LED strips are a type of Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixture. The light strips are typically flexible, making them easy to use for a variety of lighting needs. The LED light sources burn very cool to the touch and can save on energy costs compared to their incandescent counterparts, not to mention they can last for years. They also emit a light that is very pure and white, closer to natural sunlight than any other manufactured light source. LED strips are commonly available in a range of festive colors, including red, blue, green and orange.
Although some strips are rigid, many LED strip fixtures are flexible, allowing them to be wrapped and adapted to a variety of conditions. Many people choose to adorn their cars with LEDs for a special effect. For example, LED strips may be wrapped around the car's grill or placed in the front dash. Some drivers also wrap them around the wheel well or attach them to the underside of the car. They can easily be trimmed, or several strips may be linked together, to adapt to a particular space.
Another application for LED strip fixtures is to illuminate and decorate a yard. They may be wrapped around the spokes of an umbrella to provide soft light for a patio table, for example. LED strips can also be wrapped between deck railings for an effect similar to holiday lights, but it's important to choose waterproof strips for outdoor applications. Non-waterproof LEDs, however, have many uses inside the house. They are commonly installed above or below kitchen cabinets to provide mood or task lighting without contributing more heat to this already warm space. LEDs can also provide even lighting for a home office space in place of a hot incandescent lamp.
Aside from the many benefits of LED strip fixtures, they have a few drawbacks. It takes many LED bulbs to create bright light, and a single strip will likely only produce a soft light. To adequately light a counter or work surface, one will most likely need to install several LED strip fixtures to achieve an even level of illumination. Some strips may be installed with dimmers so they can be adjusted, depending on the time of day or level of activity. The ease of installation of LED strips may make up for their drawbacks, however. Strips often come with adhesive pads, or may easily be screwed in place for a more permanent placement.
