Connecting an RGB LED strip to the controller. Device and connection diagram of LED RGB strip

LED strips have long been used for local lighting and as main lighting. But in addition to monochrome (one-color) different colors, there are controllable RGB tapes (Blue, Green, Red) that can change their color. One of the manufacturers of such devices is Apeyron.

RGB technology

There are a number of features in the design and operation of the multicolor strip.

Differences from regular tape

Like a regular one, RGB tape is a printed circuit board in the form of a narrow strip along which conductive strips are applied. Unlike the standard one, on an RGB tape there are not 2, but 4 or 5 such stripes - common and one for each color.

Resistors and LEDs are installed on the board using the SMM (Surface Mounted Mevice) method, which vary depending on the type of tape:

Monochrome. Can be of any size and required color.
RGB. It uses SMD 5050 LEDs. This diode consists of three LEDs in one package. In a monochrome ribbon they are one color, in a multicolor ribbon they are different (red, green and blue). This combination allows you to change the color of the device or make it white. Black color ensures the absence of light.
RGBW. In addition to colored diodes, white ones are installed in the strip. This gives additional control over the brightness and color of the light.

In addition to devices in which all LEDs of the same color are controlled simultaneously, there are devices with chip diodes. They contain a chip that allows you to control each LED individually. This makes it possible to implement effects such as “running lights” or “star rain”.

Example of an RGB strip board

Benefits and uses

The advantage of such LED devices is the ability to change the color of the lighting, both manually and according to a predetermined program, as well as the organization of various lighting effects - color shifts, flickering or, when connecting the controller to a computer or music center, light music.

Such devices are used in a variety of places:

in the illumination of shop windows;
advertising signs;
creating a romantic atmosphere in the room;
lighting of the corridor or bedroom - blue light turns on at night, and bright white light in the evening or when signaled by a motion sensor;
aquarium lighting.

In addition to these options, many others are possible. The use of such devices is limited only by the designer’s imagination.

Multi-colored ribbons give scope for design possibilities

Tape selection

One of the questions that needs to be answered when organizing LED lighting is which strip to use.

Illumination level

First of all, you need to decide in what capacity the LED backlight will be used:

Decorative lighting. The functionality of the controller is of primary importance.
Zone lighting. This is additional lighting in the room. Its power is only a fraction of what is needed for the entire room.
Workplace lighting. It is difficult to find out the required power, since it is usually used in conjunction with the main lighting. Determined by selection method or using online calculators.
Main lighting of the entire room. The power is determined by the area of the room and its purpose - in the bedroom it is 2 W/m2, in the kitchen or children's room - 3 W/m2, and in the brightest room - 3.5-4.

When drawing up the project, light loss in the diffuser or in the ceiling plinth is taken into account. They reach 50%. The option of two-zone and multi-zone illumination is possible.

An example of using zone backlighting. Such a tape will not provide illumination of the entire room, but it can highlight the desired part

LED type

The multi-color strip with LEDs contains SMD5050 crystals measuring 5 * 5 mm, consisting of three diodes and having 6 pins. In a single-color strip they are the same color, but in an RGB strip they are different (red, green, blue). A roll of such tape is 5 meters long and has a power of 144 W.

In addition to regular diodes, there are chip diodes, WS2812B and WS2812S. Outwardly, they are similar to ordinary ones, but inside they contain a PWM controller that allows you to control each LED individually. They implement a variety of effects, such as “running lights” or “star rain”. From such devices you can mount an LED screen. The disadvantage is the high price and the need to use a special controller.

Diode Density

The brightness and price of an LED strip depends not only on the size and type of diodes. The density of the crystals is no less important. In RGB tape it is 30–60 pcs/m. For greater brightness, two, three or four rows are used with a density of 120, 180, 240 pcs/m, respectively.

Ribbon color

The color of the RGB strip is adjusted by the brightness of LEDs of different colors. If the diodes turn on completely, the tape emits white light. By decreasing the brightness of one or two colors, the overall color of the tape changes. This is done using a controller.

The controller allows you to adjust the brightness and color of the tape

The RGB+WhiteRGBW LED strip is a two-row LED strip, in which one row is made of color LEDs and the second row is made of white LEDs. This makes it possible to obtain pastel colors, as well as increased brightness in normal lighting.

IP degree of protection

According to the level of protection from external conditions, devices are divided from unprotected (ip20, ip33) to partially protected (ip42, ip44) and sealed (ip67, ip68).

RGB strip power supply

The most common voltage of these devices is 12-24V. There are devices powered by 110 and even 220V, but they are not very common.

Selecting a power supply (driver) for a strip

The power supply for LED strips is selected based on the total power of the devices that will be connected to it. For example, if 5 meters with a power of 14.4 W/m and 3 meters with 7.2 W/m are connected, then the total load is 14.4*5+7.2*3=93.6 W. Considering the 20% margin (93.6+0.2x93.6= 112,32) , the power of the unit must be at least 112.32 W.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

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Important! When connecting LED devices with long cables, larger cross-section wires are used to avoid voltage drop. Therefore, it is advisable to take several drivers instead of one and install them near the connection point.

Like the strips, power supplies come in dc12-24v as well as 110v.

How to control RGB strip light

To control the brightness of a single-color strip, you need a dimmer, but to take advantage of the full capabilities of multi-color devices, you need a controller. Otherwise, you will have to adjust each color separately, and the lighting effects will not be available.

RGB strip controller kit

Selecting a controller for RGB strip

The selection of a control device depends on three factors:

Power. It is calculated in the same way as the required power of a power supply unit - based on the total number of connected devices. Sometimes, as when choosing a power supply, it is advisable to purchase not one powerful RGB controller, but a smaller one and an RGB repeater.
The desired set of functions. There are a lot of types of control devices, but, for example, to illuminate goods in a display case or an aquarium, you do not need a device with a large number of lighting effects, and for additional lighting of the room, it is desirable to turn on a timer or light music.
Remote control. Just like selecting features, sometimes it's necessary and other times it's a waste of money.

When selecting, these points are taken into account so as not to purchase an overly expensive device, and at the same time its capabilities are quite sufficient.

Types of controllers

There are different types of controllers for controlling RGB LED strips: from the simplest, push-button ones, to those equipped with microprocessors and Wi-Fi.

Conventional devices can only select a specific color and provide simple lighting effects. Used to illuminate shop windows and other places.

More complex models can be programmed to change colors and effects on a timer. They can have a connector for flash memory and respond to lighting in the room and outside. There are also Bluetooth controllers with a corresponding remote control.

The most complex devices can be connected to the smart home system.

Most bands have a remote control. It happens:

on buttons;
infrared;
on radio signals;
Bluetooth control;
Wi-Fi control.

The last two can replace an iPhone or a mobile phone with Android.

You can control the feed using your smartphone

In addition to conventional controllers, there are homemade devices that operate on the Arduino microprocessor board. Such homemade products control simple or chip LEDs and create light or color-music effects. Motion or light sensors are also connected to the Arduino-controller.

RGB controller operating modes

LED strips are installed in two types:

simple, controlled by changing the supply voltage simultaneously along the entire length;
chipped, with digital control of the color of each diode individually.

Accordingly, the controllers operate in two modes – analog and digital. These are different types of devices and are not interchangeable.

Connection methods

There are two options for connecting an RGB strip:

soldering;
connectors.

Solder connection

In order to solder the cable to the LED strip, you must:

Wire with a cross section of up to 0.5 mm2. A thicker one may tear off the contact pads.
Soldering iron with power up to 25 W. A powerful soldering iron will overheat the soldering area, and the pad will peel off from the base.
Solder and neutral flux.
Heat shrink tube 30 mm long.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Specialist in repair and maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.

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Attention! Active flux cannot be used. It will destroy the wire or contact strips, and also lead to a short circuit, after which the strip will have to be repaired.

Connectors for RGB LED strip

The modern connection method is connectors. These are small plastic devices with contact pads inside for connection to the tape. Their number should correspond to the number of conductive strips 2, 4 or 5.

These devices are available for various connection options:

with leads for power supply;
connecting, designed to connect two sections of strip;
corner, for connecting at an angle;
"T" or cross-shaped.

And many others. Using connectors, you can repair the device yourself.

Connecting to an RGB controller longer than its rated power

When controlling LEDs with a power exceeding the controller parameters, or when connecting devices located at a large distance, an RGB repeater is used.

The signal is sent to it from the controller via thin cables, and the device controls the glow of adjacent strips of tape.

Video review of the kit with remote control

📋 Take the test and test your knowledge

Unlike a monochrome LED strip, connecting an RGB LED strip is a little more complicated. The difficulty lies in the need to connect four pins instead of two and install a special RGB controller. Of course, you can do without a controller by connecting the RGB channels to the power supply via switches, but then you will miss the opportunity to obtain all available color shades.

An RGB controller is an electronic device that allows you to control the intensity and colors of a multi-color LED device.

The simplest connection diagram for a 12-volt RGB LED strip, designed for a length of up to 5 meters, is presented below. In addition to the RGB LED strip itself, you will need two more devices for connection: a power supply unit (PSU) and an RGB controller. The power of each should be at least 30% higher than the power consumption of the LED strip.

For example, a five-meter LED RGB SMD 5050-12V-60 reel will take 72 W from the network during operation. Therefore, the power supply and controller should be rated at approximately 100 W.

The terminals located on the functional blocks have a standard designation, and the wire insulation is painted in the corresponding colors. Therefore, the connection task comes down to performing operations with a screwdriver in accordance with the symbols:

L – 220 V network phase;
N – zero of the 220 V network;
PE – grounding contact;

V, -V – positive and negative terminals from the 12 V DC power supply. The input terminals of the RGB controller have a similar designation. It also has 4 output contacts for powering the tape:

B (blue) – for blue wire;
G (green) – for green wire;
R (red) – for the red wire;
+V – yellow wire.

3 wires from a 220 volt network are connected to the input of the power supply: phase (L), zero (N) and ground contact (PE). The output from the power supply is connected to the input terminals of the controller, the output of which, in turn, is connected to the LED strip. All pins in the circuit must be connected strictly according to the markings on the contacts.

If during installation work you accidentally mix up the terminals, the LEDs will light, but will not match the color markings on the remote control (remote control).

To connect an RGB LED strip with a length of 5 to 10 meters, you should follow the diagram shown in the figure below.
The RGB LED strip is divided into two sections with independent power supply. This forced measure is caused by the fact that the second segment cannot serve as a continuation of the first due to electrical losses in the printed conductors. As a result, at the end of the five-meter segment, the supply voltage will be slightly lower than at the beginning, which is reflected in the brightness of the LEDs. In practice, implementing the second option is not much more difficult than the first, since both segments are connected in parallel. The number of parallel sections is limited by the power of the RGB controller and power adapter.

Most controllers are designed to connect a load of up to 200 watts, that is, they are capable of working with an RGB LED strip approximately 10 meters long. Using a high-power controller is not always wise due to its high price. Therefore, if it is necessary to connect a lighting structure of more than 10 meters, signal amplifiers are usually used.

An RGB signal amplifier is needed to maintain the same brightness of all segments, maintaining synchronicity in color management.

The signal amplifier can be connected from the same power supply (in this case, a device with high output power is required) as the color controller. But a more common and practical way is to use an additional power adapter.

Important! The signal amplifier must be connected to the R, G, B and +V pins opposite the connected ends of the RGB LED strip.

To obtain high-quality white color, it is not enough to combine the light from green, red and blue LEDs. The only way out is to embed an additional crystal with a white glow into the RGB LED chip or install an additional white LED on the strip. LED strips based on such light-emitting diodes have an additional fourth White contact and are designated as RGBW or RGB+White. The advantage of such products is the additional ability to emit pure white light or more subtle color tones. The connection diagram for the RGBW LED strip is carried out similarly to the above diagrams, the only difference is the connection of an additional White contact.

Modern technical innovations open up new opportunities for creating interesting design solutions in your own home, in stores, in enterprises, etc. A new milestone in enhancing contour lines is LED strips, which are installed to illuminate ceilings, signs, furniture and other elements. In comparison with the classic white LED strip, installing a multi-colored one seems to be a relatively complicated process for many ordinary people. Therefore, now we will analyze the features of connecting an RGB strip and choosing components for its full operation.

Required Items

The abbreviation RGB means the three main colors of the diodes used to obtain the gamma:

R – means red (in English red);
G – means green (in the English version green);
B – stands for blue (blue in English).

A crystal is responsible for each color, for the power supply of which its own track is supplied, because of this, 4 or 5 wires are used to power multi-color RGB strips.

Rice. 1: example of powering RGB strip crystals

Therefore, full power supply of the lighting source requires the installation of additional equipment that converts the parameters of electric current and voltage from the network.

RGB controller

This block is designed to separate an electrical signal into three or four colors. The number of controller outputs is selected depending on the tape parameters. The RGB controller allows you to control the color or shade of the glow. Based on the control method, they are divided into wired and wireless. The last option is the most convenient and popular; it can be controlled by:

WiFi– controlled both from a standard remote control and using a mobile application that is linked to the controller via a gadget;
Infrared input– the controller in such devices must be located in the field of view so that the beam from the remote control can be directed in its direction;
Radio channel– controlled via radio signal, in this case you can switch LED devices from anywhere in the house.

When connecting to the control unit, it is important to observe the color coding of the terminals:

Rice. 2: Controller terminal markings

power unit

Due to the fact that multi-color diode strips do not use standard power from the electrical network, but a lower voltage level, you will need. To supply power to RGB tapes, a voltage of 12 V is used, and in some situations a nominal value of 24 V can be used. Depending on the type of tape selected, the output voltage of the unit is also selected.

The second determining parameter for a power supply is the nominal power, which is also determined in accordance with the power of the RGB LED strip. As a rule, power is indicated per linear meter. For example, you have a strip with a power of 15 W/m, respectively, to power a strip 5 m long you will need 15 × 5 = 75 W. In addition, it is necessary to make a power reserve of 20 - 30%, that is, (75×30)/100 = 22.5 W, so the resulting power must be at least 75 + 22.5 = 97.5 W, you can take a model for 100 W, and in the absence of one, 120 W.

In addition, power supplies for RGB strips differ in the degree of protection from external factors. For bedrooms, halls, hallways, the degree of resistance to moisture and dust IP20 will be sufficient. For rooms with high humidity, for example, baths, kitchens, laundry rooms, it is necessary to use models with a degree of IP67 or IP69. When connecting, be sure to follow the order of connecting the terminals

Rice. 3: location of power supply terminals

RGB tape

This is a flexible design with LED modules located on it. Each of the RGB strip modules in the standard version contains three crystals (one each for blue, red and green glow colors). To power such a strip, four pins are used, of which three are used to supply a color signal, and the fourth is a common plus. The disadvantage of such strips is the lack of a pure white glow from LEDs, since the result obtained from combining three primary colors differs significantly from classic monochrome models.

But for everyone who wants to get a pure white glow, LED RGB strips with four crystals in each block come to the rescue. They received the RGB W marking, since the fourth crystal produces pure white color. Due to the presence of an additional crystal, power is supplied via a five-wire system. Accordingly, controllers with five pins are used to supply power to such RGB strips.

It should be noted that when choosing an RGB strip, it is preferable to use models assembled from newer SMD 5050 LEDs, since they are capable of changing the color glow of the crystal, unlike the older versions of SMD 2835 and SMD 3528, in which each crystal glowed in one color.

Amplifier

An RGB amplifier is used to power strips longer than 5m, where due to power loss and voltage drop, the brightness of the glow will be significantly reduced. The standard length of one coil may not be enough to illuminate the perimeter you need, so you will have to use several coils or add a piece of tape. The signal amplifier is designed to increase the supply voltage and provide an additional power limit.

The amplifier is selected according to the power of the section exceeding 5 m of total length. If the total length contains several sections of 5 m, then after the first, each of them requires its own amplifier. If the power supply unit has sufficient power, the amplifier can be powered from the same unit as the first section of the tape. If this is not enough, then each amplifier must be connected to a separate unit.

If the space to place the amplifier is limited (a niche in a box, a distribution box, etc.), you can use a microamplifier. It is significantly smaller than standard devices, but allows you to perform the same functions.

Connection principle

To mount a working system with RGB tape, you must perform the following steps:

Connection diagrams

Depending on the length of the RGB tape, different equipment is used and the order in which it is turned on changes. To better understand the principle of constructing an electrical circuit, you can familiarize yourself with ready-made options for their implementation in your own projects.

With amplifier

It should be noted that the amplifier does not affect the brightness of the glow, so it makes no sense to use it for RGB strips up to 5 m long. Installation of an amplifier is justified only in situations where the total length exceeds 5 m. Depending on the power of the sections, the amplifier can be powered from the same power supply as the controller or from a separate one.

Rice. 7: circuit with one power supply

Rice. 8: circuit with two power supplies

This diagram shows a parallel connection of power supplies to RGB strips connected through an amplifier.

Without amplifier

If there is a need to connect a strip longer than 5 m, they can be powered without using an amplifier. But at the same time, it is necessary to install both a separate power supply and a controller for each section up to 5 m long.

Rice. 9: tape power without amplifier

Look at Figure 9, this circuit has a separate power supply for each RGB strip, thereby ensuring autonomy for each of them. But the disadvantages of this scheme include controlling the color scheme and the operation of the backlight with a separate remote control for each area.

With controller

The simplest power supply scheme for an RGB strip is with one power supply and one controller.

Rice. 10: power circuit with controller

Look at Figure 10 - this is the simplest option that allows you to connect an RGB strip with full working functionality. Its only drawback is that it can only power a strip up to 5 m.

Without controller

It should be noted that an RGB strip without a controller cannot fully function, since without this device it is impossible to switch colors. But, as a temporary option, while replacing a failed controller, this connection diagram can be used.

Rice. 11. Power circuit without controller

Look at Figure 11, you need to connect the common wire from the tape to the positive terminal of the power supply, and solder the colored wires together in a parallel connection and connect to the negative terminal of the unit. But the entire RGB strip will light up in only one color.

Frequent connection errors

Despite the simplicity of the above work, mistakes are often made during connection that can ruin all your efforts. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to them:

The connection is made in strict sequence - power supply - connector - RGB strip - (amplifier) - RGB strip.
When peeling off the film on budget models, factory soldered contacts are often exposed, which, when mounted on a conductive surface, can burn out from load currents;
When combining several sections of tape, their connection should be made using special connectors or soldering, but never by twisting;
The cross-section of the wires for connection should be selected in accordance with the load, otherwise they may burn out;
The power of the power supply cannot be chosen back to back; it is necessary to provide a reserve;
High power LED strips must be installed with a heat sink;
Serial connection of more than 5 m of RGB strip should be made only through an amplifier or from a separate power supply and controller.

Video to help

An RGB or RGBW LED strip is a lighting device consisting of several monochrome LEDs glowing in white, red, green or blue. It got its name thanks to the last three colors - the first letters of their English translation were taken (Red, Green, Blue - red, green and blue, respectively).

When it is directly connected to a DC source with a voltage of 12/24 V, it is impossible to realize the color effects for which such a tape was created. To provide a variety of colors and brightness, a special controller with a receiver for controlling the remote control (RC) is installed between the power source and the board. This receiver sets various programs according to which the RGB LED strip operates.

RGB technology

Multicolor tape was invented in the course of numerous scientific studies in which scientists tried to create a white glow from LEDs. Initially, blue phosphor diodes with a special white coating were used to produce it. Later, for these purposes, they began to use a strip with three LEDs - red, green and blue. All three are installed in one cell, and the emitted light is perceived by humans as white - this is RGBW technology.

By changing the brightness of a particular LED, you can get other colors and their shades. The number of the latter exceeds several hundred thousand. This is the main advantage of RGB technology over phosphor LED strips.

Device

Structurally, this is a flexible printed circuit board to which LEDs and resistors are attached, designed to reduce the current. Available in different widths - from 5 to 30 mm. The most popular LED strips are those with a set of six terminals, in which the LEDs are assembled inside a single housing.

LEDs are classified by size. The most common are SMD 5050 with dimensions of 5x5 mm. One linear meter of RGB strip can contain about 30 LEDs (a product with double density - 60). Power and luminous flux depend on the number of diodes and their size.

Tapes vary in degree of protection (IP00, etc.). The lower this parameter, the fewer options for using the lighting device. For example, poorly protected devices are used exclusively in dry rooms, and products in a silicone shell are not afraid of even complete immersion under water (IP68).

To place the tape on surfaces, double-sided tape is attached to its back side. You can always cut it into pieces, choosing the required length. Manufacturers of devices independently mark the places of cuts with dotted lines, and the “scissors” symbol is also depicted there. Cut the flex board in these areas, since this is the only area where the pads are installed for connecting to the power supply, followed by soldering or using connectors.

Controller for RGB strip

To take advantage of all the capabilities of the RGB strip, connect controllers to the circuit that perform a number of functions:

remote control control;
changing the brightness of LED diodes;
change in glow color;
mode selection - switching the frequency of color changes and their iridescence;
combination of primary colors to obtain new shades.

When choosing an RGB controller, consider two main criteria - compatibility with the connected strip and control method.

Such a controller can be controlled by:

via a Wi-Fi network using a tablet or smartphone;
remote control with infrared diodes;
without remote control (switch on the wall).

The last option is relevant if there is no need to frequently switch tape modes.

The main physical parameter characterizing an RGB controller is its rated power. To calculate it, take the formula Mk = Ml*L*Km, where:

Mk - rated power of the controller;
L - length of the segment in meters;
Ml - tape power in W/m;
Km is the power factor of the product.

The voltage required to power the controller must be the same as that of the RGB strip.

Amplifier for RGB strip

Another element used when connecting RGB boards is an amplifier. If the length of the tape exceeds five meters, you cannot do without it.

The product is equipped with two terminals - Input (input) and Output (output), and each of them has the same contact pads as the tape itself - R, G, B and “+”. There are terminals for connecting power - “plus” and “minus” (VDD and GND, respectively).

If there is sufficient power, 12 or 24 V is supplied from the additional unit. Connect the common ends of the tape to the Input terminals on the amplifier, then connect the Output terminal. At the end, the control unit is connected through the positive and negative terminals VDD and GND. It is very important to maintain polarity, otherwise the diodes will not light.

As a result, the connection algorithm is as follows: power supply, controller, first piece of tape, amplifier, second piece. Such an electrical circuit is controlled using one remote control.

If it is necessary to use several tapes of five meters or more in length, a second amplifier and control unit are connected to the circuit. The presence or absence of the latter is determined by the power of the glow. Parallel connection of power supplies is strictly prohibited - only using a diode bridge.

An amplifier is a bulky electrical element, so there is not always enough space for its convenient placement. If necessary, it can be replaced with a micromodel of reduced power (make sure that it is sufficient for the operation of the tape).

Important! If the power of the main amplifier is slightly lower than that required for the LED strip, purchase an additional microamplifier for the kit and connect it in series to the existing one.

power unit

LED RGB strips operate from 12 or 24 V power sources. When choosing a control unit, pay attention to several important physical conditions:

the voltage and power of the unit must meet the stated requirements for RGB;
Depending on the installation location, the device must be characterized by one or another degree of moisture protection.

Important! If you make mistakes when choosing, the unit will overheat greatly and after a short period of time will fail.

There are several types of power supplies that can be found on the market:

with an aluminum body, high tightness and protection against moisture penetration, but high cost;
mini-product in a plastic case, partially protected from moisture, at a lower cost;
an open unit located in a perforated housing, characterized by the largest dimensions and high power, requires additional means of protection from moisture;
network block - average power.

Read the instructions that came with the RGB strip. The power is indicated there for one linear meter. Multiply this value by the length of the flexible board, then increase the resulting value by 30% (there should always be a power reserve). As a result, you will find out the power of the power supply required for the selected LED strip.

Popular connection schemes

The implementation of any circuit requires a little knowledge, including an understanding of how to correctly divide an electrical product into parts.

Standard connection diagram

Observe the following installation procedure:

Connect the controller to the power supply via the output (reduced) voltage terminals.
Positive wires are highlighted in red, negative wires are highlighted in black.
Connect the LED strip to the controller via three contact pads - R, G, B (control of three primary colors) and VDD (plus).

Option for connecting two LED strips

If you need to power two LED strips simultaneously, consider the following points:

you will need two power supplies and two amplifiers for RGB;
follow the order of connecting the wire in accordance with the color marking;
the circuit is suitable for supplying current to sections of boards whose length reaches 10 meters.

Basic rule: if at least two strips are connected to the circuit, their parallel connection is ensured (series will reduce the voltage power for LEDs located at the far ends from the power source and amplifier).

Connecting an RGB strip 20 meters long

When choosing a powerful power supply, you can use the “controller-amplifier-unit” connection diagram. In all other cases, two or more blocks are required.

Step-by-step installation instructions

When connecting an RGB color strip yourself, strict adherence to the algorithm is required:

Finding the installation site and preparing the surface. First, decide on the installation location, and then level the surface to which the LED strip will be attached. It could be a ceiling, a door, etc. Be sure to degrease it using any solvent, otherwise the double-sided tape will come off after a short period of time. When attaching to metal surfaces, additional electrical insulation is required.
Most LED RGB strips are self-adhesive - remove the protective film from the back and carefully press the product to the surface of the selected location. When making bends, their radius should be no more than 20 mm, otherwise problems may occur. Cut the tape in strictly designated places. When connecting different parts, use special connectors or a soldering iron (more about this in a separate article).
Connecting the electrical circuit. Select the LED strip connection diagram from those suggested above. Combine the product with a controller, amplifier and power supply. Plug the latter into the network using an electrical plug. Connect the black wire of the unit to the V- terminal on the amplifier, the red wire to V+. Combine the LED strip wires with the contact pads of the controller in accordance with their color and designation: red - R, green - G, blue - B. The last wire is connected to the positive terminal - V+.
The backlight operates from a 220 V network. Check its operation using the remote control.

Correct connection and operation of the RGB LED strip will allow you to create a unique atmosphere at home, decorate office or residential premises, or an outdoor gazebo. The presence of certain electrical products in the selected circuits depends on the length of the board, the number and standard size of the LED diodes used.

The photo shows a ceiling with multi-color lighting. The dimensions of the niche are 3 x 4.5 m. Accordingly, the total length of the illumination is 15 m.

What is needed for 15 meters of backlight?

Here is the list of components:

№	Name	Quantity
1.	LED RGB strip	15 meters
2.	Compact 100 W power supply.	3 pcs.
3.	Controller	1 PC.
4.	Control panel for controller	1 PC.
5.	Remote control holder	1 PC.
6.	AAA batteries	2 pcs.
7.	Repeater (signal repeater)	2 pcs.
8.	Network cable ShVVP 2 x 0.5	11 meters
9.	Wire holder	20 pcs.
10.	Vago 12 volt connectors	8 pcs.
11.	Vago 220 volt connectors	6 pcs.
12.	Wire 4 cores	1 meter
13.	Screw with dowel	10 pieces.

Electrical connection diagram

Connection diagram RGB LED strip divided into 3 sections of 5 meters each. Each section is powered by a separate power supply. This power supply allows you to get away from bulky powerful units that do not fit inside the niche and require good ventilation.

Click on the picture

First tape connected to RGB- controller, which controls brightness and color. The next two connected to repeater. The purpose of repeaters is to synchronize two tapes. The second tape has exactly the same brightness and color as the first.

Installation diagram in a ceiling niche

Imagine going up to your neighbors, one floor above. Now, imagine that the floor beneath you is transparent. And now you look down and see a niche in the ceiling ABOVE. This is exactly the view shown in this picture. This is how the tape and blocks are placed in the ceiling niche.

Installation starts from there, where the network connection point is located. The power supply and RGB controller (green box) are installed at this point. The network is connected via a connector.

After 5 meters a second power supply is installed and repeater(blue box in the diagram). And so on. To connect the repeater is used connector(for ease of installation).

From the connection point there is a network cable to three power supplies (orange line). The tape is glued to the back wall of the niche with tape. Because Since all the blocks are compact, they easily fit into a niche.