LED strip lights look beautiful. But, sometimes, they are not bright enough. A number of factors lead to such issues. However, the LEDs are fixable at home.
In this guide, I will teach you how to correct dim lights. I have figured out some very useful hacks to solve the issue. Let us first review the causes and then the solutions.
Table of contents
- The Problems I Detected in Dim LED Strips
- 1. Ensure Adequate Power Supply
- 2. Power Cycle the Strips
- 3. Fix Lose Wiring
- 4. Prevent Overheating
- 5. Separate the Overloaded Circuit
- 6. Remove Connectors
- 7. Replace Weak or too Long Power Cable
- 8. Your LED Strips are Defective
- 9. LED Strips have Expired
- FAQs About LED Strips
- Concluding Thoughts
The Problems I Detected in Dim LED Strips
Recently, I have installed new LED lights in my home. It is been the 4th month and they are not bright as before. I took them off my ceiling and examined them properly.
Generally, I fix minor defects in electronic appliances at home. So, I also fixed my LED strips by repairing and replacing them. I figured out that the followings are the common causes of less bright or dim LED lights;
- Insufficient power supply
- Loose connection or wires
- Overheating and premature aging
- Loaded circuit or drop in voltage
- The power cable is weak or too long
- LED strips are defective or dead
- Internal components are faulty
- Heavy electronic appliances are on the same circuit
1. Ensure Adequate Power Supply
An inadequate power supply is one of the major reasons your LED lights are not fully bright. So, check the voltage supply is sufficient. Unplug extra devices from the extension if you are using one.
It is better to connect your light strips directly to the wall outlet. Power them from a different circuit and notice the difference.
2. Power Cycle the Strips
Often, I fix my low bright LEDs by power cycling them. This method dissipates heat and improves energy supply. Here is how to power cycle your lights;
- Turn OFF the LED strips.
- Unplug their adapter from the wall outlet.
- Wait for full 5 minutes or more until the strips cool down.
- Now, reconnect the lights and turn them ON.
3. Fix Lose Wiring
Loose wiring of electrical connections results in dim lights. Moreover, check the wire connection at either end of the strip. A loose wire cannot transmit power properly.
A soldering iron can be used to reattach the wires firmly. However, an electrician can do this. So, do not try it at home if you are not an expert.
4. Prevent Overheating
Overheated LED lights glow dimmer. It happens due to constant usage or high temperatures. So, the strips age prematurely. You can cool them down by turning OFF and blowing a fan.
Always purchase the LED strips with a built-in heat sink. Such type dissipates heat efficiently. Thus, premature aging and overheating does not occur.
5. Separate the Overloaded Circuit
Voltage drop is another reason. It happens when the input voltage is low or wires have high resistance. The solution is to use the high-quality wires.
Moreover, do not plug the lights into a loaded circuit which already has a lot of devices or heavy appliances. For example, a refrigerator, water pump, or air conditioner, and LED strips are plugged into the same circuit.
The heavy electronic appliances drain much power. Hence, power fluctuates resulting in dim lights. Just separate the circuits for the heavy appliances and light electronics.
6. Remove Connectors
Most of the users use connectors to create a LED strip system. But, the connectors can decrease the brightness. Resultantly, the lights flicker or become dim.
Simply, remove the connectors and check if there is any difference. Power cycle your lights after disconnecting them from connectors.
7. Replace Weak or too Long Power Cable
The power cable may be weak relative to your strips. All the lights cannot receive enough energy. In addition, the cable is too long and runs a long way to the outlet.
The solution is to use an extension solely for your LED strips. Install a power outlet closer to the location of strips if possible. This will deliver sufficient power to make the strips brighter.
Moreover, cut short the length by removing a few strips or by shortening the power cable.
8. Your LED Strips are Defective
Observe your LED lights carefully. Did you notice some are dim while others are fully bright? If yes, some of your LED strips are dead or defective.
Unfortunately, all the strips need to be replaced in this case. Another reason is that the internal components of your strips are defective.
But, it is not easy to diagnose the faulty part. Therefore, you should call an electrician.
9. LED Strips have Expired
Your LED strips may have lived out their natural age or are closer to aging. Another possibility is that the lights remain ON for several hours. This decreases efficiency and life.
Commonly, LED strips live 20,000 to 50,000 hours. After that brightness begins to fall. However, low-quality products cannot complete their lifespan. So, you have to replace the strips.
FAQs About LED Strips
Do you want to know more? Read the following frequently asked questions.
Why my LED strips have dimmed suddenly?
Mostly sudden dimming is caused by a faulty power cord. Moreover, the LED strips have been damaged. This issue also arises due to short circuits or power surges.
Why my new LED strips are not bright enough?
Three common causes explain the dimming of new LED strips. The first is that the fuse inside your electrical system has blown out. Secondly, there was a power outage. Thirdly, the lights are dead because of low quality or overheating. So, check the entire electric system of your home.
Are 24V LEDs brighter than 12V?
The type of LED chip and the number of diodes per meter determine the brightness. Generally, both 12V and 24V LEDs have the same brightness. However, 24V is advantageous. Because they run for a long time before the voltage drop.
Are LEDs the brightest lights?
Yes, LED lights are the brightest and most energy efficient. As compared to other types, LEDs give more brightness for the same wattage. They provide about 170 lumens output per watt. While fluorescent gives 110 lumens per watt.
Why do LED strips burn out?
Usually, the low-quality LEDs burn out easily. Exposure to high temperatures can break them. Moreover, color and brightness are also affected. The adhesive of the strips can also break down due to overheating. Hence, they can fall down after some time.
Related: Top Methods When LED Christmas Lights Not Working
Concluding Thoughts
LED light strips are commonly used everywhere. However, they prove delicate at times and start malfunctioning. But, by following my guide, you can fix your LED light strips that are not bright enough. Apply my suggested hacks with a hopeful mind.
