Re: LED Strip Lighting
Reply #52 –
I have had some strip lights (on a spool) be more sensitive to higher voltages than others. The ones I have been getting from Amazon seem pretty durable other than the rather dodgy so-called 3M adhesive backing (likely fake). I haven't had any get over headed and the resistor parts discolor. I did get some LEDs that came in plastic strips of three elements with wires to the next three and so on. Every one of these is getting dark resistors and the plastice parts are distorting and cracking. I am replacing them all with strips. I have also started soldering connections wherever I need to. The crimp on commectors work most of the time but they seem to be a one shot deal. I think it is the little pads on the strips not the connectors. Soldered connections have never failed.
In any case, it is probably a good idea to check your strips from time to time to make sure they are OK. These rolls are getting so cheap that replacing a section is no big deal.
A built in power supply in a prepackaged strip probably adds a lot to the cost. You can probably find a ~12v to 12v constant voltage power supply pretty cheap if you look. I have a small 110v to 12v power supply from something that I use for wiring and testing as I go before hooking into the coach power.
Better quality strip lights are generally better able to handle the wider range of voltages in an automotive application.
Roger
Topic: LED Strip Lighting