Modern lighting technologies make it possible to realize any ideas of designers in the lighting design of premises, rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms. Let's analyze the features technical characteristics and the application of RGB LED strip for 12V, 24V and 220V. Many people simply do not know about the high-voltage option. Also called multicolor or multicolor.
- 1. Characteristics
- 2. Table of power and brightness
- 3. Four-color RGBW
- 4. How it works
- 5. Connection diagram
- 6. Control units
- 7. Sample prices
- 8. Connectors for RGB LED strip
- 9. Video review of the kit with the remote control
Specifications
The difference between the RGB diode (left) and the usual white. High quality photo, like under a microscope
Mainly for the summer of 2015, the three-color tape is produced on SMD 5050. Like the standard one, it is produced under 3 supply voltages 12V, 24V, 220V. Low-voltage ones are no different from each other, except for the installed resistor and have the same connection scheme in the circuit.
High-voltage differs in the principle of operation and connection of light elements. The main differences are:
- diodes are connected in series, 60 pieces each;
- cut only in multiples of 1 meter, usual in multiples of 5 cm;
- powered directly from a 220 volt network;
- if 1 Led fails, the whole meter goes out;
- protected by silicone or PVC sheath;
- can be connected in one piece, up to 80-100 meters, enough to wind the tower crane;
- flickers at 100Hz.
Due to flicker with a frequency of 100 Hertz, it cannot be used in residential premises for constant lighting. This causes headaches and other ailments. To connect Volts, a rectifier is required, usually it with a power of 500-900W, and a low price.
Power and brightness table
Varieties of RSL, angular version
The standard number of LEDs is 30 led or 60 led per meter, rarely at 72 led / meter. The table shows the total brightness and power of all colors at the same time on SMD 5050 per 1 meter of tape at 12V.
| LEDs per meter | Brightness, Lm | Power, W |
| 15 | 200 | 3 |
| 30 | 400 | 6 |
| 60 | 800 | 12 |
| 72 | 940 | 14,4 |
| 120 | 1600 | 24 |
Four-color RGBW
I would especially like to highlight the RGB + W LED strip, also called multicolor, multicolor. The most interesting application is the use of tension, suspended or multi-level. But for connection, special control units and connectors may be required. Another way is to use separate blocks for whites and tricolors.
The first generation alternates between regular white and RGB LEDs. The white LED can stand any power from 3528 to 5630.
Thanks to the fast technological progress, the first generation quickly mutated into the second, more compact one. Four crystals of different colors were placed in one case, including one with a phosphor. the result is a four-color 5050 LED.
Principle of operation
Tri-color RGB LED SMD 5050 consists of 3 SMD 3528 diodes placed in one housing. 3 different colors are used R-red, G-green, B-blue. By mixing these 3 colors, we get any colors and shades.
The visual difference between ordinary tape and RGB will be the presence of 3 resistors on one cut-off section and the corresponding marking. The usual one has only one resistor.
- a resistor for each LED;
- RGB colorless, usual yellow;
- 4 contact pads.
Connection diagram
Parallel connection of the RGB controller
The control unit is marked and the wires are color-coded.
It is forbidden to connect a diode tape with a length of more than 5 m in series, due to the fact that the voltage drops and the copper conductor heats up. By the end, it drops by 1.5 volts, it turns out at the end the brightness is 10-15% lower. To the next segment after 5m. could be fully connected, use an RGB amplifier. Over a long length, it amplifies the control voltage from the RGB controller. All this avoids the use of very long wires from the controller directly.
Connection diagram for 220 volt model
One of the most popular and inexpensive kits participates in the video review. A colleague will demonstrate various modes of operation. He will tell and show the step-by-step connection of the LED kit:
- power supply electronic transformer;
- controller unit with remote control;
- strip light source.
Control units
The control unit is called the RGB controller, which performs the function of turning on each color channel. More advanced models can mix colors for 256 colors. Equipped with remote controls. The latest models are controlled via WiFi from an Android smartphone, a dedicated app is required.
The high voltage design is different from 12V. There is no 12V power supply in the circuit, power is connected directly to the RGB controller.
Price example
An example of the correct average prices, the table shows the class of the RGB LED strip: Economy, Standard
Prices can rise greatly depending on the quality of the diode strip and the components used. Because LEDs are produced at a budget level, which the Chinese trade and which I do not recommend buying, it turns out to be more expensive and worse than in Russia due to the rise in the 2015 dollar exchange rate. The most popular is the middle price segment, which is optimal in terms of price and quality.
Taking advantage of the difference in prices, although it looks the same, unscrupulous stores and sellers can sell a budget product as a premium. Whoever buys for the first time will not see deception and differences. The quality, brightness and service life will be 2-3 times worse.
RGB LED Strip Connectors
The connectors consist of 4 wires with corresponding light coding. In addition to wire connectors, connectors are used, including angled ones. For the absence of gaps during installation, it produces in an angular version.
Video review of the kit with the remote control
Video about the operating modes of the Chinese LED kit. Demonstration of the remote control operation.
LED strips have long been used for spot lighting and as primary lighting. But in addition to monochrome (one-color) different colors, there are controllable RGB (Blue, Green, Red) ribbons that can change their color. One of the manufacturers of such devices is Apeyron.
RGB technology
The scheme itself and the work of the multicolor stripe have a number of features.
Differences from conventional tape
Like a regular one, RGB tape is a printed circuit board in the form of a narrow strip, along which conductive strips are applied. Unlike the standard one, there are not 2 such stripes on the RGB tape, but 4 or 5 - common and one for each color.
Resistors and LEDs are installed on the board using the SMM method (Surface Mounted Mevice), which vary depending on the type of tape:
- Monochrome. They can be of any size and required color.
- RGB. It uses SMD 5050 LEDs. This diode consists of three LEDs in one package. In monochrome tape they are the same color, in multicolor tape they are different (red, green and blue). This combination allows you to change the color of the device or make it white. The black color provides no light.
- RGBW. In addition to colored diodes, white ones are installed in the tape. This gives you additional control over the brightness and color of the light.
In addition to devices in which all LEDs of the same color are controlled simultaneously, there are devices with chip diodes. They contain a microcircuit that allows you to control each LED separately. This makes it possible to implement effects such as "running lights" or "star rain".
Example RGB tape boardBenefits and uses
The advantage of such LED devices is the ability to change the color of the lighting, both manually and according to a predetermined program, as well as the organization of various lighting effects - overflows of color, flickering, or, when the controller is connected to a computer or a music center, light music.
Such devices are used in a wide variety of places:
- in the backlighting of shop windows;
- advertising inscriptions;
- creating a romantic atmosphere in the room;
- lighting of the corridor or bedroom - blue light turns on at night, and bright white light in the evening or upon a signal from a motion sensor;
- lighting of aquariums.
In addition to these options, many others are possible. The use of such devices is limited only by the designer's imagination.
Multi-colored ribbons give room for design possibilities Ribbon selection
One of the questions that needs to be answered when organizing LED lighting is which strip to use.
Illumination degree
First of all, you need to decide in what capacity the LED backlight will be used:
- Decorative lighting. The functionality of the controller is of prime importance.
- Zone lighting. This is additional lighting in the room. Its power is only a part of what is needed for the entire room.
- Workplace lighting. It is difficult to find out the required power, as it is usually used in conjunction with the main lighting. Determined by selection method or using online calculators.
- The main lighting of the entire room. The power is determined by the area of the room and its purpose - in the bedroom it is taken 2 W / m2, in the kitchen or nursery - 3 W / m2, and in the brightest room - 3.5–4.
When drawing up the project, the loss of light in the diffuser or in the ceiling plinth is taken into account. They reach 50%. The option of two-zone and multi-zone illumination is possible.
An example of using zone lighting. Such a tape will not provide lighting for the entire room, but it can illuminate the desired part. LED type
In a multicolor strip with LEDs, SMD5050 crystals 5 * 5 mm in size are installed, consisting of three diodes and having 6 pins. In a single-color tape, they are the same color, and in an RGB strip, they are different (red, green, blue). A roll of such a tape is 5 meters long and 144 watts.
In addition to conventional diodes, there are chip ones, WS2812B and WS2812S. Outwardly, they are similar to ordinary ones, but inside they contain a PWM controller that allows you to control each LED separately. They implement a variety of effects such as "running lights" or "star rain". From such devices, you can mount an LED screen. The disadvantage is the high cost and the need for a special controller.
Density of diodes
The brightness and price of an LED strip depends not only on the size and type of diodes. The density of the crystals is of no less importance. In RGB tape, it is 30-60 pcs / m. For greater brightness, two, three or four rows are used with a density of 120, 180, 240 pcs / m, respectively.
Ribbon color
The color of the RGB strip is controlled by the brightness of the LEDs of different colors. If the diodes turn on completely, then the tape emits white light. Decreasing the brightness of one or two colors changes the overall color of the ribbon. This is done using a controller.
The controller allows you to adjust the brightness and color of the tape RGB + WhiteRGBW LED strip is a two-row led-lenta, in which one row is made of colored LEDs and the other is made of white LEDs. This makes it possible to obtain pastel colors, as well as increased brightness under normal lighting conditions.
IP degree of protection
By the level of protection against external conditions devices are divided from unprotected (ip20, ip33) to partially protected (ip42, ip44) and sealed (ip67, ip68).
RGB strip power supply
The most common voltage for these devices is 12-24V. There are devices with a power supply of 110 and even 220V, but they are not widely used.
Choosing a power supply (driver) for a strip
The power supply unit for LED strips is selected according to the total power of the devices that will be connected to it. For example, if 5 meters with a power of 14.4 W / m and 3 meters with 7.2 W / m are connected, then the total load is 14.4 * 5 + 7.2 * 3 = 93.6 W. Given a 20% margin (93.6 + 0.2x93.6 = 112,32) , the power of the unit must be at least 112.32 W.
Expert opinion
Alexey Bartosh
Ask an expertImportant! When connecting LED devices with long cables, in order to avoid voltage drops, wires of a larger cross section are used. Therefore, it is advisable to take several drivers instead of one and install them near the connection point.
Like strips, power supplies are manufactured dc12-24v as well as 110v.
How to control RGB strip light
A dimmer is needed to control the brightness of a single color bar, but a controller is needed to take full advantage of the multicolor devices. Otherwise, you will have to adjust each color separately, and the lighting effects will not be available.
RGB Ribbon Controller Kit Choosing a controller for RGB tape
The selection of a control device depends on three factors:
- Power. It is calculated in the same way as the required power supply unit - by the total number of connected devices. Sometimes, as when choosing a power supply unit, it is advisable to purchase not one powerful RGB controller, but a lower power and an RGB repeater.
- Desired feature set. There are a lot of types of control devices, but, for example, a device with a large number of lighting effects is not needed to illuminate a product in a showcase or an aquarium, and a timer or light music is desirable for additional lighting of the room.
- Remote control. Just like when choosing features, sometimes it's necessary, and in other situations it's wasted money.
When selecting, these points are taken into account so as not to purchase a too expensive device, and at the same time its capabilities were quite sufficient.
Controller types
There are different types of controllers for controlling RGB LED strips: from the simplest, push-button, to those equipped with microprocessors and Wi-Fi.
Conventional devices can only select a specific color and provide uncomplicated lighting effects. Used to illuminate shop windows and other places.
More sophisticated models can be programmed to change color and timer effects. They can have a connector for flash memory and react to light in the room and outdoors. There are also bluetooth controllers with a corresponding remote control.
The most sophisticated devices can be connected to the smart home system.
Most bands have a remote control. It happens:
- on buttons;
- infrared;
- on radio signals;
- Bluetooth control;
- Wi-Fi control.
The latter two can replace the iPhone or mobile phone with Android.
You can manage the ribbon using your smartphone In addition to conventional controllers, there are home-made devices based on the Arduino microprocessor board. Such homemade products control simple or chip-based LEDs, create light or color-musical effects. Motion or light sensors are also connected to the Arduino-controller.
RGB controller modes
There are two types of LEDs in strips:
- simple, which are controlled by changing the supply voltage simultaneously along the entire length;
- chip-based, with digital control of the color of each diode separately.
Accordingly, the controllers operate in two modes - analog and digital. it different types devices and they are not interchangeable.
Connection methods
There are two options for connecting RGB tape:
- soldering;
- connectors.
Solder connection
In order to solder the cable to the LED strip, you must:
- Wire cross-section up to 0.5 mm2. The thicker one can tear off the pads.
- Soldering iron up to 25 watts. A powerful soldering iron will overheat the soldering area, and the pad will peel off from the base.
- Solder and neutral flux.
- Shrink tubing 30 mm long.
Expert opinion
Alexey Bartosh
Specialist in repair, maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.
Ask an expertAttention! Active flux cannot be used. It will destroy the wire or contact strips, and also lead to a short circuit, after which the tape will have to be repaired.
RGB LED Strip Connectors
The modern way of connecting is connectors. These are small plastic devices, inside which are contact pads for attaching to the tape. Their number should correspond to the number of conductive strips 2, 4 or 5.
These devices are available for different options connections:
- with leads, for power supply;
- connecting, designed to connect two sections of the strip;
- angular, for connection at an angle;
- T-shaped or cruciform.
And many others. Using the connectors, you can repair the device yourself.
Connecting to an RGB controller longer than its rated wattage
When driving LEDs with a power exceeding the parameters of the controller, or when connecting devices located at a distance, an RGB repeater is used.
The signal is sent to it from the controller through thin cables, and the device controls the glow of the adjacent segments of the tape.
Video review of the kit with the remote control
📋 Take the test and test your knowledge
Multi-colored RGB LED strip is the main trend of 2018-2019. We will analyze how to connect it correctly, what is RGB controller, amplifier and why they are needed.
What is RGB LED strip
RGB (Red, Green, Blue - red, green, blue) is an LED strip that can change its color during operation. Each LED module contains three LEDs - red, blue and green. By changing the brightness of each crystal separately, you get any color in the visible spectrum.
Externally, RGB led differs from mono color only in the number of pins. There are 4 of them - three of them for powering each individual crystal and one common plus.
There are special led strips with five leads. They are marked as LED RGB W (W - white). The fifth pin is responsible for white light. The fact is that in a tricolor diode, white is obtained by mixing all three colors in equal proportions. This "white" is different from pure mono light. Therefore, the led type appeared with a fourth white crystal.
These tapes (like mono-colored ones) have several classes of dust and moisture protection:
- IP20 - no protection, afraid of moisture and dust;
- IP67-69 - not afraid of dust, can be used in humid environments (bath, aquarium).
What you need to connect RGB tape
Let's figure out how to properly connect an RGB LED strip. For a complete lighting scheme, we need:
- LED Strip Light;
- power unit;
- RGB controller with remote control;
- RGB amplifier (optional).
Power Supply
The power supply for the LED strip must be selected taking into account the expected load and its future location. Let's take an example SMD5050 60 led. Power consumption - 14.4 W / m.
With a length of 5 meters, the required power of the PSU will be:
5m * 14.4W * 1.25(safety factor)= 90W
Varieties of power supplies for led If the length is 15 meters, then the power supply unit, respectively, is needed 3 times more powerful - 270W. If the length of the tape is 20, 25 or more meters, it is advisable to install several power supplies of lower power.
The degree of protection depends on the location of the power supply unit. If located in a dry, closed room, IP20 is sufficient. If in a bathroom or other aggressive conditions, then at least IP67.
RGB controller
Light control is carried out through a special controller. It connects between the power supply and the LEDs, and is supplied with a wired or wireless remote control.
RGB controller The controller, like the power supply, is selected depending on the total power of the tape. With the difference that 25-30% of the stock is added to the required power of the PSU, and the controller is selected end-to-end in terms of power.
For example... Need to connect 10 meters SMD5050 60 led. The power of 1 meter is 14.4 W, so we need a 144 W controller.
According to the control principle, they are distinguished: wired - more often they are mounted on the wall; wireless controlled via:
- Infrared port (IR) - the remote control must be in the line of sight;
- radio channel - allows you to use it within the home;
- Wi-Fi - allow both control from the remote control and from the application on the smartphone.
Lighting control from a smartphone After installation and connection, you will be able to:
- Set the color manually. Both solid colors and blended shades are available.
- Adjust brightness - similar to a regular dimmer (more about).
- Automatic modes. These include color switching, fast flickering, fading, fading, and other algorithms.
And what if the RGB controller's power is not enough to connect all the lighting (more than 20 meters)? You can install 2 controllers, but you will have to control the light of one room from two remotes, which is not convenient and expensive. The second (correct) option is to use an RGB amplifier.
RGB amplifier (led amplifier)
This device allows you to amplify and transmit the signal from the controller further along the chain. Thus, using several amplifiers, you can assemble a lighting circuit of any length.
Rgb amplifier (led amplifier) The amplifier is installed in the gap of the tape and has a separate connection to the power supply (about the connection below). We select the power based on the remainder of the tape, which lacks the power of the controller.
Some people think that an amplifier is needed to increase brightness and should be used even for a distance of up to 5 meters. This is fundamentally wrong.
Illustrative example... You need to connect 20m SMD 3528 (14.4 W / m), with a total power of 288 W. We only have a 216W controller and a 300W power supply. Accordingly, an amplifier is needed:
288 W - 216 W = 72 W
The power of the PSU is 300 W, it is enough to power the controller and the amplifier. If the power of the power supply unit is not enough (for example 250W), a separate power supply unit for the amplifier is needed.
Connecting RGB LED strip
The correct order of connecting the circuit elements is as follows:
Correct connection orderRemember. Sections of tape longer than 5 meters should only be connected in parallel.
What happens if you connect in series?
First, you will noticeably lose brightness at the end of the section. Although LEDs have very low resistance, there are losses. With this length at the end, the voltage will be about 10V. Reduced voltage will result in reduced brightness, which is already noticeable to the eye.
Incorrect connection 
Correct connection Secondly, the conductive paths of the tape are designed for a maximum length of 5m. By connecting 5 more in series, the tracks will overheat and the lighting will most likely burn out at the very beginning of the section.
You can connect the tape to each other using soldering or terminals. For single-color versions, two-pin terminals (connectors) are sold, for RGB - four or five. Check this point when buying.
The power supply is connected to the 220V network (AC terminals, polarity is not important), converts the alternating voltage into direct 12V (V +, V- terminals). When connecting the following circuit elements, it is important to observe the polarity.
Power supply terminals The RGB controller is connected after the power supply unit (observing the polarity), and the rgb tape is connected to it. Each pin on the package is dedicated to a specific LED pin. If you mix things up, nothing bad will happen, just the colors will be mixed up.
Terminals for connecting the controller to LEDs As a result, the finished circuit assembly should look like:
The amplifier looks like a controller, it is separately connected to the power supply unit, only it has not one plate with terminals, but two. Most often labeled as Led Amplifier, it is installed in the break of the tape. It is connected according to the scheme:
LED amplifier terminal assignment Let's analyze now the tapes connection diagrams different lengths with or without amplifier, with one or more power supplies.
Connection diagram for RGB LED strip without amplifier
This is the simplest circuit for switching on an rgb LED strip up to 5 meters long through a controller with a remote control.
Wiring diagram for RGB lighting To connect an RGB LED strip 10 or 15 meters long, make sure that there is enough power from the controller and the power supply unit (with a margin), and connect as follows:
Connection diagram 10 or 15 Connection diagram of a tape with an RGB amplifier
We use the amplifier if there is not enough power from the controller. If the power of the power supply allows you to connect a controller and an amplifier, we use the following scheme:
When the total power of the controller and amplifier is higher than the power of the PSU or a block of such power is irrational to use (large, very hot or noisy), then we connect the led amplifier to a separate power supply according to the scheme:
According to this scheme, you can increase the total length of the tape as much as you like. All of it will be controlled from one remote control.
In addition to daisy-chaining, as in the examples above, amplifiers can be connected in parallel.
Diagram of parallel connection of several RGB amplifiers with one power supply.
Multiple parallel amplifier circuit with separate power supply.
Scheme: several parallel amplifiers with separate power supplies The correct connection diagram for 20 meters of RGB tape is shown in the video.
Typical connection errors
Serial connection of more than 5 meters of tape. This cannot be done.
Twists instead of soldering wires (or connectors). If you don't want to solder, use connectors, they are cheap.
Non-compliance with the connection order: power supply ⇒ controller ⇒ tape ⇒ amplifier ⇒ tape.
Saving on the power supply unit, buying "end-to-end" in terms of power. Unfortunately, LEDs run both in plus and minus in watts consumed. Buying a power supply unit without 20-25% stock, it will work for wear and tear and in a year you will buy a new one, but already with a margin.
Buying a controller with excess power. It won't get any worse, but overpay the money. Correctly select by power 1 to 1.
Selection of very powerful tapes and installation without a heat sink. For example SMD5050 120 led / m consumes 28.8 W / m. With this power, the LEDs heat up quite strongly and the structure must be mounted on a heat sink - an aluminum profile. Otherwise, the diodes begin to degrade, lose power and burn out.
Ready-made RGB light bulbs for base / plinth with remote control
Separately, it is worth mentioning ready-made RGB products for an E14 or E27 base.
Such paws come in completely cases and designs. Inside the lamp contains a compact driver for power supply from a 220V network, a controller and three-color LEDs.
It is not suitable for full-fledged lighting of the room, because several lamps cannot be synchronized into one system. Used as a night light or decor. Consumption 1-3 W / h. The cost starts at $ 3 for China.
The most modern lighting devices are LEDs: LED lamp, spotlights or modules. Although there are designs in which the elements are connected in a strip, these are LED strips. They are produced in various brightness and color, there are also multi-color RGB strips (R - red "red", G - green, "green", B - blue, "blue"), allowing you to change the color of the tape using an RGB controller.
Application of multicolor tape
RGB tape, thanks to the ability to change color and brightness, is used in many places and design solutions:
- Primary or secondary lighting of the room. In combination with a central chandelier, it makes the illumination more uniform, and independently creates romantic lighting or, in combination with a remote control with appropriate capabilities, provides color and music effects;
- Provides full and full lighting in the bedroom, hallway and kitchen. You can switch modes manually, by timer or by motion sensor;
- Shop windows lighting. The shade of light is chosen at the request of the designer;
- Computer modding. Color may vary depending on temperature or CPU load;
- Phytolamp. This is a convenient but disadvantageous option - only two colors are used: red and blue.
RGB LED strip design
An LED strip is a flexible strip on which there are two, and on RGB LED strips there are four conductive strips. Between these strips, three LEDs connected in series and a current-limiting resistance are located in groups. The circuit elements are in the form of SMD - surface mounted device. Such designs differ in the size of the LEDs, expressed in 0.1 mm.
SMD5050 or 5 * 5mm elements are installed in multicolor LED strips. Unlike smaller LEDs, they have three LEDs in one package. In monochrome designs, these elements are connected in parallel, and in RGB designs, each terminal is connected to its own conductive strip and has its own glow color. The exception is devices in which a PWM controller is installed in each element. In such devices, there are only two conductive strips. The control is carried out using a digital signal.
In addition to regular RGB tapes, there are RGBW devices. In addition to multicolor, they have white LEDs. With their help, increased brightness and a greater number of light ejections are achieved.
Color management
In multi-color bars, the brightness of each color is controlled separately. This achieves a large number of shades. When all LEDs are turned on at full power, the strip turns white.
An RGB controller is used for control. It can be equipped with a different type of control panel:
- Built-in or remote on wires. It is used where constant color adjustment is not required, for example, in shop windows;
- With IR remote control. The simplest and most inexpensive. The disadvantage is that such a remote control only works within the line of sight;
- With a radio remote control. Allows you to control the light even from the next room, but if you lose the remote control, you have to change the device;
- With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Allows you to control using a mobile phone. They can be used in the “smart home” system.
In addition to adjusting the color of the entire tape at the same time, there are devices in which each LED is equipped with a PWM controller that adjusts the color of its LED. In such designs, various color and light effects are possible: overflows of color, running lights, star rain and others.
Controlling a led strip using Arduino
One way to control multi-color LED devices is with Arduino boards. In such boards, a programmable microcontroller is installed, to which various sensors and output devices are connected. According to a given program, such devices control the color and brightness of the LEDs. They are equipped with analog outputs to control a conventional rgb tape, and digital - for a tape with PWM controllers.
RGB strip power supply
The most common supply voltage is 12V, but there are strips for 24, 110 and 220V. They differ in the number of LEDs connected in series in the group.
Before connecting the rgb tape, you need to determine the required power of the power supply, taking into account the 20% margin. Power supply of such devices is carried out from power supplies of different power:
- Up to 25W (2A). Such devices are similar to the power supply unit of a tablet or mobile phone, plugged into an outlet;
- Up to 100W (9A). These are devices in a plastic case. They can be hidden in a closet or in a niche, in a plasterboard wall;
- Over 100W. These are devices in a metal case with built-in coolers. During installation, it is necessary to provide for air access. They make noise during work, so it is more expedient to use several low-power devices in the house instead of one powerful device.
Cross-section of wires for connecting LED strips
When connecting such devices, the power supply must be placed next to the tape. This is due to a voltage drop in the connected wires.
For example, to connect 5 meters of RGB SMD5050 tape, voltage 12V, power 14.4W / meter, total power 72W and current, according to the formula I = P / U = 72W / 12V = 6A, a wire section of 0.5 mm² is sufficient. But with a wire length of 10 meters, the voltage drop will be 4V, so it is necessary to choose a cross-section of at least 4 mm².
Information. Separate power supplies and RGB repeaters are used to connect devices that are at a distance from each other.
It is allowed to connect tapes in series no more than 5 meters. With a longer length, the voltage drop across the current-carrying strips increases, the brightness decreases towards the end, as well as their heating. This will damage the device.
Connecting wires
For connection, there are contact pads on the conductive strips - extensions to which the wires are connected. They are connected in two ways: by soldering or by connectors.
Soldering wires
To connect the strip by soldering, flexible stranded wires with a cross section of no more than 0.5 mm² are required. Larger wires can cut off the pads.
Only neutral flux is used. The procedure is as follows:
- if the tape is covered with a layer of silicone, you need to remove it without damaging the conductive layer;
- tin the contact pads with a soldering iron of no more than 15W;
- cut off pieces of wires of the required size;
- remove the insulation from the wire by 5 mm and tin it;
- cut off a piece of heat-shrinkable tubing 25 mm long and put it on the tape;
- solder wires;
- put a heat-shrink tube on the soldering point and warm up construction hairdryer or a lighter.
Attention! Acid cannot be used - it can destroy conductive strips or cause a short circuit.
Connecting by connectors
In addition to soldering, the connection is made using special connectors. This is less reliable, but easier and faster way. In addition, when connecting or repairing a tape installed in a hard-to-reach place, this is the only way.
Connectors are produced in different shapes: straight, angular, T-shaped, with wires, for connecting to the network and without, for connecting strip segments to each other.
Repair tape
In the event of failure of individual sections of the strip, there is no need to change the entire strip as a whole - it is enough to replace the damaged section. This is done using short, 10-15 mm, pieces of wires or connecting connectors.
Water resistance
Tapes are manufactured with different degrees of protection against adverse environmental influences:
- IP20 / IP33. These are open stripes. They are used in dry places where splash water is excluded. This is the backlight false ceiling, computer keyboard or replacement of a desk lamp;
- IP65. Silicone coated on the front side only. Used to illuminate skirting boards, working areas in the kitchen and other places where splashes are possible, but water jets are excluded;
- IP67 / IP68. Fully covered with silicone. They are used in any conditions, including in water: in pools and aquariums.
Multicolor LED RGB tape Is a new modern type of lighting that allows you to decorate the interior with a variety of lighting effects.
Video
With multi-colored tape, you need to know how to properly connect it to the network. Unlike the one-color model, which is connected only to the power supply, here you still need to additionally purchase a controller and an amplifier. We will tell you further how to connect RGB LED strip from 5 to 20 meters!
The main elements of the system
In order to connect an RGB tape with your own hands, you first need to determine its length. Based on this, suitable devices for the lighting system are already selected and a suitable connection diagram is created. As for the devices, the main ones are RGB controller, power supply and amplifier. Let's take a closer look at the purpose of each element in the circuit.
The power supply is needed to convert 220 Volts from the network to 12/24 V, from which the light source itself works. The purpose of the controller is to control the color glow of the LEDs (you can clearly see its operation in the video that we will provide below). The amplifier is needed in order to connect more than 5 meters of RGB LED strip at the same time. Also included is a remote control panel, where you can select a certain level of glow and color of the diodes.
We figured out the components of the system, now I would like to tell you about what the multi-color tape connection schemes can be.
Popular connection schemes
So, the first and most simple circuit connection from one RGB tape for 5 meters looks like this: 
As you can see, everything is quite simple: RGB tape is connected to the controller, which in turn is connected to the power supply. The power supply unit operates from a 220 V. 
There should also not be any special problems, the main thing is to observe the letter and during installation. Highly important nuance- do not connect 10 meters of RGB LED strip in series, because in this case, the second segment will shine less brightly. Be sure to connect in parallel, even if the controller has enough power to operate two sections without an amplifier.