LED Components Compatibility Guide
To assemble a typical LED fixture, or luminaire as they are sometimes referred to, you’ll need a few key components.
A Typical LED Light Fixture's Components
- LED Channel
- Cover / Diffuser
- End Caps
- Mounting Brackets
- LED Strip
- LED Controller
- LED Power Supply
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LED channel [1]
You will need to select a suitable aluminum LED profile for your lighting application, a matching diffuser or cover [2], end caps [3] and mounting clips [4].
The channel serves as a mechanical support for the LED light source and allows you to create a rigid linear luminaire. It provides an aesthetic enclosure for the light, reduces glare and dissipates heat.
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LED strip [5]
LED strip, or LED tape light, serves as the light source for your lighting fixture.
You will need to select an LED strip that offers the appropriate brightness and color options to suit your application.
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LED controller [6]
An LED controller is an optional component for most white-lighting projects, but is required for color-changing applications or where smart dimming control is desired.
The controller is connected between the LED driver and the LED strip.
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LED driver [7]
An LED driver is the low-voltage power supply for your LED strip. The driver converts mains AC voltage to the appropriate DC voltage for your LED strip.
Important Note: If you need wiring or connectors, make sure you've also added them to cart.
Step by Step Guide to Selecting Compatible LED Components
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Step 1
Choose your LED channel
Typically, you will start your project by selecting an appropriate LED channel for your application.
Wired4Signs offers a comprehensive range of aluminum LED profiles to suit almost every application and our website menu breaks this down by installation type, application, or feature.
You can also browse all our channels and filter the product collection according to your requirements.
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Step 2
Add matching accessories
Each LED channel product page has a set of compatible components or accessories that are designed to work with it.
These items are available from the channel’s product page, just below the Add to Cart button. From here you can choose a cover (also known as a diffuser), end caps, various mounting options, and other accessories that the channel system may include.
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Step 3
Select an LED strip
We offer a wide selection of top-quality LED strips.The most important factor is whether the strip will fit inside the channel.
The width of the LED strip is found under General Specifications on its product page, and you can filter our LED strip collections by width too.
Most LED channels will specify the "Maximum LED strip width" under their General Specifications, else you can look at the dimension image or cut sheet for the channel to find technical details. Some larger channels allow you to install more than one LED strip, allowing you to create a high-power LED fixture.
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Step 4
Select an LED Driver
Match the output voltage and power rating for your power supply to the power requirements for the LED strip. Allow about 20% headroom on the driver rating for a reliable installation. Try our driver recommender tool.
Also consider whether you need a driver that can be dimmed via a wall dimmer, and whether it needs to be waterproof. We offer a selection of reliable LED drivers for every type of project.
We also offer kits with our top recommended drivers and accessories, optionally with a matching controller too.
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Step 5
Select an LED Controller
The first question is whether you need a controller or not. If you want to create smart lights, or want dimmable lighting, or are using RGB strip for color-changing lights, then you do need a controller.
If you simply need your light to be switched on and off, or dimmed via a standard wall dimmer, then you can power it directly from the LED driver.
(A dimmable driver is required for dimming with a wall dimmer.)We have a range of controllers, including smart controllers with WiFi or Bluetooth mesh connectivity for control from your mobile device, and controllers with DALI and DMX inputs for professional installations.
We also offer kits with our top recommended controllers and a suitable driver and accessories.
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Step 6
Wiring & other accessories
Having selected all the functional components for your LED lighting project, you will also need electrical wire for connecting the components together, and electrical connectors for making safe and reliable connections.
We offer ribbon wire and cables with the right number of cores for every type of LED strip we sell, as well as a range of plugs and connectors, including the convenient and reliable Wago 221 lever-nuts.
Important Note: If you need wiring or connectors, make sure to add them to your cart too.
