An LED profile (corner, overhead or mortise) can be used when organizing lighting using a diode-based tape. This solution is an effective alternative to mounting fixtures directly to a wall/ceiling or other surface.

The main reason why you should use an LED profile is the increased strength of the fastening of such a design. In addition to that, it is quite easy to install it yourself.

Application area

The main purpose of these elements is to install a tape based on diodes. It can be of different types (plastic, aluminum) and is used when organizing lighting in different areas. It can be the ceiling, walls, corners of the room. In addition, by choosing one of the options, it is possible to use it as a surface luminaire.

The design of some models (mortise version) allows you to embed profiles in different surfaces, including when organizing the lighting of steps, and also install them on the street (as a backlight in landscape design). This is facilitated by the type of material - anodized aluminum, which is not subject to corrosion. In a word, they can be used as decorative elements, as well as perform protective functions when mounting tape-type luminaires.

View overview

Fasteners for LED strips are divided into groups depending on the type of material:

• the aluminum version is more resistant to external factors, is durable and is used more often;
• plastic version - made of polycarbonate.

According to the method of fastening, these elements are divided into the following varieties:

• angular - from the name it is clear that this option was created for installation in the corner of the room, and models with a diffuser are usually found, such an element can significantly reduce the intensity of the glow of the tape (within 25-40%, depending on the version);
• mortise - built into any surface (floor, walls) made of drywall or chipboard, this option can be installed flush or protrude, in addition, the mortise profile is almost always mounted with a diffuser and is characterized by protruding edges, the function of which is to smooth out the uneven edges of the material;
• consignment note - easy to install on any surface, this option for LED strips can be glued or fastened with self-tapping screws.

A distinctive feature that characterizes the polycarbonate version is its ability to take the form of a slightly curved surface, since this profile is quite flexible. But you should not install it on surfaces that are too rounded, because the polycarbonate element, although flexible, may not withstand the increased fracture load.

Various types of aluminum models

They are also classified according to their design features and shape:

• round;
• square;
• taper;
• trapezoidal.

Versions with a diffuser differ in the type of material of this element: transparent, matte. Depending on the selected option, a more or less noticeable reduction in the intensity of the luminescence of the tape can be achieved. In addition, an aluminum or polycarbonate profile with a diffuser is presented in different designs, which also differ in the shape of this element: flat, rounded, triangular, rectangular.

Polycarbonate look

The fastener made of plastic for the LED strip exists in different versions: matte and white. And in addition to that, there is an opportunity to choose a color option. This is the main advantage of such profiles in comparison with the aluminum counterpart.

In addition to buying different types of designs (round, square, metal or polycarbonate), there is also the opportunity to make fasteners for LED strips with your own hands. Similar designs can be made of plastic, iron. The process itself is quite laborious, but the cost of the product will be lower.

Installation sequence

To install the tape with your own hands, you need to select a power supply according to the load level. This should be done, guided by the total length of the product and the power of 1 m of the strip. 25% is added to the value obtained as a margin. The length of the tape and profile with a diffuser is determined by measuring the area of ​​the surface where the backlight is organized.

Regardless of what type of fastener is used (aluminum, plastic, angled, invoice, round), a small cut is made on one side of the edge to bring out the supply wire of the tape.

The installation of the profile is carried out by using screws with a countersunk head, so that the fasteners do not interfere with the laying of the tapes. The size of the screws is determined by the thickness of the material on which the aluminum profile is to be installed.

Tape connection diagram

Further, the surface of this element is cleaned and degreased, which will ensure a better installation of the tapes. These steps are repeated in the same sequence if a corner or overlay profile is mounted. The mortise design option can be installed without fasteners, but this is determined by the surface configuration, as well as the type of material.

The nuances of work

Do-it-yourself aluminum profile is always mounted as carefully as possible, even when organizing the illumination of steps, so that the appearance of such lamps does not cause discomfort due to careless design. When an aluminum profile (regardless of whether the mortise or overlay option is selected) is being prepared for installation, its edges must be deburred. In addition, these areas are closed with plugs, which will provide additional protection for the tapes.

Profile assembly steps

It is advisable to arrange the entire structure (mortise, overlay profile) so that in the future it would be easy to get to the built-in tapes. Otherwise, significant difficulties will arise when trying to replace lighting fixtures of this type with your own hands.

Installation of a mortise structure into the floor should be carried out in areas not subject to increased loads.

Thus, it is a preferable option in comparison with different types of lamp fixtures. Do-it-yourself fixing an overhead or corner profile for attaching strip lighting fixtures is quite easy.

First of all, it should be noted that the classification of profiles is based on the type of material:

1. polycarbonate products. Although the plastic box is used less frequently, it has several advantages. For example, it is flexible, due to which it is installed on bends or irregularities.
2. Aluminum box. It is very popular because it is resistant to corrosion and has increased strength.

Types of construction have the main feature - this is heat dissipation (measured in W / m), which depends on the surface area and dimensions. There are several product categories that differ in the installation method. These are types such as:

There are other types of products that differ in shape. These include round, rectangular, square, cone-shaped and trapezoidal products.

In terms of shape and cross section, there are a huge number of models. Their use allows you to create the interior of any room to your taste and style. This applies not only to premises: shop windows, office buildings, billboards stand out against the general background due to such lighting.

In addition to the main options, there are several more types of profile with which you can attach a light source. For example, an LED strip can be placed in a U-shaped profile. Such a device is used to illuminate the desktop, in the design of shop windows or stands and exhibitions.

Any profile includes such additional components as plugs, self-tapping screws, clips and a protective screen (diffuser). The screen, in turn, can be matte or transparent.

The hermetic box has also become very popular. This type is used for aquariums and many other elements. In such a box, the LED strip is protected from unwanted moisture.

The boxes differ from each other in color. Colors are selected for the overall interior of the room or object that will be illuminated. The LED strip also comes in different colors, so choosing the right color is not difficult.

Standard sizes

The profile size for the LED strip is adjusted to the light source. The LED strip has the following dimensions: from 8 to 13 mm in width, from 2.2 to 5.5 mm in thickness, and up to 5 meters in length. For the side glow tape, the parameters are slightly different: the width is 6.6 mm and the height is 12.7 mm. Therefore, the standard size of the structure is an average of two meters. But the common length is from 1.5 to 5.5 meters. The size of the box in width ranges from 10 to 100 millimeters, in depth 5–50 millimeters.

Profile dimensions may vary due to each manufacturer has its own manufacturing technology and standards. Basically, the products come in the following sizes:

Many people have heard about the benefits of LED lighting. The unique spectral composition close to daylight creates comfort even in the most inclement weather. Durability and economy make this solution even more cost-effective than conventional incandescent lamps. The variety of shapes and types of LED lamps allow you to create a unique interior.

But we already know all this. LED strip purchased and it's time to install. And then a natural question arises, but how to attach it to a wall or piece of furniture. The back of the LED strip is covered with double-sided tape, but will it be able to hold the entire structure to the plaster?

Sellers of LED equipment offer us an impressive range of various profiles (boxes) to solve such a difficult task. Types of profiles are divided according to the method of installation:

• corner;
• mortise;
• overhead.

A corner box is needed if the LED strip needs to be fixed in the corner of two perpendicular surfaces. It can be a junction of a wall and a ceiling or furniture lighting.

This type of profile is appreciated by gourmets of design solutions. It allows you to deepen the LED strip, creating an original and unique look.

This is a classic solution for mounting LED strips around the perimeter of a room or for creating local lighting.

Everything seems to be clear, except for one small detail... The price of an aluminum profile for an LED strip is several times higher than the LED strip itself. The question arises about the economic feasibility of LED lighting. Well, I'm not ready to give $ 150 for a set of profiles for one room.

DIY LED strip box

Do we really need a special design of the mounting box? Let's see what specific features a standard solution has.

Technical features of specialized aluminum profile

Structural rigidity

Yes, but the weight of a running meter of the tape itself is several tens of grams. The average profile weight for it is 300-400 grams. The load on the supporting profile is small, but the rigidity of the box will cause considerable inconvenience if installation is required on curly surfaces, for example, a semicircle of a plasterboard ceiling.

Efficient heat dissipation

Indeed, for tapes based on CMD matrix 5630, 5730, heat production can exceed 3 W per square centimeter and require effective heat dissipation. Only such technical solutions are used for very large rooms with high ceilings. In a standard apartment, the smd 3528 LED strip with a heat transfer coefficient of 0.6 W / cm2 is quite suitable. Even if you want to make the lighting brighter, using more powerful 5050 modules, you can use a regular aluminum strip as a heat sink.

Special form for mounting

In fact, any rectangular design comparable to the width of our tape will do. The inside of the profile must contain enough space to install the tape itself and wires for supplying electricity.

How to replace the aluminum profile for LED strip

We go to the electrical department of the nearest hardware store and look for a plastic box for electrical wiring. It will successfully replace the aluminum light box for the LED strip. The variety of their sizes will allow you to easily choose the option for both a single tape and a double one, in case of additional decorative lighting.

If necessary, you can even find boxes of various colors to harmoniously fit it into the interior.

Such a profile is much more pleasant to install than aluminum. The relative flexibility of the design and the ease of cutting allow it to be firmly fixed even with uneven surfaces.

Installation of a plastic box

To mount the structure, we need the simplest tools:

• pencil;
• ruler;
• level;
• drill;
• screwdriver;
• package of screws of the required size.

Based on the mounting features, we select the appropriate cable channel:

Angular	mortise	Overhead

Which profile to choose?

Since there will be tape and power wires inside the channel, the width of the gap should be about a little more than the tape. For surface mounting, a 15x10 mm profile is suitable.

To install a mortise structure, first prepare a channel for the profile.

Its depth and width must correspond to the dimensions of the box. A do-it-yourself channel for a LED strip can be easily made using a conventional circular saw, which are sold in the form of nozzles for a drill. A limiting level can be provided to ensure an even cut. It can be a straight wooden plank, which is temporarily screwed to the surface with self-tapping screws.

After preparing the surface, we measure how long it is necessary to cut the plastic box under the LED backlight. At corner joints, marking is best done on a special machine. It is usually used for cutting ceiling moldings.

In the process of cutting, you can make holes through which you will screw in the screws.

The optimal distance for fixing the box for LED lighting with screws is 40-50 centimeters. For installation in concrete or brick, pre-drill the holes with a drill bit.

When installing on drywall or furniture boards, ordinary wood screws are used.

After mounting the profile, the LED strip is attached to a double-sided adhesive tape that covers its back side.

Features of wiring installation

It is important to remember that the tapes are always connected to the power source in parallel, so consider laying the wires that will supply voltage to the individual segments of the tape.

For the convenience of connecting the power wires, it is better to lay them on both sides, then it will be extremely difficult to reverse the polarity.

The use of plastic boxes for electrical wiring will significantly reduce the budget for installation work on installing LED lighting. Such profiles are easily mounted on semicircular surfaces, which is not available to classic aluminum-based solutions.

Selection Tips

Before moving on to choosing the right model, let's consider the main technical and design functions that an aluminum profile performs.

Uniform light distribution

The effect is achieved through the use of a diffuser. The screen, which is placed on top of the LED strip, gently distributes the point light of the diodes along the entire length. Diffusers differ in shape, size and degree of blurring of light sources.

Creating design effects

A perfectly even line of light or a series of parallel light beams… a glow from a hidden niche or a matte glow of depth - everything is possible thanks to the variety of shapes of profiles and diffusers.

overheat protection

Bright LEDs generate a lot of heat. The aluminum profile for the LED strip distributes the heat load, protecting the mounting surface and the strip from overheating, which prolongs their service life.

Installation in hard to reach areas

A variety of shapes, sizes and types of fastening allows you to create local lighting in any area - under a stretch ceiling, on a plinth, window frame or showcase, etc. A moisture-proof profile is used for swimming pools and bathrooms.

Standard and KIT equipment

The standard kit includes a profile for the LED strip with a diffuser (if provided by the design). Extended KIT includes end caps and hardware. Our store has a wide range of accessories. In Moscow, free delivery is possible if the order price is over 25,000 rubles.

Name decoding example

MULTI CR 59x9 kit

Multi- the name of a series of guides with several grooves for creating basic lighting
CR- overlay profile with rounded flange
59x9- guide size in mm
kit- kit includes fasteners and/or plugs

Series

Profile names use standard series names and abbreviations that indicate common features.

Micro- profiles of minimum width and height
line- profiles that give a uniform illumination of the diffuser
Comfort- profiles with volume diffusers protruding beyond the profile plane
Multi- profile with several parallel light lines
prof- built-in profiles protected from water and mechanical stress
Double- overlay profiles with illumination along the surface on both sides
power- profiles are suitable for a bright wide tape. Suitable for creating a source of additional lighting
Mega- wide profiles suitable for creating basic lighting

Abbreviations

DC- inside the profile there is a niche for the power supply
FL- built-in profile with side flanges covering the edges of the groove
CR- overlay profile with decorative side flange
kit- extended kit, including fasteners and / or profile plugs
long- profile length over 2 m
R- round diffuser
Q- rectangular diffuser

Today, a profile for an LED strip is not a fashionable addition. With the advent of high-power LEDs, like SMD 5730 and SMD 3014, their crystals needed heat removal, the function of which was taken over by a metal profile.

It is easy to design a backlight based on an LED strip even with your own hands at home, and it is not difficult to find a use for it in any room. The object of illumination can be a furniture structure, a ceiling, mirrors with a sandblasted pattern ... The LED strip, mounted in a profile, elegantly fits into any interior and gives it additional attractiveness. But in order for the profile to serve not only as an aesthetic addition, but also to prolong the life of LEDs, it is worth familiarizing yourself with their variety in more detail.

Three main types

Structurally, the profile for the LED strip is an aluminum guide with a removable plastic screen. The diffusing screen can be transparent or matte. The following functional load is assigned to the profile:

• efficient heat dissipation, as a result of which the backlight service life increases several times;
• protection against mechanical impact on the light source and input wires;
• uniform distribution of the light flux, which is achieved due to the properties of the diffuser;
• playing the role of a full-fledged lamp, which is easily mounted in a convenient place.

In stores, anodized aluminum profiles are more common than others, differing in shape and type of fastening. Aluminum is a light and elastic metal, which is easy to process and has a high thermal conductivity. The aluminum profile for the LED strip does not darken and perfectly cope with the tasks.

Overhead

The patch profile for the LED strip is made in a U-shape, has the widest application and is attached to the base with self-tapping screws. The width of the shelf corresponds to the standard sizes of existing LED strips, and the height of the walls depends on the manufacturer. During assembly, the diffuser is either inserted into the grooves or snapped tightly along the entire length.

corner

From the name it follows that this type of profile for a strip with light emitting diodes is intended for installation between a ceiling and a wall or between two shelves of furniture, in other words, it replaces a plinth. The outer walls of the angular profile are located relative to each other at an angle of 90°. Along their edges, grooves are made for attaching the diffuser. Inside it at an angle of 45 ° there is a shelf for gluing LED strip. During operation, the luminous flux does not spread in one plane, but at an angle of 45 °, evenly illuminating the entire room.

Corner profile based LED luminaires are ideal for showcase and retail area lighting. Unlike lamps, they do not take up space, do not dazzle visitors and do not create a pronounced shadow.

Embedded

Embedded or recessed profile for LED strips is designed for installation in specially designed recesses and grooves. It has a U-shape with an edge along the entire length on both walls. The LED strip is located on the shelf of the structure and is hidden under the diffuser, while emitting light at a right angle. Rigid fastening with the base is provided with furniture glue or self-tapping screws. To give aesthetic properties, the ends of the profile are closed with plugs.
The scope of the built-in profile is the interior of kitchen sets and wardrobes, as well as in places where saving every centimeter of space is of paramount importance.

Price

The price of a branded aluminum profile for an LED strip is commensurate with the price of the strip itself. As a result, the total cost of a luminaire using a branded profile becomes quite significant. This moment is the main barrier to their widespread distribution. Nevertheless, there is still a demand for original products.

The products of the Polish manufacturer Klus are very popular. The huge range of profiles is further expanded by a variety of colors. For example, mortise models of the PDS4-K series can be ordered in silver, black and light gold at a cost of about 400 rubles per meter.
A profile with a minimum recess of the OPAC-30 series, in addition to the main colors, can be made in brown shades, but for a fee. The basic equipment will cost about 580 rubles / m.
Klus profiles of a more sophisticated shape with a ribbed back surface are designed for the simultaneous installation of several LED strips and cost from 600 rubles. Corner KOPRO 30 (approximately 650 rub/m) is made of thick aluminum with radiator fins, which allows it to provide more efficient heat dissipation for the LED strip.
The TRIADA overlay or hanging profile (1300 rubles/m) consists of three paired guides, in each of which you can stick a tape of the desired color.
The cost of profiles for LED strips from Klus are indicated without a complete set with a diffusing screen. Its average cost is 110-140 rubles per meter. In addition, you will need accessories in the form of simple and conductor plugs, which simplify the installation and supply of power wires. All in all, it's not cheap. But the user always has the opportunity to purchase the necessary spare parts, if the need arises.

The products of Chinese manufacturers are distinguished by a lower price category. For example, the well-known international brand for the production of LED products Arlight. On average, their products are 15-20% cheaper than those of Klus and are also accompanied by fittings. For example, WIDE-B-H20 with a size of 20 * 11.5 mm can be found for 320 rubles per meter. It is compatible with two types of screens: rounded and rectangular with a matte and transparent surface. In a store, for example, the beloved Leroy Merlin, you can stumble upon an LED profile of unknown origin. The name of which consists of a set of letters and numbers. If the profile has an attractive cost, then before buying, you should first carefully examine it. The surface must be anodized. Otherwise, the aluminum will remain unprotected, prone to scratches and darken over time. It is recommended to pay special attention to checking the diffusing screen - it must have a uniform shade.

The cost of the profile indicated on the seller's website does not always imply a complete set. What does it mean? In an attempt to lure the buyer, stores often indicate the price of not the entire product (standard length 2 meters), but per linear meter, without mentioning this on the main page.

You can also find a product, the price of which is given without a diffusing screen.

Budget options

From the previous section, it can be seen that the prices for branded profiles for LED strips are unlikely to please the average buyer. What to do in a situation where it is necessary to cool the LEDs, but you don’t want to lay out a few hundred rubles for the original profile? You'll have to turn on your ingenuity and try to make a profile with your own hands. Of course, the appearance of such a product will be slightly worse than that of the branded one. But the costs will go down.

Especially the budget option is good in places where the entire LED design is hidden behind the finishing material. For example, a piece of furniture or a niche under the plasterboard ceiling. In the absence of a diffuser, there is also a plus. No protective glass - no loss of brightness. And this is about 20% of the total luminous flux.

Metal

A worthy alternative to the original profile is a construction U-shaped analogue made of galvanized steel. In this case, preference should be given to options without perforation and corrugation. The cost of one running meter of a galvanized thin-walled channel with a size of 27x28 does not exceed 20 rubles. If more expensive, then this is a rack profile made of thicker steel. It is sold in segments of 3 meters.
Another option involves using an aluminum curtain rod as a metal base. In this case, the LED strip is glued on top of the cornice, which cools it no worse than the branded profile. The radiation will not dazzle, and the light reflected from the ceiling will harmoniously disperse around the room.

Plastic

The cable channel works well with the function of a plastic profile. This is the so-called box, which serves for laying electrical wires in an external way. It cannot be called a good heat sink, so it is not suitable for long-term operation of high-power LED strips. But this box for LED strip serves as an excellent flexible base. And the price is acceptable - from 30 to 50 rubles per piece of a standard length of 2 meters.
This design is in demand for organizing lighting on uneven surfaces and in arched openings. Liquid nails work well with fastening. It is assembled in several stages:

1. We buy and cut off a cable channel, the inner width of which is equal to the width of the LED strip, of the desired length.
2. Depending on the required rigidity, we glue the LED strip either inside the channel or inside the cover from it.
3. We connect to a power source.

The 10 mm wide LED strip fits perfectly into the cable duct with an outer width of 12 mm.

Summing up

Based on the foregoing, a logical conclusion suggests itself. The determining factor when choosing a profile is its price and the type of LED strip used. If you plan to make a major overhaul of the room or purchase expensive furniture, then the relative costs of the original profile for the LED strip will be small and very appropriate. If the plans, like the family budget, are much more modest, then the option with a home-made profile will be more suitable.

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