The rise in the use of creative LED lighting applications can be attributed to a need for an energy efficient, high quality, durable, long-lasting and environmentally friendly option for surface illumination. LED lights are now available in any color and in a range of sizes and styles. Creative LED lighting is used to enhance kitchens, backlight TVs, showcase shelving, in wine cellars, on railings, decks, fences, steps and many more interior or exterior areas.
While early LEDs were most commonly used in indicator lamps and in seven-segment displays, the development of high-efficiency LEDs that produce high-output white light has made it possible to use LEDs for surface illumination. This introduction of high-output white light LEDs has been a game changer for surface illumination purposes and LEDs are now regularly used indoors and for outdoor area lighting. This change has led to many businesses, homeowners, restaurants, museums, sports arenas, theme parks and retail stores making the switch from incandescent bulbs to LEDs.
LEDs have many advantages over incandescent light sources including improved energy efficiency, an increased lifespan, rugged durability, better quality of light, reduction in heat and less waste.
Efficiency: When compared to traditional light bulbs, LEDs can reduce your energy consumption by 60-90%.
Lifespan: LEDs provide a significantly longer lifespan and increased durability.
Durability: LEDs forgo the glass seen on traditional lightbulbs and are instead encased in a hard plastic or resin. Their design makes them extremely rugged and much harder to break. They can also hold up in extreme temperatures.
Quality of Light: LEDs emit more lumens than traditional light bulbs, they warm up quickly, are easily dimmed, can focus/direct light and offer approximately a 15-20% higher quality of light.
Cool Light: LEDs produce much less heat than traditional light bulbs. The reduction of heat prevents damage to nearby sensitive objects and extends the life of the bulb.
Waste: LED lights significantly reduce waste and can be recycled. LED lights do not contain toxic mercury and their manufacture does not require toxic substances.
The LED revolution is here and now is the time to take advantage of creative LED lighting applications for your home or business and experience the many advantages that these products have over traditional lighting options.
The popularity of outdoor living spaces, dining areas, home offices, “she sheds” and “man caves” has been growing for years and current social distancing requirements have put an even greater emphasis on utilizing outdoor spaces as part of our new normal. As we continue to evolve and adapt to the effects of the pandemic, consumers have started to focus more on their homes. This new normal and focus on the home has forced people to reevaluate how they work and where they gather for social events, parties, holidays and celebrations. These changes have led to an increased need for outdoor living spaces.
Just like inside the home, creative and functional outdoor living spaces start with attractive and efficient lighting solutions. The Micro Star™ lighting series can create the perfect atmosphere for outdoor meals, gatherings or movie nights. Hidden or discrete LED lighting in railings, decks, fences, posts, steps and walls can set the ambiance and create the perfect setting for an evening gathering. Lighting on posts, steps and walkways is not only welcoming, but it adds an element of safety as well by allowing you and your guests to walk comfortably at night.
When planning for your outdoor lighting, it is important to consider using LED lights. LED lights offer a low wattage option that is energy efficient, lasts a long time and requires less maintenance. The Micro Star™ LED Lights are available in 12 Volt DC and each draws only .02 amps. They are pre-wired for simple connection and quick installation. They are also very small in size measuring only 1/4” in diameter and 7/8” in length and can fit almost anywhere with ease, even into curved surfaces such as tubular railings or fixtures. If you are looking to upgrade your outdoor space, consider using one of the many Micro Star™ LED lighting options available to give your space the added comfort, functionality and safety it deserves.
The Micro Star LED Light Bar is a functional, creative and easy to install lighting solution. It is available in three lengths and four popular finish options to compliment your railing system. Being completely water resistant and encased in an aluminum channel and plastic lens cover, these lights can stand up to the most demanding environments.
The following steps will walk you through the process of installing the Micro Star™ LED Light Bar.
- Install the Transformer
Mount the Micro Star transformer near a 110v, power outlet but leave the transformer unplugged until it is needed. Select the end post closest to the outlet in order to connect to the transformer. You will need to run the low voltage wire down this post so plan accordingly. You may need to drill an additional hole in the decking beneath this post to run the low-voltage wire to keep it hidden. The transformers are available in 1 Amp and 5 Amp models. - Find the Center of the Top Rail
Use a square and a tape measure to mark the center of the underside of the top rail. Locate the center of the channel of the LED light bar and place up against the underside of the top rail. With a pencil mark the pre-drilled screw holes in the channel to the underside of the top rail. Putting the channel off to the side; with a cordless drill use a 1/16” drill bit and drill pilot holes into the underside of the top rail at each hole previously marked. - Install the Aluminum Channel
Use a Phillips head screwdriver and screw in the channel to the underside of the top rail with the #4 x 3/8” flathead Phillips screws (fasteners supplied). - Drill Holes Through Posts for Jumpers
Find the centers of the post in the same fashion as finding the centers of the top rail. At the centers, drill a hole with a 13/32” drill bit 2/3 of the way through the post from both sides. It is important that these holes meet in the center of the post so care should be taken in locating the centers. Install the jumper (S0825-JMPR-SC) through each post. - Install the Flexible LED Light Strip
Starting at one end of each of the aluminum channels press and fit into place the flexible LED light strip into the channel. Connect each set of flexible LED light strips to the jumper previously installed in each post. Once all the flexible LED light strip connections are made; make the final connection to the transformer and plug it in to test. - Install the Lens Cover
Starting at one end of each of the aluminum channels, press and fit the lens cover into place. When installing the lens cover you will feel it being pressed into place.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions with images, component listing, transformer calculator and product specifications, please download the installation instructions: Micro Star™ LED Light Bar Installation Instructions
If you have a project requiring lighting and are unsure about what to use or are concerned about dealing with electrical issues, LED may be your answer. Many LED lights are run from 12V DC power sources, also known as a 12 Volt DC Transformer. The transformer simply plugs into a standard outlet that is already installed. The power created by the 12 Volt DC Transformer is low voltage, just like a car battery. These power sources are similar to low voltage landscape lighting transformers, with the exception being their AC current.
When using LED lights powered by a 12 Volt DC Transformer, you can usually run prescribed wiring without the need for an electrician. The key is that the transformer must plug into an outlet. Many companies provide standard wiring harnesses and extensions that can make a DIY led lighting project very easy.
The LED lights will be a simple install if you match the LED lights chosen to prescribed wiring harnesses. The selection of LED lights available are vast, but most projects can be done using products ranging from a small single LED light to a light bar or LED light clusters with three to nine lights in a housing.
You should start your DIY LED lighting project by determining how much light you want and how it should be presented or formatted. Do you want the light to be specifically directed or a wide base of light in a larger area? Then you must figure out how you prefer to mount the lights and if you want concealed LED lights. Concealing LED lights is easy with small single lights or clusters of up to nine lights. Next you determine your power source which may require some sizing to make sure the selected transformer can do the job. The last part to figure out is wiring and low voltage wiring from a 12 Volt DC Transformer will generally be the answer. With this knowledge you are ready for DIY LED Lighting success.
There are many uses for LED lighting but the tiny LED size and nature of the single Micro Star™ LED light is unique and lends itself to unique uses. Ten potential uses for Micro Star™ small LED lights are as follows.
- LED Lighting for Railings – The Micro™ Star LED light may be mounted in any hollow railing using our variable size grommets and wiring harnesses.
- LED Lighting for Equipment Consoles – The Micro™ Star LED light may be mounted in any equipment console using a simple grommet and low voltage wire.
- LED Lighting for Docks – The Micro™ Star LED light is moisture resistant and may be mounted on dock railings, canopies, or cradles using appropriate grommets and wiring harnesses.
- LED Lights for Boat Consoles – The single Micro™ Star LED light provides pinpoint lighting for charting tables and consoles used on ships.
- LED Lighting for Outdoor Art Projects – The Micro™ Star LED light is moisture resistant and may be used for outdoor sculptures or light trees.
- LED Lighting for Boat Decks – The Micro™ Star LED light can be placed around boat decks to provide pinpoint light without washing out the background, and they are moisture resistant.
- LED Lighting for Under Cabinets – The Micro™ Star LED light can be placed under cabinets to pinpoint light specific areas without interfering with other lighting effects.
- LED Lighting for Playgrounds – The Micro™ Star LED light can be placed it any hollow surface on playground equipment to illuminate otherwise dangerous areas.
- LED Lighting for Landscaping – The Micro™ Star LED light can be placed in natural material such a stones and steps to create unique lighting effects and provide safety on surfaces.
- LED Lighting for RVs – The Micro™ Star LED light can be placed in areas that would otherwise be difficult to illuminate such as storage compartments, overhead framing, and compact kitchens.
The low voltage nature of small LED lights will provide safe installation in all of these uses without the requirement of an electrician. Simply select the correct wiring harnesses and lights for your application. In most cases installation is nothing more than drilling a hole and feeding the wiring.