will not flash or chase. The first is the use of a dimmer. Instead, the second factor relates to the previously mentioned software.
If you are using a dimmer, just remove it. After you disconnected it from the strip, the problem will go away. In fact, dimmers provide an incompatibility with these functions.
When a dimmer is not involved, then you need to reconnect the strip to the WiFi. According to the app or online software, you need to find the network. Then, you need to associate your mobile phone with the LEDs to pair them. At the end of this procedure, you might have to double-check the settings. Most of the time, you will find out that the settings do not display any pairing. So, you will need to redo all over again or contact support.
Also Check: Donald Trump Republicans Are Dumb Snopes
Easy Installation Of Led Tape Lights
Also known as LED strip light or ribbon lights, LED tape lights are easy to install. Each of the standard tape light sections or spools one comes with a peel-and-stick 3M adhesive backing. Channel guides and mounting accessories are available for more complex installations, such as cove lighting, under stair lighting, and under cabinet lighting. Tape light makes DIY installation of accent lighting and mood lighting a cinch! Connectors allow you to change the direction of the tape light around a corner or create more complex runs using a T-connector or plus-shape connector. LED tape lights can be cut at custom lengths along cut lines marked on the sleeve.
Overheating Problem Hot To Touch The Led Strip
When you switch it on, the LED lights shine bright. To be precise, you can hover your hand on the strip to feel it warming up. After a while, the LED strip is hot. Even too hot to touch. Indeed, it may be overheating.
No one should let their LED product overheat. In fact, overheating means that too much power is making the diodes work way too hard.
In other words, excessive power or voltage shortens the life span of your product. Most likely, you cannot puzzle the problem out without doing some testing.
Testing is recommendable to search for any problem concerning the electric system. If your LEDs overheat and you want to troubleshoot the temperature problem, here is a solution. Use a metallic profile as a heat sink. A simple aluminum profile will do.
The metal will absorb the heat and cool down the light strip.
Recommended Reading: Trump Quote 1998 People Magazine
What Would Cause My Led Tape To Flash When Plugged In
I just removed our new tape lighting and plugged it in. The brand name is Patriot Lighting 12 volt 16.4 flexible LED tape light.
All it does is flash on and off. Any suggestions?
CFLs and LEDs can be very sensitive to leakage currents, especially when turned off. It doesnt take much leakage to make them flash. Lutron has a line of dimmers that are adjustable that should help.
- +1. I can cause my LEDs to flash by turning the dimmer down but not completely off. Basically, whats happening is that the power supply is trying to charge itself up far enough to light the LED, reaches that point, turns the LED on and promptly drains the capacitor, and repeats the process a low-voltage equivalent of how xenon strobes work.
If once you plug the LED Tape into the transformer and you turn it on and it flashes on and off in a consistent motion. By this I mean a kind of slow strobe then the reason for this would be one of 2 reasons.
You May Like: When Did Southern Democrats Switch To Republican
Led Light Strip Only Red Or Green Or Blue Is Working
Suddenly, the red and blue lights no longer work. Only the green diode lights up. Maybe, it is the other way around, but in the end, only one color is working.
The LED diodes are connected in parallel. In detail, the failure of one LED chip does not compromise the remaining ones.
First of all, you should do a quick test. That is, use the RGB controller to turn the strip to blue, red, or green. You might find that the strip actually works. In this case, reset the LED light strip. Otherwise, continue.
After the test, turn the strip light and look for damaged resistors. On the breadboard, you should see a clear sign of damage due to excessive twisting or bending. If so, proceed to repair the resistor.
Finally, the diodes might have reached their end cycle temperature. Or they might have simply died. In that case, you would have to use a new light strip.
Unfortunately, the size of the LED chips makes the repair virtually impossible. They are too small to repair with regular tools. Also, the fix would require a long time and quite an effort.
Also Check: What Is Difference Between Democrats And Republicans
