Why Your LED Strip Lights Are Different Colors?
author: Ivan Huang
2023-06-01
LED strip lights have become a popular choice for adding ambient lighting to homes, offices, and various other spaces. However, one common issue that users encounter is LED strip lights displaying different colors. It can be frustrating and disrupt the desired lighting ambiance.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this color variation and provide solutions to address the issue. Understanding the causes and implementing the right solutions will help you achieve consistent and harmonious LED strip light colors in your environment.
Understanding the Causes of Different LED Strip Light Colors
A. Variations in LED strip light manufacturing
Quality control issues during production: Inconsistent quality control practices during the manufacturing process can result in variations in color output among LED strip lights.
Inconsistent LED binning and color rendering: LED chips used in strip lights are binned based on their color output. Variations in the binning process can lead to differences in color rendering.
B. Differences in LED strip light components
Variation in LED chip manufacturers: Different manufacturers produce LED chips with varying color characteristics, resulting in differences in color output.
Different phosphor coatings and color mixing techniques: The phosphor coating applied to LED chips affects the color temperature and color accuracy of the light emitted. Varying phosphor coatings and color mixing techniques can contribute to color differences among LED strip lights.
C. Overheating
If you are wondering ‘Why Are My Led Lights Different Colors’, then this is the prime and most common reason for that. Again, this occurrence can be caused if the LED is produced from cheap materials and there are no rooms for air ventilation. Also, if the chips are blocked by some foreign objects, they can cause LED strip lights to overheat and cause the diodes to change color.
D. Quality
Higher-quality manufacturers take into account any flaw that might affect the long-term performance of their lights. However, some manufacturers might create strips that are only useful for a short while. Unfortunately, people frequently choose mid-range LED devices, which for a variety of reasons rapidly degrade. So if you are still wondering ‘Why Are My Led Lights Different Colors’- this might be the reason.
E. Voltage drops
The wires in LED strip lights are two copper ribbons that run the length of the strip. As you travel away from the power source, the color of your LED strips will shift. Because of a voltage loss, this is the case. Consider a circuit that is powered by electricity. Positive and negative wires are both present. The current flows from one wire to the next until it reaches its destination.
If you wish to employ a lot of inexpensive LED strips, this is not the case. Copper is a metal used in the manufacturing of electricity. Copper content is lower in low-cost LED strips than in higher-cost LED strips. As a result, the lower the copper content, the higher the resistance, hence the voltage drop.
F. Paint In Circuits
If you install LED lights on a surface that is about to be painted or currently being painted, then it can contribute to the change of your LED light as well. The diode will generate light that seems dim, faded, or even an entirely another hue if even the smallest drop of paint touches it.
One of the worst consequences of painting your strip light is that some paint may end up in the wire or circuitry. In this situation, it may fully short out or harm the strip, causing it to flicker, have strange color changes, or just cease functioning altogether.
Common Scenarios of Different LED Strip Light Colors
A. Inconsistent color within a single LED strip
Reasons behind color variations within the same strip: Factors such as poor soldering, damaged LED chips, or inconsistent phosphor coatings can lead to color discrepancies within a single LED strip.
Solutions for addressing inconsistencies: Checking and repairing soldering connections, replacing faulty LED chips, or adjusting the color settings can help address color variations within a strip.
B. Color discrepancies between different LED strip lights
Factors contributing to color differences across strips: Variations in LED chip manufacturers, phosphor coatings, color rendering capabilities, and color temperature settings can result in color discrepancies when comparing different LED strip lights.
Steps to mitigate color variations: Choosing LED strip lights from the same manufacturer, ensuring consistent color temperature settings, and using color calibration tools can help mitigate color differences between different strips.
Fixing Different LED Strip Light Colors
A. Adjusting color temperature and brightness settings:
Compatibility of color temperature adjustment: Some LED strip lights offer adjustable color temperature settings, allowing you to fine-tune the color output to achieve consistency.
Steps for modifying color settings: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to access and adjust the color temperature and brightness settings on your LED strip lights.
B. Replacing or exchanging LED strip lights:
Identifying compatible LED strip lights: When replacing or exchanging LED strip lights, ensure that the new strips have similar color characteristics, such as color temperature and color rendering capabilities.
Steps for replacing or exchanging strips: Follow proper installation procedures to replace or exchange LED strip lights, ensuring a seamless integration into your lighting setup.
Additional Tips for Consistent LED Strip Light Colors
A. Purchasing from reputable manufacturers
Choose LED strip lights from reputable manufacturers known for their quality control standards and consistent color output.
B. Using color calibration tools
Color calibration tools can help ensure consistent color output across different LED strip lights by adjusting the color temperature and color accuracy.
C. Applying proper installation techniques
Proper installation techniques, including secure connections, appropriate power supply, and correct positioning, can contribute to consistent color output.
D. Regular maintenance and cleaning of LED strip lights
Keeping your LED strip lights clean and free from dust or debris can help maintain their color accuracy and performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, different LED strip light colors can be attributed to variations in manufacturing processes, LED chip characteristics, and color rendering techniques. Understanding these causes and implementing the right solutions can help you achieve consistent and harmonious LED strip light colors. By adjusting color temperature and brightness settings, replacing or exchanging LED strip lights, and following additional tips such as purchasing from reputable manufacturers and using color calibration tools, you can ensure a cohesive and visually pleasing lighting experience. Remember to apply proper installation techniques and perform regular maintenance to maintain the color accuracy of your LED strip lights. With these measures in place, you can enjoy the desired lighting ambiance in your space.