What type of wire is used for LED lights?

LED lights have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and the ability to produce a variety of colors and lighting effects. When installing LED lights, using the proper gauge and type of wiring is important to ensure safe and effective operation.

Common Types of Wire Used for LED Lights

There are a few main options when it comes to selecting wire for LED lighting:

• Standard building wire
• Speaker wire
• Ethernet cable
• Ribbon cable

The most common choice is standard building wire, which comes in a range of gauges. Here is an overview of the main types of wire used for LED lights:

Standard Building Wire

This refers to typical copper building wire with insulation. It is available in a range of gauges like 12 AWG, 14 AWG, or 16 AWG. Thicker wires like 12 AWG can carry more current, while thinner 16 AWG wires are good for lower power LED strips. Solid or stranded wire can be used.

Speaker Wire

Speaker wire actually works quite well for many 12V LED lighting projects. It is inexpensive and available at most electronics stores. The thicker 18 or 16 gauge sizes are recommended for LED lights. Using parallel runs of speaker wire can allow more current capacity.

Ethernet Cable

CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet network cable can also be repurposed for LED lights. It contains four twisted pairs of 22-24 AWG stranded wire, which provides ample capacity for many 12V LED strips and grids. This is a common option for LED projects.

Ribbon Cable

Ribbon cable contains multiple conductive wires running parallel in a flat ribbon. It is commonly used to wire up LED matrix panels and other displays. 28 AWG ribbon cable is a standard choice, allowing for flexibility and many connection options.

Choosing the Right Wire Gauge

When selecting a building wire gauge for LED lights, there are a few factors to consider:

• LED strip wattage – Higher wattage LEDs will require thicker wire
• Run length – Longer wire runs may need thicker gauge to minimize voltage drop
• Number of LEDs – More LEDs require increased current capacity
• Desired voltage drop – Target 3-5% drop at maximum current for best efficiency

As a general guideline for 12V LED lights:

• 16 AWG: Good for spans up to 20 feet and moderate wattage strips
• 14 AWG: Allows runs up to 40 feet and higher wattage strips
• 12 AWG: For extended runs over 50 feet or very high wattage LEDs

A wire gauge calculation can also be done to determine the required size. Failure to use a thick enough gauge for long runs can result in excessive voltage drop and inefficient performance.

Solid vs. Stranded Wire

Both solid and stranded wire can work well for LED lighting, with some key differences:

• Solid wire is stiffer and easier to work with for short, straight wire runs.
• Stranded wire is more flexible and better for wire runs over 25 feet or situations where the wire will move.
• Stranded allows for easier connections and resists fatigue over time.
• For indoor permanent installs, solid wire is commonly used.
• Stranded is often preferred for outdoor installs, mobile setups, or areas with movement/vibration.

Important Wiring Safety Tips

Properly installing and handling wiring for LED lighting is critical. Here are some important safety guidelines:

• Use wiring suitable for the expected electrical load and follow all local building codes.
• Use proper circuit protection like fuses or breakers matched to the wire gauge.
• Use proper connectors or solder/insulate any splices or wire joints.
• Avoid running wires through walls or ceilings without proper conduit.
• Use care not to nick or damage wire insulation during installation.
• Allow ample space inside junction boxes and avoid cramming in wires.
• Use caution when working close to live circuits.
• Test circuits thoroughly before completing permanent installations.

Low Voltage LED Wiring Options

Low voltage wiring for LED lights running on 12V DC is a bit different than mains AC wiring. Here are some options specifically for 12V LED projects:

Zip Cord

Zip cord or lamp wire is a lightweight two conductor wire with standard copper building wire inside. It can handle up to 5A and works well for short 12V LED wiring runs.

Hookup Wire

This flexible single core wire is insulated with PVC or silicone. It’s available in sizes from 24-16 AWG. Hookup wire is good for breadboards and temporary 12V LED circuits.

Jumper Wire

Pre-cut and stripped jumper wire makes connections easy. It comes in M/F, M/M, and F/F connectors in sizes from 22-20 AWG. Jumper wire is great for prototyping LED circuits.

Magnet Wire

This enamel coated wire has no insulation. It’s extremely thin, flexible, and great for winding custom LED power inductors and transformers.

High Temperature Wire

For outdoor or high temp LED installs, special wire like cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) can be used. It holds up better than PVC wire in high heat conditions.

LED Wiring Considerations

Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when selecting and installing wire for LED lights:

• Pay attention to polarity – LEDs only work with correct + and – connections
• Choose wire color to match polarity (ex: red for +, black for -)
• Use 14-16 AWG wire for runs up to 20 ft from power supply to LEDs
• Longer runs may require thicker 12 AWG wire
• Minimize connections and splice points when possible
• Use wire nuts, crimp connectors, or solder + heat shrink to connect wires
• Heat shrink tubing also helps insulate and protect connections

Typical Steps to Follow When Wiring LED Lights

1. Choose appropriate wire gauge for expected current draw and run length
2. Select suitable wire type – stranded, solid, high temp, etc.
3. Run wire from LED power supply to LED strip endpoints
4. Allow slightly longer runs than needed for connections
5. Use polarity-matching wire colors throughout (ex: red/+, black/-)
6. Connect power supply output to LED input wires
7. Connect LED strips in parallel, not serial, for best brightness
8. Make secure connections with connectors, solder, or wire nuts
9. Use heat shrink and electrical tape to insulate connections
10. Mount LEDs and power supply safely using anchors, clips, mounts, etc.
11. Test operation thoroughly before permanent install

Conclusion

When it comes to wiring LED lights, using the proper type and gauge of wire for the application is important for safety and performance. Standard building wire like 14 AWG or 12 AWG THHN/THWN-2 is commonly used for permanent LED installs. Other options like speaker wire or CAT5 can also work well. Using the right wiring practices like avoiding voltage drop, insulating connections, matching polarity, and following electrical codes will ensure your LED project is wired safely and correctly.