LED strip lights have become one of the most popular lighting upgrades for Australian homes. Their flexibility, affordability, and dramatic visual impact make them ideal for under-cabinet kitchen lighting, entertainment centre backlighting, bedroom ambient effects, and countless other creative applications. The good news is that installing LED strips is a straightforward DIY project that most homeowners can complete in an afternoon without specialized tools or electrical knowledge.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the installation process, from initial planning through final adjustments. By following these instructions carefully, you will achieve professional-looking results that transform your living spaces.
Planning Your LED Strip Installation
Successful LED strip installation begins with careful planning. Before purchasing anything, measure the exact length of your intended installation path. LED strips typically come in 5-metre rolls, so calculate whether you need one or multiple strips. Account for corners and turns, which may require cutting and reconnecting sections.
Consider these key planning factors:
- Surface type: LED strips adhere best to clean, smooth surfaces. Textured walls, painted wood, and dusty surfaces require additional preparation.
- Power source location: Your strip needs to connect to a power adapter that plugs into a standard power point. Plan where this connection will occur and whether cables will be visible.
- Lighting purpose: Accent lighting requires lower output (approximately 300 lumens per metre), while task lighting needs higher output (600+ lumens per metre).
- Colour requirements: Single-colour white strips are simplest and most affordable. RGB strips offer colour-changing capabilities but require controllers.
Sketch your installation plan on paper, noting measurements, power source locations, and any corners or obstacles that require special attention.
Gathering Your Materials and Tools
A typical LED strip installation requires the following items:
- LED strip lights (measured length plus 10% extra)
- Compatible power supply/adapter (check voltage and wattage requirements)
- LED strip connectors (for corners and extensions)
- Mounting clips or aluminium channel (optional but recommended)
- Cleaning supplies (isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth)
- Measuring tape
- Sharp scissors
- Cable management clips or conduit
Important: Always match your power supply to your LED strip's voltage (typically 12V or 24V) and ensure the power supply can handle the total wattage. Underpowered supplies cause dim lighting; overpowered supplies can damage strips or create fire hazards.
Preparing the Installation Surface
The adhesive backing on LED strips requires a clean, dry surface for proper adhesion. Skip this step and your strips may fall within days.
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Wipe the entire installation area with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher concentration) using a lint-free cloth. This removes dust, grease, and residue that prevent proper adhesion. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding.
Step 2: Test Fit Your Strips
Before removing any adhesive backing, hold the strip in position along your planned path. Verify measurements, identify cutting points, and confirm the power connection location works as planned. Mark cutting points with a small piece of tape.
Step 3: Cut to Length
LED strips can only be cut at designated points, typically marked with a scissor icon or copper pads every 5-10 centimetres. Cut precisely at these marks using sharp scissors. Cutting elsewhere will damage the circuit and create non-functional sections.
Installing the LED Strip
With preparation complete, installation proceeds quickly:
Step 4: Connect to Power (Before Mounting)
Connect your strip to the power supply and test that it illuminates correctly before mounting. This avoids the frustration of discovering connection issues after the strip is secured in place. Check for any dead sections or colour inconsistencies.
Step 5: Begin Mounting
Starting from the power connection point, peel back approximately 30 centimetres of adhesive backing. Press the strip firmly against the prepared surface, applying steady pressure for 10-15 seconds to ensure good contact. Continue peeling and pressing in manageable sections.
Step 6: Navigate Corners
For 90-degree corners, you have two options. The simpler method involves bending the flexible strip around the corner (works for gentle curves). For sharp corners, cut the strip at the designated point and use a corner connector or solderless connector to rejoin the sections at the desired angle.
Step 7: Secure Problem Areas
Where adhesive alone proves insufficient (vertical surfaces, areas near heat sources), add mounting clips or install the strip within an aluminium channel. Channels also provide better heat dissipation and create a more polished appearance.
Final Setup and Troubleshooting
After mounting, connect the complete installation to power and verify proper operation throughout the entire length. Common issues and solutions include:
- Sections not lighting: Check connections at cut points. Solderless connectors may need repositioning to contact copper pads properly.
- Flickering: Usually indicates insufficient power supply capacity or loose connections. Verify wattage calculations and secure all connectors.
- Colour inconsistency: Common with cheaper RGB strips. Quality brands like Govee and Philips Hue maintain better colour uniformity.
- Strips falling: Surface was inadequately cleaned, or ambient temperature is too hot for standard adhesive. Add mounting clips or consider high-temperature rated strips.
Once everything works correctly, manage cables using adhesive cable clips or conduit. Hide the power adapter behind furniture or inside a cabinet where possible. For smart LED strips, complete the app setup and configure any schedules or scenes.
Ready to Choose Your LED Strips?
Use our LED Finder Tool to get personalised recommendations for strip lights that match your project requirements and budget.
Take the LED Finder QuizLED strip installation is a satisfying project that delivers immediate visual impact. With proper planning and careful execution, your new lighting will provide years of reliable service while transforming the atmosphere of your home. Browse our curated selection of LED strip lights available from Amazon Australia to find the perfect option for your next project.