LED is an abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode and it is a recent technology that is very efficient in energy utilization. It primarily consists of a semiconductor device which electrical energy to visible light energy. It is preferred because of the significant energy savings associated with it with regard to power bills. LED lights have also better longevity in service life compared to other kinds of lighting in the market. It works by electrical current passing through semiconductor material that illuminates that eliminates the tiny LEDs i.e blue, green, red and amber. LED light is easy to install so long as basic tools are available and the individual follows instructions to the letter. Before installation, it is important to check several items first, these include legality of the LED light which can be easily ascertained, confirming the list of parts as well as the materials and tools required. These are explained in-depth in the sections below:
Before commencing
The following are some of the checks that should be performed before installing LED light in your home:
Legality of the LED light –
This should be checked against both state and local regulations.
Check the list of parts –
This means ensuring that everything that ought to be in the purchasing box is there.
Materials and tools required –
The basic tools required are pliers, a set of screwdrivers and wrenches. A measuring tape can also come in handy. Only drill bits of the correct shape and size. This is because the wrong size of drill bit will only result in frustration, one after the other. C-clamps and Viselocks. Wire cutters, wire strippers and correct crimpers should be chosen for the connectors.
Testing the LED light –
The light bar should be directly connected a DC voltage source or a vehicle battery
How to install LED Light
There is a comprehensive guide on how to install LED lights and this will focus on the installation of LED light bar mounts. Procedure for mounting brackets is different as it depends on the manufacturer and the size of the LED light bar itself. Smaller light bars refer to those that measure approximately four to twelve inches in length. These may have either a single thread or many threads that are at the very bottom of the housing. On the other hand, light bars that are longer in length have studs on each and every end. This in turn is fitted into the brackets that are right angled in orientation and are held in place by nuts and screws. A tube of liquid thread locker should be bought so as to eliminate the risk of mounting nuts and bolts loosening in the long run as a result of vibrations. However, always remember that it is advisable to seek professional help if you are not sure about the procedure.
6 tips on how to install LED light
The following are 6 tips that are quite useful when installing LED light so as to improve lighting in your home:
Tip 1: Wiring LED light bar
It is important to always learn to disconnect the battery’s negative terminal before commencing wiring. After the LED light bar has been mechanically installed, a steady electron supply should be provided. It is recommended to use the automotive grade wire such as GPT or GTX.
Tip 2: Neutralize the ultimate power source
It is critical to neutralize the ultimate power source. This is because it is a potential life threat. The clamp to the ground terminal is first removed and this is followed by removal of the positive side clamp. This decreases the risk of the battery shorting.
Tip 3: Size up your wire
Electrical current should not be mistaken for water when sizing up the wire. If it is too small, the wire is bound to melt the insulation or even cause a fire outbreak. The size of the wire is chosen with reference to the amount of current that the LED light bar needs. There are standard table for wire sizes and their corresponding current ratings. Selecting one gauge larger has been established to provide a higher margin of safety. Choose a wire gauge that nearly matches or even surpasses the optimum current of the LED light bar.
Tip 4: Connectors
It is advisable to use watertight connectors. When working with connectors for LED light bars, always utilize crimpers that are specific to them. Watertight connectors that are good do not require electrical tape or silicone. If chosen, professional quality electrical tape and marine grade silicon would suffice as adequate. Try to wrap the electrical cables over the connectors in a snug manner. However, caution should be practiced so as not to stretch the cable as it will obviously unravel later on.
Tip 5: To relay or not?
If the LED light bar was accompanied by a wiring harness that is inclusive of a relay, use it as it is. It is recommended that a cab switch that has a 10 amps should be used.
Tip 6: Routing the wiring
Aim to keep the wire lengths as short as you possibly can. When routing the wire, avoid areas that are subject to significant heat. Splicing the wire should be the last thing to do. Instead utilize a snap-in connector. The above 6 tips should be useful enough to enable you to complete the task of LED light installation correctly. However, it is important to hire an electrical specialist if you are hesitant or incompetent in wiring.
Conclusion
It is important to keep the procedure in mind so that you will be able to proceed on your own without referring. It is advisable to take everything one at a time. However, this is not to say that you should not think ahead to the steps that are afterwards. This tends to defeat the situation of one pointing themselves in a corner.
The above insightful information about LED light installation will help you to properly install and use the light source afterwards. This is very enjoyable indeed, install LED light in your home to benefit from the various advantages associated with this modern source of lighting. Now you know 6 tips on how to install LED light and enjoy the best lighting at home.