How to connect LED strip lights to mains in the UK

LED strip lights are a popular choice for homeowners, and we can see why. They’re cost-effective and efficient, and they provide unique lighting for any room. 

If you’ve recently purchased strip lights for your home and you’re unsure of how to connect them to the mains, then Light Supplier has your back.

This process may sound challenging, but we know you can get the task done as quickly as possible with our simple guide. 

Necessary Tools and Materials 

Before we get started, you will need to gather the tools and materials required for the job:

• LED strip lights
• Mains power supply (LED driver)
• Measuring tape
• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape
• Screwdriver
• Wire connectors
• Soldering iron and solder (optional)

Safety Precautions to Follow

Now that you have all of the necessary equipment to get started, it’s important to address certain safety requirements you must follow.

To avoid any accidents, make sure that you wear safety gear such as goggles and gloves to keep any debris and chemicals from touching your skin.

You must turn off the mains supply before attempting to connect your LED strip lights to prevent electric shocks and keep water and other liquids away from any electrical components. 

Understanding UK Electrical Regulations

Ensure that you read through the electrical regulations for the UK thoroughly before beginning any work to confirm that you are adhering to health and safety rules.

These are put in place to prevent any hazards such as fires and electric shocks.

Any work completed in homes within the UK and Wales must comply with Part P of the building regulations. LED strip lights should ideally be connected to the mains by a qualified electrician; however, if you wish to do it yourself, you must also comply with BS 7671.

A Step-by-Step Guide to LED Mains Connection

Plan the Layout

Use a measuring tape to measure the area where you wish to add your strip lights and plan out how you wish to place them.

Calculate the length you will need, considering areas that may need extra length added on, such as corners and circular walls.

Prepare the Surface

Clean the surface where you wish to attach the lights, making sure it is clear of any dust, grime, or debris. 

Use a damp or dry cloth to rid of any dirt. 

Connecting to the Mains

Ensure that the power supply matches the requirements for your lights to avoid damage. To do this, check that the voltage and wattage match the LED driver.

Now that you’re prepared, here is a simple guide you can follow for an easy job:

1. Strip the wires: Remember to switch off the mains supply and use wire strippers to expose the ends of the wires on the LED strip and the mains power supply.
2. Connect the wires: Use wire connectors to connect the LED strip wires to the mains power supply. The input terminals connect to the mains power: Brown (live), Green and yellow (Earth), and Blue (Neutral). The output terminals connect to the LED lights with red usually for positive and black for negative, matching the corresponding terminals on the lights.
3. Secure the connections: Use electrical tape to secure the wire connectors or strip connectors for lower voltage connections. For more security, you can solder the wires together.
4. Connect to Mains: Plug the mains power supply into a mains outlet and turn the power back on to test the lights.

Choose Light Supplier for Your LED Strip Lights

At Light Supplier, we have an abundance of options to adorn your home and a knowledgeable team ready to answer any queries. 

Browse our fantastic selection of LED strip lights and contact us today for more information.