LED strips are a popular lighting solution for both residential and commercial spaces due to their versatility. One common problem some users may face when using LED light strips is flickering. This is a common problem and there are a plethora of issues that can cause LED light strips to flicker. This article will explore how to fix flickering LED strip lights and and provide detailed tips to ensure your lighting scheme runs smoothly.
Common Causes of Flickering LED Strip Lights
When we see LED strips flickering, there is no need to panic. Flickering can be caused by a variety of factors, so let’s first understand the common reasons for LED strip flickering.
- LED Failure: The first thing to check is the LEDs. Faulty LEDs or parts of the strip can cause flickering.
- Loose connections: A loose connection can cause unstable power, which can also cause flickering.
- Insufficient power supply: An insufficient power supply may not provide the necessary voltage and current to the LEDs.
- Voltage sag: If you have a long LED strip connected to a power source you may experience voltage sags, resulting in uneven lighting.
- Incompatible dimmers: Using a dimming protocol that is incompatible with your LED technology may result in flickering.
Troubleshooting Connections
The first step to fix the flickering issue is to see if the LED strip lights up, then troubleshoot the connections. You can do this by following these steps:
- Check all connections: Check all connections between the power supply, controller, and LED strip. Make sure all connections are secure and there are no loose wires.
- Soldering joints: If you find any possible dry solder joints, re-solder them to improve connectivity.
- Using connectors: If you are not familiar with soldering, you can use LED connectors to ensure stable connections between segments.
Power Supply Check
Insufficient power supply is a common cause of flickering LED strips. So it is necessary to simply check and test the power supply.
Check the power supply: Check whether the voltage and current of the LED strip are consistent with the LED light bar. At the same time, the user should ensure that the power supply meets these requirements. About how to choose the voltage, pls read How to Choose 12V vs. 24V LED Strip Lights?
Test the power supply: It is best to use a multimeter to test the output voltage of the power supply. If the voltage is lower than the requirement, consider replacing the power supply.
Replace the power supply with a suitable power supply: It is better to use a power supply that is overrated than underrated because the light strip will only consume the power it needs.
Preventing Voltage Drop
Voltage drop must be prevented in advance, regardless of whether the LED light strip has normal flickering or not. However, too long LED light strips will cause voltage drop, which will cause part of the LED light strip to flicker or dim.
LED strip length: Don’t connect a long LED strip to a power supply. Generally, we recommend 5 meters to one end and 10 meters to the same power source at both ends. So, shorten the length of the LED strip to reduce voltage drop.
Use thicker wires: For the power lines that connect the LED strips to the power supply, we try to use thicker wires to reduce resistance and minimize voltage drop.
Power injection: For longer strips, consider using multiple power supplies. You can connect the strip to the power supply at both ends or multiple points to maintain a consistent voltage.
Shorten the distance between the LED strip and the power supply: Before we install the LED light strip, we must consider the location of the power supply in advance. The LED light strip cannot be too far away from the power supply. If the distance is too far, it will also cause voltage drop.
Ensure Controller compatibility
Using an incompatible dimmer can cause your LED strip to flicker. So make sure your power supply and LED control are compatible:
Check LED controller specs: Use a compatible dimmer or controller, as incompatible dimming protocols may cause voltage or current fluctuations.
Test with a different LED controller: If you are unsure of compatibility, test your LED strip with a different dimmer known to be compatible with your LEDs.
Replace the LED Controller: If your current dimmer is not suitable, replace it with a dimmer that is compatible with your LEDs.
Identify the Faulty LED Section
If the LED strip is experiencing flickering issues, the first thing to do is check the LEDs. See if it is normal, not lit or flickering. A faulty section of the LED strip may cause the flickering.
Visual inspection: Obviously, we use our naked eyes to inspect the LED strip for any visible damaged or burnt LEDs.
Test the section of the LED strip that is not lighting up: If there is a short section of the LED strip that is not lighting up or flickering. The user can first cut this section off. Then test the shorted location, isolate it, and the downstream section of the strip will light up again.
Replace the faulty LED: Once you have identified the faulty section, you can replace the faulty LED or the entire segment. Cut off the faulty LED where it is allowed to be cut, and then connect it using soldering or quick-connect connectors. Then test it again. If it can be used normally, then it has been successful. More repair LED strip information, pls check How to Repair the Broken LED Strip Lights? -Common Troubleshooting
Conclusion
LED strip lights flickering is indeed a common problem, but it can be effectively solved as long as the right approach is taken. When we encounter this problem, there is no need to panic. By understanding the common causes and following the troubleshooting steps above, you can easily fix the flickering LED strip lights.
Finally, be sure to choose high-quality products can make a big difference. High-quality LED light strips and power supplies have stricter manufacturing quality and fewer defects, thus providing better performance and fewer problems within the service life. We are an LED light strip manufacturer, please consult us if you have any needs.