LED strips 5050 rgb 14meter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: barbet
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 23, 2014, 02:58:21 pm
content: Hi ppl,I'm new here and I didn't see an introduction page, so I'll introduce myself here. I'm bart and I'm new to electronics. I want to experiment with LED lighting in my house. I've got some questions and I hope there are some people out here who could help me out.I have the common 5m LED strip 5050 rgb (300 LED SMD). I have a power supply with 12V 5A output (thus 60W, DC). I want to connect multiple strips to one of 13,7 meter. I wonder what power supply I need for this setup. Can I connect about 3 strips directly or will I run into trouble?I want optimal light output with max lifespan.These are the exact operating details:PCB Black 5050 RGB 300 LED SMD stripØ Color: RGB?Colorful?Ø Protection class IP60 (Non Waterproof)Ø Operating voltage: 12V DCØ Operating current: 6A / 5 MeterØ LED quantity: 300 LED / 5 MeterØ Operating temperature: -20 to 50 °Ø Viewing Angle: 120 °Ø Life time:>50,000 hoursØ Size: L500cm (5M) × W1.0cm x T0.25cmWith best regards,Bart

author: electronics man
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2014, 03:04:34 pm
content: Firstly welcome to the forum.Well it depends on how you connect them up the best way to do it (whith that current) in parallel whith EPA power supply for each strip, this is due to the high curent consumption.

author: Kryoclasm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2014, 05:28:29 pm
content: Looks like you will be using at least 3 strips or more depending on how you cut them.You will need 20Amp capacity for 13.7m @ 16.44Amps of those LEDs.I found a power supply on ebay that should work...http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-12V-3A-5A-10A-15A-20A-30A-Switching-Power-Supply-Driver-For-LED-Strip-/370864584397?pt=US_Lighting_Parts_and_Accessories&var=&hash=item56594076cdSelect the 20A version.I have attached a image on how to wire this set up...

author: electronics man
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2014, 06:16:48 pm
content: Don't buy it on ebay as you don't know if its safe or not buy one from a reputable seller.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2014, 07:10:22 pm
content: I done a fair number of these (for family). It's mostly a plug in routine but soldering the connections is a good idea if possible, at the very least hot glue them.- The strips have four connections one for each colour LED and and common +12.- You will need to boost the current every 5 meters, that means you will cut the strip (if you don't the strip could melt down), install one of thesehttp://www.ebay.ca/itm/Mini-RGB-Led-Amplifier-with-DC-Plug-for-3528-5050-RGB-Led-Strip-DC12V-12A-/171194710093?pt=US_Lighting_Parts_and_Accessories&hash=item27dbfff84dand run 12 volt power to the unit. Technically you could run more than that on 5 meter section but they are cheap and running them under the limits will make them last longer. The wire connecting to the amp needs to be of a sufficient gauge to carry the current.- To turn the lights on you can buy a remote like this.http://www.ebay.ca/itm/44-Key-IR-Remote-Control-Controller-For-5050-3528-RGB-LED-Light-Strip-/141082019188?pt=US_Lighting_Parts_and_Accessories&hash=item20d924c574. The unit has enough capacity to run 10 meters of lights but would need to be mounted in the middle of that strip to avoid damage to the strip. You can also get a smaller remote version and a sound activated one but they are not compatible you must choose one or the other.- If you do use a cage type power supply you will need to put it in a box and fuse it for safety. 12 volt laptop supplies also work well just check the current rating.- A known issue is that the colour codes one the wire do not necessarily match what you need so read the label on the remotes and other devices. Typically red and blue need to be swapped on the connection to the led strip. It will make some weird colours but will not damage anything.- These are reflective for colour mixing so point them at a white surface equal to half the distance or more of the distance that they are mounted on the strip. Most strips are 3 cm so don't mount them more than 1.5cm from the surface you are trying to light.- You may find that colours don't match frrom location to location. Wall colour and intensity are the biggest issues. If you need more intensity run another stip beside the existing one.- Running everything, cost wise using multiple remote receivers is a good idea compared to running long power supply wires. It's often neater and less cleanup.Have fun.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2014, 07:12:26 pm
content: You don't want RGB for general lighting - RGB makes a horrible white, which will vary a lot.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2014, 07:19:16 pm
content: I agree it's decorative not for general lighting.