Three jobs in one component
An aluminium profile carries the strip, diffuses the light and moves heat away from the FPC. Choosing only by appearance usually leads to a channel that is too shallow for the pitch, or too enclosed for the power.
The opal diffuser spreads the emission, which is why a shallow profile with dense strip can read as smooth even when the strip itself shows dots on the bench.
Depth decides the look
- Under 10 mm internal depth: only dense strip or COB reads as a continuous line.
- 15–20 mm: standard SMD lines smooth out at normal viewing distance.
- Deep or asymmetric profiles: use where the light has to wash a surface rather than point at the viewer.
Fixing: adhesive is not a mounting method
The tape on the back of a strip is for positioning during installation, not for permanent fixing on a ceiling. On painted or dusty surfaces it releases over time, and the strip sags into the diffuser.
Use clips or a channel with a retaining lip for permanent runs. Where the strip sits in a profile, apply thermal tape along the full length so the heat path is continuous rather than limited to a few contact points.
Heat and enclosure
Aluminium helps only when the strip is bonded to it. A strip loose inside a sealed channel runs hotter than the same strip on an open surface, and the driver compartment adds its own heat.
For high-output runs, leave ventilation at the ends of the channel or use a profile with more mass. Derating the power is often cheaper than adding cooling.
Details that show on site
- Cut on the marked interval, not at the nearest convenient point.
- Deburr the profile and check the diffuser clips before the strip goes in.
- Plan cable exits at the end that can be reached later.
- Leave a service loop at each driver location.
Key takeaways
- Profile depth and diffuser type determine whether the pitch is visible.
- Adhesive is for positioning; use clips or a retaining lip for fixing.
- Bond the strip to aluminium along its full length for heat transfer.
