Using the Right Cable for LED Strips: Why 0.75mm² or higher cable is best

Can I use Cat 5, 6, 7 cables or bell wire for my LED strip setup?

While it might be tempting to use Cat 5, Cat 6, Cat 7 cables or bell wire for powering LED strips, Litewave does not recommend these types of cables for LED strip installations. These cables are not designed to handle the necessary current and power required for LED strips. Using them can result in problems such as voltage drop, overheating (potential FIRE), and poor performance.

To ensure your LED strips perform efficiently and safely, we highly recommend using 0.75mm² multi-core cable or larger. This type of cable is specifically designed for power transmission, ensuring reliable and safe operation in building installations.

Let Litewave Provide the Right Solution for Your LED Strip Installation

The best and safest method for your LED strip installation is to let Litewave supply the correct LED strips, PSUs, and installation diagrams, along with the properly sized cables. By relying on our expert-curated kits and recommendations, you can ensure that your setup will not only perform at its best but will also meet the necessary safety standards. Our professional-grade products, paired with clear wiring diagrams and specifications, take the guesswork out of the process, giving you peace of mind that your LED lighting system is properly designed and safe for use in your home or business.

Why Choose 0.75mm² up higher Multi-Core Cable for LED Strips?

Here’s why 0.75mm² multi-core cable is the best choice for your LED strip wiring:

Optimal Power Handling: 0.75mm² multi-core cable can handle up to 6A of current, which is suitable for most LED strip applications. However, it's crucial that the total load of the system is properly calculated, and the cable's capacity is appropriately matched to the installation requirements to avoid overloading. By using properly rated cable, you can ensure safe and reliable performance.
Designed for Power Transmission: This type of cable is specifically designed for carrying the current required by LED strips over extended distances, minimizing voltage drop and ensuring your LEDs receive sufficient power for consistent brightness and color quality.
Safety and Compliance: 0.75mm² multi-core cable is rated for use in building installations, meeting safety standards to ensure that it will not overheat, short-circuit, or cause any electrical hazards, unlike Cat 5, Cat 6, Cat 7 cables, or bell wire that are typically used for lower power applications.
Reduced Risk of Voltage Drop: When you use the correct wire, the potential for voltage drop is minimized, which means that your LED strips will perform at their best, even across longer distances. This also prevents color shifts or dimming issues that can occur when lower-rated wires are used.

Why Litewave’s Professional 24vdc LED Strips Perform Well Over Longer Distances

At Litewave, we offer high-quality Professional LED Strips designed for both performance and reliability. Our 24vdc LED strips come with constant current circuitry, allowing them to be powered across longer lengths without any noticeable drop in brightness or color consistency.

Our 24vdc LED strips are engineered to handle voltage drops of up to 4 volts without affecting the brightness or color. This makes them ideal for longer installations where some voltage drop is inevitable due to resistance in the wires or length of the run.

Avoiding Overheating and Voltage Drop

Using cables such as Cat 5, Cat 6, or bell wire for powering LED strips can lead to voltage drop and overheating. These cables are not designed to handle the higher currents required for LED strips. Running too much current through these wires can cause:

Excessive voltage drop, resulting in dim lighting and inconsistent color quality, especially for longer installations.
Overheating of wires, which can be a fire hazard and cause damage to the LED strips or other components.

To avoid these issues, always use a cable that is designed for power transmission, like 0.75mm² multi-core cable. This ensures that your LED strip setup will remain safe and efficient for years to come.

Best Practices for Wiring LED Strips

To ensure the best performance and safety for your LED strip installations, consider these best practices:

Use Suitable Cable for Power: Always opt for 0.75mm² multi-core cable or thicker cables specifically designed to carry the necessary current for LED strips. These cables are capable of handling higher currents, reducing the risk of voltage drop and overheating.
Ensure Cable Rating Matches the Load: While 0.75mm² cable can handle up to 6A, always consider the total load on the system. Ensure the cable’s rating is matched with the total current your LED strip installation will draw. If your setup requires more current, use a larger gauge cable to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Limit Long Wire Runs: The shorter the wire, the better. Long wires result in voltage drop, so for lengthy runs, consider using thicker cables (1mm² to 2.5mm²) to minimize power loss and ensure optimal LED performance. Our Litewave Pro 24vdc RGB and RGBW Strip, a voltage drop of 4 volts poses no problem.
Avoid Overloading Thin Wires: Do not use thin cables like Cat 5, Cat 6, or bell wire for powering LED strips. These cables are designed for low-voltage signal transmission, not for handling the currents required for LED lighting.

Why Is This Important?

Using the correct wiring is essential to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your LED strip installation. Incorrect wiring can lead to:

Inconsistent performance, including dim lighting, color shifts, or unresponsive LEDs.
Safety risks, such as overheating, which could potentially cause fires or damage your lighting setup.
Reduced lifespan of your LED strips due to inadequate power delivery.

0.75mm² multi-core cable is the safest and most reliable choice for powering LED strips. When the right cable is used, you can be confident that your system will work as intended and last for years.

Get Expert Advice from Litewave

At Litewave, we’re here to assist with any questions you may have about wiring LED strips, selecting the right cables, or installing your lighting system. Our team of experts can guide you to make informed decisions and ensure your setup is both safe and efficient.

Ensuring Safety and Preventing Risky Practices

We’ve created this article to help deter customers from making unsafe choices when installing LED strips. By providing the correct information on safe and effective wiring methods, we hope to prevent potential mistakes like using the wrong cables or installation techniques. We ensure our products, wiring diagrams, and kits adhere to important safety protocols, giving you peace of mind that your installations will be safe and reliable.

At Litewave, we’re committed to providing quality products and expert advice to ensure that all LED strip setups are safe, efficient, and built to last.

Conclusion: Safety First

When it comes to powering your LED strips, always choose cables specifically designed for power transmission, such as 0.75mm² multi-core cable or thicker cables. These cables ensure that your LED strips receive the proper power, minimizing voltage drop and reducing the risk of overheating. This choice will guarantee a safe, efficient, and high-performance setup for your lighting.

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