Are LED Tape Lights Easy To Fit ?

[GAJ52]

Hi

I have four fluorescent light fittings just behind a pelmet in the cabin of my boat. I would like to replace these with some of the tape type LED's I have read about on this forum.

Have these tape LED's got some kind of adhesive to attach to a surface and do I need some kind of electrical adaptor, my boat is a 12v DC system.

Thanks, Glen

 

[neil1967]

Mine had adhesive tape, but I used hot glue as well. No adaptor, just connect to 12v.

Neil

 

[GAJ52]

OK thanks Neil.

Glen

 

[captainboo]

I have replaced mine with lengths of self adhesive led light strip such as this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390673627...eName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

It is easy to cut to the required length every 3 leds and it is waterproof and very sticky with the 3m double sided tape on it. As long as you can use a soldering iron connecting it is very easy. No transformer is required as it runs off 12v and if you apply underneath and around where posssible with aluminium foil tape you can reflect even more light if required.

 

[William_H]

Yes easy to fit. It is fairly clear where you should cut and attach (solder) additional wires if you want short sections. Additioanl glue or mechanical clamping might be needed but hopefully not. I fitted them around the inside of a closet door frame brilliant no shadows in the closet.But i did find they did not stick as well as I would hope.
I fitted tape with the 3528 LEDs but I think the 5050 type are far more reliable from experience with other LED fittings.
This tape uses resistive current limiting so you might want to be careful if you are running on a 12v system with high voltage froma smart charger or alternator controller. Theoretically they could overheat with a 15v supply. Not so much of a concern if they are in a metal backed fitting. good luck olewill

 

[GAJ52]

Thanks for the info guys, I'll order a roll and try it.

Glen

 

[Graham_Wright]

As an addition, you can put reds and whites alongside each other (and any other colour available).

If you switch the return and supply two lines one to the white and one to the reds separately switched (by the boss) you can avoid night time dazzle when someone forgets.