LED devices have many advantages, among which a variety of mounting configurations stand out. Unlike classical lamps, diode crystals have miniature sizes, which determines the wide possibilities for their installation. This quality is especially famous for LED strips, which are placed in long strips, thus illuminating extended windows, contours of building structures, etc. For mounting reliability, they use an assembly profile - the LED row of crystals is reliably immersed into it and fixed with ordinary hardware. Like the LED devices themselves, the supporting hardware is made in different shapes and sizes, which makes you seriously take its choice. Consideration should be given to both the material of manufacture, and structural features, as well as dimensions.
What is an LED profile?
To understand the device of this accessory, you should consider the target LED module for which this equipment is intended. As a rule, these are nylon or plastic tapes on which groups of diode elements are sequentially placed, accompanied by electrical power supply lines. The sizes of such strips are selected profiles that provide two functions: mechanical protection like insulators and the possibility of hard fasteners. The LED profile itself resembles elongated electrical wiring ducts into which cable, optical fiber, thin pipes and other communications elements can sink. The peculiarities of LED models are the presence of technological connectors, grooves and holes, oriented to the installation of a power supply, controller and other functional modules of the system.
Types of materials
The supporting base must meet a wide range of operational requirements, including fire resistance, processability, water resistance and physical reliability. Metal is optimally suited to these requests, but there are options in this segment. The most common aluminum LED profile as the most practical solution. Soft metal can be cut and bent at home without any problems, adjusting the product to the desired installation configuration. However, aluminum loses to stainless steel in terms of durability and appearance. Therefore, models based on steel alloys can also be found on the market. The disadvantages of this solution include a large mass, complexity in processing and high cost.
Which design to prefer?
Manufacturers produce this hardware mainly in three versions. These are angular, built-in and laid on designs. Each of these options may be the best solution in some conditions and the least attractive in others. So, the angled LED profile, respectively, has a triangular section, which is suitable for installation in the joints between the walls and the ceiling. Recessed boxes will be a good choice if you plan to integrate the backlight into a finished niche on a solid surface. For this, a gating in the wall can be preliminarily performed according to predetermined dimensions. Next, the profile is immersed in the created connector and fixed by gluing.
The most convenient, from the point of view of installation, module is an invoice. It can be used on any surface. The main thing is that it be smooth and, in principle, allow the installation of electrical devices. The LED strip with an aluminum body in this case will be fastened with self-tapping screws, and for greater reliability, an adhesive composition can be added to the junction.
Size selection
The main parameters of such profiles are depth and width. The selection of an accessory for them will completely depend on the size of the tape itself, which is planned for use. But, it is important to make a small margin for electrical wiring and not to forget about the technological installation of control and supply components - the same power supply and controller. The width of the LED profile is usually 40-60 mm. This is enough for the integrated placement of a standard ribbon that provides uniform illumination. Depth is 10-15 mm. It is advisable to place a piece of tape in the mounting box before buying, close it and check the fixation. As for the length, it depends on the general installation scheme. Even when organizing home lighting, contours of tens of meters can be used, so it’s worth preparing a good margin in case of a shortage of planned length.
Assembly and installation of LED-profile
Before installation, you should draw a layout plan for the modules and determine where the mounting points will be located. First, the line of profiles is fixed. Long structures are laid out in segments and at the joints are fastened together by locking mechanisms - they are provided for in the latest models of such boxes. Fasteners themselves can be carried out both by the glue method and by hardware. The first option is less reliable, so it is recommended to use it in conditions of additional support. For example, if a tape with an aluminum box of built-in type is used. Self-tapping screws and brackets should be used in all other cases, after completing mounting holes of a suitable diameter. At the final stage, the integration of the tape itself is performed. If a self-adhesive strip is used, then its adhesive backing will be sufficient for fixing, since the profile cover will insure it from falling out.
Conclusion
Modern LED devices provide a bright and clean glow, due to which both practical and decorative tasks are solved. LED strip just fits the second category of functions. With its help, they design salons, shops, exhibition complexes, and also use in landscape design. In turn, the LED profile acts as a technical support carrier for the device, which is under considerable load. Since we can talk about the use of illumination in the open air without hinged structures, the quality of the insulating function of the box should initially be envisaged. It should be not only physically stable, but also airtight - and this is not to mention the design qualities.