Aluminum Channels Overview
Installing aluminum channels is an easy solution to elevate the look of your residential or commercial space. Aluminum channels are a linear extrusion, installed with compatible strip lights to provide diffused, evenly distributed illumination. These channels create more effective heat dissipation, and if sealed using silicone sealant, can waterproof the channels.
This guide will walk you through the process of understanding what aluminum channels are, which ones you need, available accessories, and how to complete the installation process.
Applications
Install LED tape light channels in various residential and commercial applications, including:
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Under-cabinets
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Movie Theaters or Home Theaters
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Bookshelves
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Step Lighting
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Pathway Lights
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Gardens
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Task Lighting
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Kitchens
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Closets
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Building Exteriors
What’s the Buying Process for Aluminum Channels?
To purchase the correct aluminum channels for your installation, you must understand the specifications of these channels and the available styles. This varies based on your strip light, desired finish/lens, size, and more.
What Are You Purchasing First? Strip Lights or Aluminum Channels.
When shopping for your aluminum channels, the buying process will differ depending on whether you already have your strip lights or if you’re purchasing the aluminum channel first, or the installation is a niche application that requires a specific strip, such as in a corner or outdoors.
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If you already have the strip, consider the strip’s specifications, including the length, width, and installation area, to purchase an aluminum channel that meets these requirements. If you purchased your strips from Super Bright LEDs, you can look in the ‘Accessories and Power Supplies’ section of the product listing for compatible channels.
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If you’re purchasing the aluminum channel first, later, when you are shopping for your strip lights, you must ensure the width of the strip is compatible and fits into the channel.
Consider the additional factors when shopping for the aluminum channel you need.
Finishes and Lenses
The strip light LED aluminum channels are available in black anodized, silver anodized, silver non-anodized, and white finishes to match your installation area. You can purchase channels with lenses included, with clear, frosted, and black options. Lenses ensure there’s a diffused, uniform light distribution.
Which Size Aluminum Channel Do I Need?
There are two different things to consider when determining the appropriate “size” of your aluminum channel. One is the length. Our channels come in 1m (3.3 ft) or 2m (6.6 ft). Aluminum channels can be cut to fit your installation area. The other factor is the Max Strip Width Accommodated. Your aluminum channel must be wide enough to hold your strip. These range from 7mm (0.28in) to 26mm (1.02in).
Do I Need To Buy Accessories for My Aluminum Channel?
Our aluminum channels come with various accessories that can assist with applications. We carry a lot of accessories to assist with installation, including silicone sealant, wiring clamps, mounting brackets, and additional lenses for those who purchase aluminum channels without lenses included. Use the silicone sealant to waterproof aluminum channels if you plan to install them for outdoor applications.
How Do I Install LED Strip Lights on a Wall?
For LED strip light installation on a wall, we recommend using one of our surface or recessed mounts.
Surface Mount Channels are installed directly onto a surface, while Recessed Mount Channels are installed into a routed groove, cabinet, wall, ceiling, or other cutout so the channel sits flush with the surrounding surface.
Surface Mount Channels
Surface Mount Channels are the easiest and most popular option, attaching directly to cabinets, walls, ceilings, shelves, or workbenches using mounting clips, screws, or adhesive. Use these channels for installations where cutting into the mounting surface isn't practical. However, these channels create a more prominent profile, so you must determine if you want the channel to be visible after installation.
Benefits:
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Fast and easy installation
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No routing or cutting required
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Easy to remove or reposition
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Works well in existing spaces
Recessed Mount Channels
Recessed Mount Channels sit flush with the mounting surface for a clean, built-in appearance. They require a routed groove or cutout that matches the channel dimensions and are ideal for projects needing a seamless appearance. However, installation of recessed mounts will take longer, due to the required routing or cutting, and it is difficult to modify after installation.
Benefits:
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Flush, professional appearance
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Minimal visual impact
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Helps hide the channel and wiring
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Creates a custom, integrated look
For other specialty installations, we have the following mounting options:
Corner Mount: Can fit into 90-degree corners for stairs, bookshelves, cabinets, and can be used to create architectural fixtures.
Edge Lit Mount: Light emits from the side of the channel, for sign lighting, interior design, panel lights, etc.
In-Ground Mount: Has a unique design which allows them to be installed into floors, walls, or ceilings.
Trimless Mount: A style of recessed mount able to be installed into 5/8” drywall.
Cove Mount: Ideal for suspended or recessed ceilings and walls.
Additional Installation Information
We’ve listed other specific information to assist with your installation process.
- Before installing the aluminum channels, connect your strip light to a power supply using a connector to ensure everything works. Turn off the power supply before beginning installation.
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Place the LED strip lights directly in the channel. Leave at least 1/4 inch of the channel free before laying the strip to leave room for the end cap.
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If end caps don’t have pre-drilled holes, you must drill your own hole to fit the strip light wires through. Use a Sharpie to mark where you want to drill the hole.
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Mount your strip lights using the compatible mounting brackets.
For more installation information and detailed steps, check out our How to Elevate Your LED Strip Lights With Aluminum Channels blog.
*Product/application images provided by KLUS.
Start shopping our extensive lines of aluminum channels and begin elevating your installation. For specific product questions or assistance choosing the product you need, reach out to us by calling us at 866-590-3533 or through email.
by Emily Willis
LED Lighting Specialist
Emily has undergone training to provide technically accurate lighting knowledge on the uses and benefits of LEDs in residential, landscape, commercial, and vehicle applications. These blogs help understand and select lighting for various projects.
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