Tunable White LED Strip: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

Tunable white LED strips are flexible lighting solutions that enable users to adjust the color temperature of the light. With a range of warm to cool white hues, these versatile strips offer the perfect lighting ambiance for different settings. They are highly energy-efficient and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for use in various indoor spaces like homes, offices, and public buildings.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed guide to Tunable White LED strips, covering everything from purchasing and installation to usage. Keep reading to learn more!

What is a Tunable White LED strip?

Tunable white LED strips are a type of LED strip that allows for adjustable color temperature, or CCT. They offer a wide range of white lighting options and are usually 24V adjustable LED strips. Using a DMX controller, wired or wireless remote control, or both, you can easily change the color temperature of the strip.

A Tunable White LED strip is a type of LED lighting fixture that allows you to adjust the color temperature of the light it emits. This means you can create a variety of white light hues ranging from warm to cooler tones. Tunable White LED strips are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to provide customizable lighting for a wide range of applications. They can be used in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.

How Does Tunable LED Strip Change The CCT?

CCT stands for “Correlated Color Temperature.” It is a measure of the color appearance of the light emitted by a source, measured in Kelvin (K). It is a way to describe the color of white light produced by a light source, and it is based on the temperature of a theoretical black body radiator that emits light of similar color. Lower CCT values (e.g., 2700K) are warm and have a yellowish hue, while higher CCT values (e.g., 5000K) are cool and have a bluish hue. Tunable white LED strips allow you to adjust the CCT to create a range of warm to cool white light.

Tunable LED strips have two different types of white LEDs, typically cool white and warm white. 

By varying the relative brightness of the two types of LEDs, the color temperature of the light can be adjusted. The cool white LEDs have a color temperature of around 6500K, while the warm white LEDs have a color temperature of around 2700K. By adjusting the brightness of each type of LED, the color temperature of the light can be changed smoothly from warm to cool. The process is controlled by a controller, which can be either wired or wireless and can be operated by a remote or a mobile app.

Tunable white LED strips use a combination of two different LED diodes with different color temperatures, typically cool white and warm white. By adjusting the relative brightness of each type of LED, the color temperature of the light emitted can be tuned to achieve the desired hue. For example, increasing the relative brightness of the cool white LED while decreasing the warm white LED will result in a cooler, bluer light, while decreasing the cool white LED and increasing the warm white LED will create a warmer, yellower light.

The control method for tuning the color temperature may vary depending on the specific tunable white LED strip. Some strips may use a simple remote control with pre-programmed settings, while others may use a more advanced DMX control system that allows for precise adjustment of the color temperature and other lighting parameters.

tunable white led strip 1
tunable white led strip

Color Temperature For Tunable White LED Strip

Tunable white LED strips offer a range of color temperature options, typically from 2700K to 6500K, which covers the spectrum from warm white to cool white light. The color temperature of the LED strip refers to the perceived “warmth” or “coolness” of the light it emits, and is measured in units of Kelvin (K).

Here’s an example of an Excel table that could be used to list the color temperatures available for a tunable white LED strip:

CCT RatingLighting EffectSuitable Applications
2000K-3000KWarm white lightResidential spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms
3500K-4500KNeutral white lightCommercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, and classrooms
5000K-6500KCool white lightTask-oriented environments such as workshops, garages, and hospitals
7000K and aboveDaylight white lightOutdoor a

This is just an example, and the specific color temperature options for a tunable white LED strip may vary depending on the manufacturer and model.

How To Control Tunable White LED Strips?

To control tunable white LED strips, you will need a remote that allows you to adjust the color temperature and brightness. Additionally, you can integrate these lights into your building’s control structure to achieve your desired outcome. This enables you to adapt the lighting to match the mood of the space and the people using it. Various control systems are available for tunable white LED strips, including RF controllers, power repeaters/amplifiers, and DMX512 & RDM decoders.

Sure, there’s a table format for the list of Tunable White LED Strips controllers:

Controller TypeDescription
RF ControllerUses radio frequency signals to control the LED strip’s color temperature and brightness
RF RemoteA handheld device that sends RF signals to the RF controller to adjust the color temperature and brightness
Power Repeater/AmplifierExtends the range of the RF controller and RF remote by amplifying the signal
DMX512 & RDM DecoderA device that converts DMX512 or RDM signals into analog or digital signals to control the LED strip’s color temperature and brightness

Benefits of using tunable white LED strip lights

 Tunable white LED strip lights offer a range of benefits that make them a popular lighting option for both residential and commercial settings.

Flexible and versatile lighting: 

Tunable white LED strip lights offer a wide range of color temperatures, making them ideal for a variety of lighting applications. They can be used to create warm, cozy environments or cool, bright task-oriented settings.

Energy-efficient

LED lights are energy-efficient and use less electricity compared to traditional lighting systems. This can help reduce energy costs and contribute to a greener environment.

Long lifespan

LED lights have a longer lifespan than traditional lighting systems, which means they require less maintenance and replacement.

Easy to install

Tunable white LED strip lights are easy to install and can be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.

Better color rendering

 Tunable white LED strip lights have a high color rendering index (CRI), which means they are better at displaying colors accurately and naturally.

Dimmable

Many tunable white LED strip lights are dimmable, giving you greater control over the lighting in your space and allowing you to create the perfect atmosphere.

Utilizations  of Tunable White LED Strip Lights 

Tunable white LED strip lights are versatile and can be used in a variety of settings to provide the desired lighting effect.

ApplicationDescription
ResidentialUsed in homes for general lighting or to create a specific atmosphere in different areas such as the bedroom, living room, or dining room.
CommercialIdeal for commercial lighting applications such as offices, retail stores, and museums.
HospitalityCan be used in hotels, restaurants, and cafes to create a relaxing ambiance and to highlight certain areas.
HealthcareSuitable for healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and dental offices, to create a comfortable environment.
IndustrialUsed in warehouses, factories, and workshops, where high visibility is essential to maintain a safe working environment.
OutdoorWaterproof and can be used for outdoor applications such as illuminating building facades, gardens, and landscapes.

How To Install a Tunable White LED Strip 

A  list of Installing Requirements for installing a tunable white LED strip:

  • Tunable white LED strip
  • Power supply
  • LED controller (e.g., RF controller, DMX512 & RDM decoder)
  • Wires/cables
  • Connectors/splitters
  • Mounting clips/screws
  • Heat shrink tubing (optional)
  • Soldering iron and solder (optional)

Note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the specific tunable white LED strip and the installation method. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines during the installation process.

Some steps for installing tunable white LED strips:

Step-1: Familiarize yourself with the wires and their functions, including the positive, negative, and data wires.

Step-2: Connect the tunable white LED strip to the receiver by inserting the positive, negative, and data wires into their corresponding slots.

Step-3: Connect the receiver to the LED driver using wire connectors or by matching the wires with the correct terminal. Make sure to connect the positive and negative wires correctly.

Step-4: Connect the controller to the power supply using wire connectors or by matching the wires with the correct terminal. Make sure to connect the positive and negative wires correctly.

Step-5: Connect the receiver to the controller using the data wires and turn on the power supply to test the LED strip.

Step-6: Install the LED strip in the desired location using mounting brackets or adhesive tape.

Step-7: Use the controller to adjust the color temperature and brightness of the tunable white LED strip to your desired setting.

Tunable White LED Strips Vs RGB LED Strips

FeatureTunable White LED StripsRGB LED Strips
Color optionsVariable white colorsFull range of colors
CCT range1800K-6500KN/A
Dimming optionsYesYes
Color changingYesYes
ApplicationGeneral lightingDecorative lighting
Energy efficiencyHighly efficientLess efficient
PriceRelatively expensiveLess expensive

Overall, Tunable White LED Strips and RGB LED Strips have their own unique features and are suitable for different applications. Tunable White LED Strips are more suitable for general lighting, where the color temperature and brightness need to be adjusted for a specific environment, while RGB LED Strips are ideal for decorative lighting and creating dynamic color effects.

Tunable White LED Strips Vs Dim-To-Warm LED Strips:

CategoryTunable White LED StripsDim-To-Warm LED Strips
Color Temperature RangeCan be adjusted from 1800K-6500KFixed at around 2000K-3000K
Color Rendering Index (CRI)Usually 80+Usually 90+
Light OutputUniform, consistent and brighterWarm-up time required to reach full brightness
ApplicationSuitable for versatile applications where different lighting scenarios are neededSuitable for spaces where a warm, cozy atmosphere is desired
Energy EfficiencyMore energy-efficient than dim-to-warm LED stripsLess energy-efficient due to their dimming function
PriceUsually more expensive than dim-to-warm LED stripsUsually more affordable

Note: The table is for general reference only and the specifications may vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer.

How to choosing tunable white LED Strips

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing tunable white LED strips:

FactorConsiderations
Color rangeConsider the range of color temperatures available, such as 1800K-6500K or 2700K-6500K, to ensure it meets your lighting needs.
BrightnessLook for information on the brightness of the LED strips, which is typically measured in lumens per meter (lm/m). Consider the amount of light you need for your application and choose an LED strip with an appropriate brightness level.
CRICRI, or color rendering index, is a measure of how accurately a light source can render colors compared to natural light. Choose an LED strip with a high CRI (at least 80) for more accurate color representation.
Length and flexibilityConsider the length and flexibility of the LED strips to ensure they can be used in the desired location. Some LED strips are more flexible than others, and some can be cut to specific lengths.
Power sourceCheck the power requirements of the LED strips to ensure they can be powered by your existing wiring or power supply.
Control optionsConsider the available control options, such as a remote control, smartphone app, or voice control, to ensure you can easily adjust the color temperature and brightness as desired.
Brand and qualityLook for reputable brands and high-quality products to ensure long-lasting and reliable performance. Consider reading reviews and ratings from other customers to gauge the quality of the product.

FAQ

Yes, tunable white LED strips can be cut to fit a specific length by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Yes, some manufacturers offer tunable white LED strips that can be controlled by a single remote to control multiple strips.

Yes, tunable white LED strips are designed to be waterproof and can be used for outdoor applications such as illuminating building facades, gardens, and landscapes.

Tunable white LED strips can be controlled using a remote control, a smartphone app, or a wall-mounted switch. These controllers allow you to adjust the color temperature and brightness of the LED strips.

The lifespan of tunable white LED strips can vary depending on the quality of the LED chips used and how well they are maintained. High-quality LED strips can last up to 50,000 hours or more.

Are tunable white LED strips energy-efficient? Yes, tunable white LED strips are highly energy-efficient and consume much less power compared to traditional lighting sources. They also have a low heat output, which reduces the need for cooling.

Yes, tunable white LED strips can be cut to size using a pair of scissors at designated cut points. However, it is important to ensure that the strips are cut to the correct length to avoid damaging the circuitry.

Yes, you can connect multiple tunable white LED strips together to create longer strips using connectors and wiring. However, it is important to ensure that the power supply is sufficient for the entire length of the LED strips to avoid voltage drop and dimming.

Yes, tunable white LED strips are easy to install and can be done by anyone with basic electrical knowledge. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when installing the LED strips to avoid injury or damage to the strips.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tunable white LED strips are a great lighting option for a wide range of applications. They offer the ability to adjust the color temperature and intensity to suit different environments and moods, making them ideal for both residential and commercial settings. When choosing tunable white LED strips, it is important to consider factors such as color temperature range, CRI, and control options to ensure that the chosen strips meet your specific needs.

At our company, we offer a wide range of high-quality tunable white LED strips that are designed to provide excellent performance and durability. With our expertise and customer support, we can help you choose the best tunable white LED strips for your specific needs and preferences.

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