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scbwr's avatar
scbwr
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2015

Question re LED awning strip light!

I've been researching LED strip lighting for under my awning and have a simple question.

I just want basic white LED lights, and I don't care about any programming or remote control. Is there any reason I can't mount the light strip below my awning, and tap into the 12 volt wiring at the existing patio light? That way, the patio light switch will also control the LED strip lights.

OK...second question? I know that you can cut the light strips to the length you need. Can anyone give me a quick link to the connector that I can install between two strips, and then have about 15" of wiring to tie into the existing patio light?

OK...now I'm pushing my luck, but is there a dimmer that can be used in a straight 12 volt installation? If so, any reason I couldn't connect that to the existing switch for the patio light and mount the dimmer next to the switch?

Any help and info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!

8 Replies

  • scbwr's avatar
    scbwr
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2015
    Davec13 - I'm not a BJ's member, but I'll keep the plastic housing in mind as I continue to look.

    Nutinelse2do - Thanks for the links. I actually found those items on Amazon when I was looking for more ideas this afternoon. But, thanks so much for the help.
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    I tried the one from Harbor Freight and would rate it as a POS.




    Every man thinks God is on his side. The rich and powerful know He is. Jean Anouilh
  • Nutinelse2do's avatar
    Nutinelse2do
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    DH just did this. We got these lights



    and this dimmer



    All he did was seperate the strip into two equal lengths, and tie them together. Got small gauge wire at HD to bring it into the patio light. This strip is VERY bright. You will want the dimmer!
  • Davec13's avatar
    Davec13
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    I know you said you didn't want all the bells and whistles, but I picked up a 12ft section of led multicolor, flashing, dimming, strip lighting from bj's (local paid membership wholesale club) for $29.00. The led have true 3m adhesive backing and are sealed inside a decent plastic housing, unlike most of the cheap chinese knock offs you see online for a similar price. This may be another option instead of mixing random things hoping to get what you desire.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    Look at the "connector" link Ivylog posted. At the bottom and more ads, one is for a 12v dimmer for the led strips. I bought one, and it works.

    Check out the strips you are planning to get and make sure they are the waterproof kind. Lots of them are not. The color ones do not hold up the the weather very well, and the adheasive stains whatever it is attached to.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Mar 10, 2015
    LED strip connector single color. Something like this to dim. I would not worry about dimming until you see if you need to plus some are not designed to be dimmed.
    You need to change it to QuestionS. :W

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