Ridiculously Easy DIY Light Strips! (no soldering)

I wired some LED light strips that are easy to set up, affordable, AND high quality! Let me show you exactly how I put these DIY light strips together with zero soldering.
LED lights (good): amzn.to/3C2TTVl
LED lights (not my favorite): amzn.to/3SPXg7V
Controller (ZigBee): amzn.to/3QIyaGu
Power supply: amzn.to/3SX0C9s
Less expensive power supply that seems to work well: amzn.to/3Af2piL
Wire for 6 pin LEDs: amzn.to/3bUiu48
Wire connectors: amzn.to/3SFDcoV
Right angle corner connectors: amzn.to/3zWkjWh
Cord hider box: amzn.to/3QgSD5c
Wire covers: amzn.to/3pdGlhZ
Channel cover 6 ft: amzn.to/3JXCrDK
Channel cover 3 ft: amzn.to/3SMmd45
(affiliate links)
DISCOVER MORE
I tested 12 Light Strips and found a hidden gem! • I tried 12 light strip...
Light Strips in 6 Unexpected Places • Light Strips in 6 Unex...
6 Light Strip Ideas: • 6 Light Strip Ideas: U...
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0:00 Intro
0:33 Light Strip requirements
1:50 What I bought
3:43 Testing it out…
4:44 Cutting + wiring
5:33 Installation
6:18 Trying to make it look good
8:18 Red = do NOT enter!
----------
MUSIC
Rinse Repeat by DivKid
The End by EVA
open.spotify.com/artist/6UIs5...

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Don’t be like me and accidentally buy light strips that look purple instead of white. These are much better: amzn.to/3C2TTVl (affiliate link) and I put more links in the description.

[@verticalmedia196]

Just the video I needed! Thanks for making. Does the controller work with Alexa? Do you know if there is a limit to how many connections can be made? (I have multiple gaps between cabinets and will definitely need that roll of wire and connectors to bridge the gaps)

[@darkmauriceravel]

I bought some cheap sonoff for my kitchen and even like you i don't like it so much. Colours are different and low power. When i change my kitchen i'll buy some better. This video will help me, thanks. By the way your daughters are so cute, i love when they appear talking in the videos. Nice family, best wishes.🙌

[@jeremyjedynak]

Would these light strips be good for under-upper-cabinets as well?

[@jillsajonia6101]

Use NoMoreNails adhesive no need screes for the diffuser

[@SHolck]

The one that the link points to do not look the same as the one you use, it is completely different. (Could be a country availability issue from amazon)

[@TheHookUp]

+1 on BTF Lighting, they are my go-to for strips and have never let me down.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

That's great to hear! Anything with Rob's stamp of approval is enough for me!

[@chocomilkfps1264]

I thought of you (@the hook up) the second I saw this video, cool to see you here as well!

[@topperdude2007]

@@SmartHomeSolver Wait - you mean you didn't check with Rob BEFORE ordering the lights? 😉Great video - and I agree, its good to say "My wife is right" (even if it's just once in a while) 😅

[@pavolholes]

But BTF don’t have 2835 which I love because of small size and low heat production and because they have low brightness but the chip is cheap they are made in 240/m which makes it perfect in direct lightning like LED strip on the ceiling of the stairs.

[@bbbobnl]

Btf, the real cri rated led strips. Love them!

[@jimbeam9595]

I have been searching for two years to find a simple, straightforward guide on led lighting. I can’t believe it took me this long, but thank you!

[@PrydeWater901]

5:40 Another option would be to use two-sided molding tape. 3M makes some that I have used on automotive projects and it lasts practically forever. No drilling or screws needed.

[@mjd85la]

Great video. But you forgot one main thing. Can you explain the controller you used? How did you connect the controller to your SmartThings or home assistant?

[@chocomilkfps1264]

Super off topic, but I really appreciate you and your wife's relationship, I grew up with abusive parents so it acrually gives me hope to see the way she supports your channel and how much you discuss her on the channel (even jokingly)

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks, that means a lot! Aly is awesome. She's a big support of the channel and we've worked together on it since day one.

[@19Dennis53]

Personally I have LOVED working with Super Bright LEDs. That company has the BEST prices and their customer service is excellent. They have given me info that I never new was even possible!

[@3000secrets]

I will try getting in contact with this company and maybe they can help me get the new lighting system in around my house because there’s other places I want to like besides the outside windows. and all I need is some guidance. Thank you.

[@jergervasi3331]

THIS is finally the video I needed. I want to be able to do many custom lengths and blackout areas, and your video nails it. BTW, your family is awesome, and the Aero Force One T-shirt also earns big bonus points. Thanks!!!!

[@JonGarcia]

Greatly appreciate the video. Setting up lighting on my bookshelf and snaking the line with multiple cuts. Will be doing this in a few other places as well :)

[@JustinWinson]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful for me as I’m about to install LED in some built-ins. Well done!

[@dfareaper1988]

easy solution to the screwdriver problem: most single sided bits (not the double sided ones you showed trying to use by hand) fit into a 1/4" socket. pair with a ratchet and tadaaa, 90° screwdriver for tight spaces. great idea for the undercabinet lighting ^.^

[@woof3598]

been watching a lot of videos on LED lighting for a display case I have, best one I have found yet

[@mikemotorbike4283]

remember there's a neat free empty space under the cupboards you can run cable through, and put the contents of the bulky box inside. You cud even run an ext cord through there. Just pull out a drawer and cut a hole in the floor of the cabinet. Some cabinets don't even have a raised floor you have to cut; they're already wide open under the drawer. You can also hide gold bullion there.

[@jakehanifee8856]

I have been looking for a video like you made FOREVER! I can’t thank you enough! As soon as I get the dough together I’m going to put up the lighting in my bookcases!

[@mikeoleksa]

BTF-Lighting is the best that I've found also. I've been using different variations of their light strips in custom PC builds for a few years now.

[@keithjackson4755]

I just want to let you know your skits are corny but are why I come back to you for smart home tech reviews and news lol it's nice to see someone in the smart home space just doing their thing and doing it well. Keep up the great content ❤ Thank you for educating and entertaining 😁

[@DvlDddy]

Right! I love the bits he includes with his fam.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

Well this one is getting saved for later consultation. I could definitely implement this little quality of life improvement in my own restroom. Currently I flip on a little wax melt warmer for "night light" mode, lol.

[@daneo617]

Red lights are easy on the eyes in the middle of the night 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@blt1]

Great vid! Any chance you could do one for kitchen under cabinet, super bright utility, AND mood/dim combo?

[@Blackcreekstudios]

I centralized my dc voltage supply and ran thermostat wire everywhere to low voltage switches and lights. Huge learning curve but it is great .

[@scottbeisel7598]

This is awesome! I wanna redo our under cabinet lighting in the kitchen and add it to the bottom cabinets as well.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks Scott! I'm planning on doing our kitchen cabinets soon too!

[@rhondakeller2592]

That was great! This was the most entertaining instructional video I ever saw. 👍🏻😁

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

very clean install, great job!

[@xerxel69]

Great vid! Top tip: put a wireless contact sensor on the bog seat and a motion sensor in the room. When the bog seat opens, play quiet chill out music to cover up splash sounds. Then if bog is open but no motion detected, change lights to blue to remind people to close seat. At night make all the lights red to preserve night vision and disable extractor fan.

[@mzreign7954]

Wow!!! Where’s your video for all that?

[@ferdiebeer]

But that would be announcing to everyone that you're taking a dump. 😂

[@neekster28]

Nice! I really like the simplicity that this solution offers. I was thinking of doing something similar with my cabinet lights, but with a Shelly RGBW2 for the controller instead of GLOWEDOPTOICANTPRONOUNCEIT. I also have been experimenting with WLED, but I've been having connection issues, so I kinda gave up

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks! Yes WLED is something I'm planning on tackling soon and it does look challenging.

[@neekster28]

@@SmartHomeSolver WLED is surprisingly simple to get set up. After doing it a few times, I can do it in about five minutes from start to finish. I just wish it worked reliably for me. 😒

[@makatron]

For the light covers I've used the dremel with metal brush disk and with a couple of passes inside to provide a rough surface for it to stick to it.

[@ha231]

Seems like a lot more work than just using IPA.

[@makatron]

@@ha231 yeah but I al ready had the covers and was too lazy to buy new ones. I am a special kind of lazy that does extra work! 😅

[@2gnospam]

Nice video. FYI they do sell small right angle hex bid drivers. Drive with a small drill or by handle and insert a short bit in the socket.

[@danshimandle1938]

I got the Nanoleaf essential light strips that run on thread from my Apple TV and so far they are just as responsive and reliable as my Phillips hue bulbs, they are the first non-hue lighting that I actually like. Edit: fixed typo

[@SkyKiller63]

Great video!! Can’t wait to get these set up!

[@LadyRenira]

Fancy that. I just also recently went down this rabbit hole after buying an LED light fixture that turned out to have a proprietary RF remote so I couldn't use it on the Broadlink. A powerful driver, Gledopto, and much reading later, I'm realizing assembling my own LEDs is going to be so much better for Halloween. Especially if I dip into Arduino offerings. Grats on the bathroom. Looks great!

[@YamanKoudmani]

Psst. Check out WLED on an ESP32 in that case... Easier than mucking with an Arduino programming and much better platform.

[@AskMeWhen]

I just did this with my kitchen cabinets. I replaced the halogen puck lights with RGBWW strips. I did solder them but I used 12inch sections stuck to aluminum channels with diffusers. I had to purchase 3 separate controllers and power supply’s but they work great.

[@jimyearsich1942]

You have 3 separate sections of cabinets? I do snd it would be hard to snake wire to the 2 different walls. What hub are you using for the controllers?

[@shubinternet]

There are right-angle bit drivers that you can use with electric screwdrivers or battery powered drills.

[@lawjamesr]

I have the BTF light strips under my kitchen cabinets in aluminum channel. They’re pretty awesome! But I did end up soldering the connections so that it would fit in the channel to clean up the look.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

That sounds awesome, I'm still figuring out what to do under my kitchen cabinets. And I just got a soldering station and everything, so I'm excited to try that next time!

[@makeitworktech]

Great video! Definitely love BTF Lighting strips! I've used the individually addressable ones with WLED in the past. The bathroom looks great!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks! I'll definitely have to try out their addressable WLED options in a future video.

[@makeitworktech]

@@SmartHomeSolver would love to see what you do with them!

[@guitfiddle]

For DIY projects I completely understand @6:45. This is my feeling every turn during the kitchen remodel. :D

[@robsanchez5742]

6:38 mins my wife exactly, then she walks away, no help

[@Braddeman]

BTF is the best I have found for led strips. I like the newer leds that don’t have a wire for rgb just one wire to assign the colors. The individually addressable is what I am talking about

[@JamieStuff]

I bought some BTF addressable RGB strips for a test project, and I'm quite happy with them. They cost a little more than the generic strips, but you do get what you pay for.

[@RogerStocker]

Again a very creative outtro!

[@daneo617]

For nighttime, especially in a bathroom red works really well. Definitely in the middle of the night 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@inkmania]

Muito bom suas dicas, obrigado

[@jeremyjedynak]

Instead of screwing the channels into the underside of the cabinets, you could use 3M Dual Lock, which comes in both rolls and short strips. You wouldn't need much to hold it, and it would be easily removable. Dual Lock is also great for holding toe kicks to cabinets because it holds well and makes them easily removable if/when you need to do something under a cabinet, like run power for lighting.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Yeah that would have been easier to install.

[@demontekdigital1704]

@@SmartHomeSolver If you prefer using the screwed in clips you can buy an offset screwdriver as well. They're set to a 90 degree angle just like hex wrenches are, for exactly that purpose. With the clips you don't ever have to worry about adhesive failures. The other option is to replace the packaged screws with hex screws so you can use a hex wrench. Even the toughest adhesive strips hate particle board, and unfinished wood. Think of trying to stick painter's tape to a piece of anything you've sanded, and not properly cleaned. The particles create a barrier between the adhesive, and the mounting surface, and the adhesive will stick to that rather than the surface. I made a custom desktop using MDF, and the adhesive strips on my cable routing clips constantly failed due to the surface particles of the MDF getting dislodged from the surface. Even when there was no visible damage to the desk, the adhesive would get ruined. The only way I was able to stop it was to seal the MDF where the clips would go.

[@TechWithBrett]

Well now you have me convinced to try them out! Would you use the same power box or could it all fit in something smaller?

[@matts1978]

6:32 - 6:48 = Greatest moment on this channel!! Totally made my day, thank you 🤣🤣

[@VP411Designs]

Awesome helpful video. What do you recommend for DIYers who are setting up LED Strips as main lighting source in ceiling with profiles built into the entire ceilings in long extended strips on entire ceiling space covering about 1000 square feet? Main question here is power source? Controller Source? And how to control individually or together as one? If I install a LED Strip all over my ceiling on the entire ceiling on every room and hallways how/what is the best way to setup from LED product, power product, and controller product.

[@manuo7245]

thank you. Good tips and ideas.

[@patrikulus]

The cool thing is that those Gledopto ZigBee controllers are compatible with Philips Hue bridge. So you can have kind of DIY Hue lights :)

[@DriveSmartBC]

Use a 1/4" ratchet with the appropriate socket for your screwdriver bit. Great for putting in screws under the cabinet kick. Buy (or cut) a short bit if necessary.

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Another option is to makiing a small section in the alcove removable on either side at the bottom at the skirting height (06:39 by the 90 degree bend) ,take the wires and the power unit behind it under the cabinet .Then applying a fabricated removable cover/grill (plastic print?) so the wires alone appear at the back of the alcove near the socket. EDIT Even a 60mm or larger circular cutter big en ough to allow the parts to be installed under the cabinet then use the wood plug produced to make a removable part for the cabinet.

[@mirothedjplaylist]

I highly reccomend alied tape for quick install for indoors its tested and approved, that stuff is holding my life together, not sure where else they sell it but found it on sale at DG

[@willneville]

That was a very useful video. Thank you

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Great video as always!

[@2viewvideosful]

Lol "spouse approval rating" 🤣... I love it! Funny! Good video too. Thanks!

[@prhannator2874]

Nice video. Love the need for overlord approval :). Thanks for the chuckle. I'm just starting down this path. I'm looking for an affordable light source under my ~ 5-6' desk so I can see the buttons on some machines under there. I don't need voice activation and as a first pass, I'd probably settle for a human switched with tone options (warm/cool etc). Got any videos showing that kind of desk setup? The "good" ones in your video were outside of budget for me.

[@cruelsun9243]

Are there extensions for the 4-prong power adaptor? I would like to run the line outside my display case without the need to have the strip light outside the display case. Thanks!

[@NinaPang-lw3mf]

Nice video! Easy to understand.

[@TheJayanthgummadi]

Great video. What is the sensor you used to turn them on automatically? Could not find info about that in links or comments

[@helloruiz]

This was so helpful. Love your channel. I used all of your affiliate links. Thanks!!

[@lle60626]

this is a great video, I'm doing this outside!

[@lukabotic]

You do a great show, I enjoy and trust your solutions and reviews! I would love your opinion on out door products for IA-leds (neopixels) and fairy lights. For permanent out door mounting that I can change between Christmas/Halloween/Dinner party. I have encountered issues with wild life damaging fairy lights and water ingress on “waterproof” led strips. Suggestions and an affiliate link please…and thank you for a brilliant show.

[@PrivateHireGuy]

What a great video, thanks from the U.K.

[@ronm6585]

Thanks Reed. The light covers do look better painted. 😁

[@SmartHomeSolver]

I agree, they look way better!

[@sadlerjr]

What motion sensor did you use and how did you link to the strips?

[@FITNESSINSEATTLE]

Great video! Thank you!

[@DELIKAYDECORCOLTD]

Great video! The procedure is identical to that described above.

[@tannerg440]

Hi Reed! What motion sensor are you using to turn your lights on?

[@faded1to3black]

For screwing in stuff in such narrow spots, you could use a bit with a socket on a 1/4" ratchet.

[@yamenber9489]

Very nice setup And thanks for the advice But you haven't explained us how did you manage to control it . Does it work directly with smartthings? Or just with specific app Thanks again

[@QuentinDallons]

Hi ! Dewalt has angle screwdriver bits that can be used with an impact screwdriver. Could be useful for under tight space cabinet mounting

[@jaymcdermott4331]

Thanks Reed helpful video. If I were to connect them to my echo plus would I need a Zigbee hub?

[@LittleJoeSBB]

Need input on outdoor Christmas decorations. I have hoops I use but need lights on them. Need advice on continuous connections. Red and white are the colors I need

[@John_Atkinson]

+1 for btf my go to led strips however I prefer the 5v with a wemos d1 mini running wled been using them for a few years now and no issues even when using 2m lengths plus

[@mrg5517]

Could you please share the make and model of the motion sensor to trigger your under cabinet lights to automatically turn on. Thank you for making this video. I recently stayed in a hotel that had strip lights mounted under the cabinets. They were motion activated when walking in the bathroom at night. Such a great idea to help navigate when half asleep without turning on the bright bathroom lights.

[@craigmcfly]

Interesting video. I want to do a rectangle of them behind the TV to backlight. I can't find anything that will do 90-degree turns, though. Hue + Litcessory just aren't holding up. I'll have a look at the parts you used, because at least they support 90-degree connectors!

[@chengda85]

if I want to use more than 1 strip, do I need a power source and controller for each or is there a way to use 1 for all the strips?

[@user-pp7lo7fn8n]

Congrats and thanks for your videos. What phone app do you use to connect your Zighbee controller?

[@peterperez8690]

Hello, love your videos! Can you tell me the brand motion sensor you used?

[@MikeKow80]

Use some 45° track to help shoot the light out instead of just down. I did the toe kicks in my bathrooms and it's the best.

[@xiaoshi3508]

Hey, nice project. But how to setup the motion sensor to control the power supply?

[@kevinh9968]

I was actually looking at that controller to do a split connection for my kitchen cabinets. That confirmation seals the deal. Now to get the wifey seal of approval...

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Good luck, sometimes that's the hardest step haha

[@ElectroEverything]

Very nice work 💞

[@euartista]

Actually you should put a custom footstool box that goes across from one side to the other. You could even use a nice wood like bamboo. That will hide the cables and show as a needed footstool for the make up vanity.

[@SmarthutATL]

@smarthomesolver you can use a right angle drill bit next time you need to put a screw under a hard to reach area like that.

[@bugged120]

Loved the legal disclaimer! 🤣

[@Ss-ds3yq]

Nice video. Any recommendations on a wifi controller? Trying to avoid buying YAG

[@shannonallcock8328]

Reed,great video. Are you using a gateway hub to control the light colors?

[@cherrybearylemondrop]

Tight space screwing: try a right angle ratcheting screwdriver with multiple bits. It's a great tool to have on hand

[@ledlightingaccessories-led5160]

Nice work

[@triplerinse]

Shelly rgbw2 is really good. Using three of these

[@icevariable9600]

Excellent video! Exactly what I was looking for. But was there an issue in cutting the LED strip? Do you have to worry about voltage distribution based on length of each strip?

[@dannyarcher]

Not on that install mate - That’s only a short run. No issues at all.

[@3000secrets]

Thank you for your video. It’s helpful. What I’m planning to do is put light strips around my windows which are double hung. then I can get rid of my Christmas lights instead of having to store them all year. Plus, I will be able to change the color according to the holiday example: red for Valentine’s Day green for Saint Paddy‘s day and so on. I will keep a few for decorating bushes and stuff outside but Not a whole mess like I have now. but I’m just trying to figure out what to do with the LED lights. They need to plug into the wall and hopefully I can use only one remote to control them all. Plus I think it’d be a good idea if they were waterproof. I get a little moisture around the windows once in awhile but mostly they’re dry. Can I get 12 foot strips or cut them to length and then add a plug to power them? I really don’t want to deal with batteries. any help you offer will be really appreciated. Thank you.

[@JacobDanielson]

A right angle drill adapter definitely would have come in handy for installing those clips!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Oh that would have come in handy! I need to order one for next time.

[@DaveDorenbergVeltman]

You can terminate the wires with wire covers to protect the wire for the screws in the controller. But you need a crimper and they're not that expensive. Best practice for any wire end.

[@icedrummer25]

Just seeing this a year later. Trying to find similar options that don't require a bridge or a hub for the controller. I LOVE Kasa lights so I'm wondering If I would be able to use some type of similiar connectors on Kasa Strips.

[@jackiehung7258]

Hi what is the motion sensor that you used?

[@gennymiller8332]

Have you ever done a stairs install with led under the lip of the steps with motion sensor.i don't no much about led but wanting g to redo my stairs and wanted led light up do you have a video on that.

[@mikemayoral7356]

With your set up, are you able to make the light strips pulsate slowly? I'm working on a project and I'm looking for the easiest way to set up some LEDs that pulsate. Thanks.

[@steveweaver6245]

do you have a recommendation for right angle connectors to wrap around the wall or bannister?

[@godblesshomelessvets8832]

My question is do you have a suggestion that will help me in that I have 2 sections of interior steps, 1 each would require 1 right angle connector. Total length of 1 is 39'3" and the other is 37'6". I have access behind the steps foe wiring. I am looking for a single strip per step so the strip and connector would be controlled vis Caseta lutron light switch . I always enjoy your vids and thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have.

[@russadams3008]

On a somewhat unrelated topic, I accidentally discovered something after installing a Lutron Caseta dimmer in a bathroom. It controls 3 ceiling lights and 2 vanity lights. By putting 100w equivalent leds in the vanity and 65w in the ceiling, I was able to only have the vanity lights come on as nightlights. The dim level is set at 1%.

[@asutcliffe25]

I see the v + and - connector on the controller as well, does this mean that the controller can also be used as a hardwired connection instead of using the AC adapter? i am wanting to install these lights under a kitchen cabinet that already have a hardwired connectors to electrical

[@devin8or]

Thanks for this man, this was really helpful. Plus all of the links made this fool proof.