Are RGB LED Strips Safe?

RGB LED Strips are popular lighting systems due to their personalization and customizable appeal. Residential and commercial areas benefit from color changing capabilities and other controls we will highlight in the blog.

As they grow in popularity, some people pose the question, “Are RGB LED Strips safe?". This blog will address whether RGB strips are safe and which one to choose.

What are RGB LED Strips?

Image of American Lighting Microlux LED Tape Light

RGB LED Strips, also known as tape lights, are LED lights that contain red, green, and blue diodes in one strip. RGB LED Strips create various colors and effects. Most red, green, and blue LED strip lights use a low-voltage power supply. Low-voltage power supply means high voltage from the main power source converts into a lower, safer voltage.

RGB lights provide great mood lighting in homes, as well as accent lighting in kitchens and bathrooms. In residential spaces, they are great for under-cabinet setups. In commercial settings, you can find these LED tape lights for signage and entertainment systems, like gaming rooms or other venues.

Are RGB LED Strips Safe?

RGB LED strip lights are generally safe to use when installed correctly. That's because LED RGB strips address the main safety categories below:

  • Electrical Safety
  • Fire Risk
  • Eye Safety
  • Environmental Safety

Electrical Safety

RGB LED Strips are electrically safe for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that LED tape light are low voltage lights. As said above, low voltage means a safer voltage during the installation process. Most RGB strips use either “12V or 24V DC” which helps to lower the potential shock risk.

Another reason RGB LED strips are safe is due to the power supply. The power supply matters in terms of RGB strip. If the power supply is cheap and not regulated, it can overheat or cause power issues.

Look for UL-listed or CE-certified. Supplies that are UL-listed or CE-certified will help keep the electricals safe from any harm.

While RGB strips are electrically safe, ensure the strips are not overloading the circuits. If not, overloading the circuits can lead to overheating or short circuits.

Fire Risk

When using any form of light bulb or light, there is always a risk of a fire. However, there is less risk of an LED fire hazard when using RGB strips. Most RGB strips use LED which provides minimal heat compared to traditional lighting that produces excessive heat.

A frequent concern is that LED strips can overheat. Technically these fans can overheat but only when they are not properly used. The only time the light may overheat is if there is something covering it.

No ventilation, contact with insulation and low-quality parts are all fire risks. To prevent this, it is important to fully research your product you are looking for before purchasing. You typically will not have to worry about those issues if you choose products that pass specific certifications.

Eye Safety

Eye safety is an important aspect of keeping customers happy while safe. When RGB strips are set to “blue” or cooler white colors, they emit blue light. Blue and cool white lights are a great option during the day.

However, too much exposure to the light during the nighttime can disrupt melatonin production and affect your sleep. To prevent disruption to your sleep, we recommend using warmer tones.

Another potential eye risk is the flickering of the lights. Cheaper strips are susceptible to flickering which can lead to fatigue of the eyes, headaches, or other discomfort. To mitigate this, purchase RGB strips from brands that other people trust.

Environmental Safety

RGB strips are great for the environment. Other lights release many toxins in the air which hurt the environment and humans. These strips on the other hand, do not produce toxins like mercury or UV radiation.

You can also find RoHS-compliant options that will ensure you are not using a product that harms the environment.

What are the common safety concerns of RGB Strips?

When researching RGB LED Strips, it is important to know the safety concerns that come with them. One of the most common concerns is overheating. RGB strips can overheat because of improper ventilation or overloading circuits.

We recommend giving the lights proper ventilation, so they do not overheat. You should also have various circuits to use if you are using multiple strips. This will help the circuits from overloading and overheating.

Buying cheaper products can also be an issue. Cheaper options may not have the same high quality like trusted brands. The quality of the light will keep the light working longer than other options.

It is also important to find options that are certified. Certified options add a sense of security knowing they have already been tested. Two trusted brands we offer are DiodeLED and American Lighting.

Improper installation near flammable materials is also a common safety concern. If the strip light trips, it can cause a fire and damage to homes or offices. The adhesive goes through a lot when it is attached to the walls.

However, there may be adhesive damage to the wall due to prior lights or peeling the lights off. Prevent these issues by checking the area to have a safe LED installation.

Choosing safe RGB LED Strips

When choosing safe RGB LED Strips, it is important to look for products that are UL, CE, or RoHS certified. This provides peace of mind knowing your products have been tested and are ready for use.

You should also look for waterproof or IP-rated strips that can go into bathrooms or outside. A waterproof rating is very helpful for lights in areas with water. You can also use them for your outdoor lighting needs. Whether you use them as deck lights, landscape lights, or even path lights, they'll be safe.

Before choosing which strip you want, find compatible power supplies and connectors. Power supplies and connectors that work perfectly with your lights can enhance your lighting experience.

Maintenance and Usage Tips

Keeping the strip lights working properly is not a simple task. However, it is necessary to keep the lights in the best condition possible. Keep the lights in good condition by turning them off when you are not using them. This will preserve the battery in the lights and allow you to use the light longer.

Regularly checking the RGB light for wear and tear on the wires or adhesive failures. If you spot these issues before they get out of control, you can purchase new lights. You can also prevent yourself from having to fix the wall with the adhesive.

We also recommend using timers or dimmers with the lights. This reduces the strain and energy use on the lights.

In Summary

RGB LED Strip lights are safe. They provide electrical, fire, eye, and environmental safety. Using these strips correctly keeps you safe. However, it is important to look for lights that are from trusted brands so you can have quality products that last a long time.

Shop RGB LED Strip Lights today at HomElectrical!

Can RGB LED Strips cause fires?

Yes, RGB LED strips can cause fires if they are installed incorrectly. Poor quality strips, improper installations, and faulty wiring can all lead to fires.

Do RGB strips damage walls?

No, RGB strips do not damage the wall structure. However, the adhesive on the back of the tape light can damage the paint or leave residue. Use proper removal techniques to decrease the risk of any damage on the wall. Refer to the product manual for proper ways to remove your tape light with minimal wear on paint.

Recommended Reading

LED strip lights can be used in a variety of places to add ambiance, accent lighting, or even functional lighting to your home. Here are a few ideas to help bring out your space!

Choosing under cabinet lighting for your kitchen can be daunting with the variety of available products on the market. Finding the best lights depends on factors such as fixture type, power source, brightness, and color temperature.

LED strip lights are a great way to add accent lighting to your home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install LED strip lights.

Tape lights and rope lights are both popular ways to light your home! Find out the differences between tape lights and rope lights and see which one might work best for your space.

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