How to Elevate Your LED Strip Lights With Aluminum Channels

Our expanding line of aluminum channels makes it easy to create linear lines of light, improving the practicality and decorative appeal of your space. Aluminum channels for LED strips can be used for elevating illumination for kitchen cabinets, bookshelves, closets, outdoor lighting, and more. 

Why Should I Install These Lights?

There are various benefits to using strip light aluminum channels in residential and commercial spaces. These channels provide durability, heat dissipation, smooth lighting, and more. Our aluminum channels come in various styles and lens options, including clear, frosted, and black, and can be cut to size to make it easy to have a solution for your application. 

For more information on why you should choose an aluminum LED channel, read our in-depth 10 Reasons to Use Aluminum LED Channels blog. 

Start shopping our Aluminum Channel product line.

Use our step-by-step guide below to install your own linear light fixture, using an aluminum profile. First, purchase the required materials. If you need assistance choosing the right strip light or aluminum channel for your application, read our comprehensive Aluminum Channel Buying Guide here. 

Required Materials: 

• Aluminum Channel

• LED Strip Lights

• Profile Lens

• End Caps

• Mounting Clips and Screws or Double-Sided Tape 

Please note that your specific channel might vary from the one used in this tutorial.

Installation Tips

Before beginning the aluminum channel installation process, ensure you have a compatible power supply for the strip light, and plug the strip light in to verify it works. However, always unplug the power source before beginning installation.

Connect the strips to the power wire. Use our solderless connectors for a simplified, effective solution. You could also solder the wires for a more permanent connection by pre-tinning the wires, tinning the solder points, and connecting the wires to the strip. 

Follow the steps below to begin installation. 

Cut the Aluminum Channel to the Required Length. 

1. Measure the area where you’re going to install the aluminum channel and cut off any excess material. 

Place the Strip Light in the Aluminum Profile. 

2. Begin laying the LED strip into the channel and leave roughly 1/4-inch free at the end of the LED tape light channel so you can install the end cap. Position it along the bottom so that the ends of the strip and the channel are lined up. Remove the paper from the adhesive backing, and attach the strips to the channel, starting at the wired end and working your way to the other end of the strip. 

Place the Lens.

3. Install the lens on top of the aluminum channel.  

Drill Holes into the End Caps, if Required, and Install. 

4.  If one of your end caps doesn’t have a pre-drilled hole, drill your own hole so the wires of the strip light can come through. We recommend marking the end cap where you want to place the wires through. Start with a small hole, and increase the size as necessary. Install the end cap on the wired side of the strip by threading the wires through the end cap. Insert the end cap into the end of the light bar, and push firmly until it is fully in place.

Note: Aluminum channels are designed to work for indoor strip light applications, so if you plan to install them outdoors, use a silicone sealant to create a waterproof seal.  

Mount the Aluminum Channel. 

5. Install the strip light LED aluminum channel using mounting brackets for a permanent installation. Check the ‘Accessories’ section of the product page for the compatible mounting tools, depending on the channel’s style. Certain aluminum channels can be installed with mounting tape, which allows for a more temporary installation. Be sure to cut the tape to fit the back of the LED profile and to leave the tape backing on the side not attached to the channel until you are ready to mount it.

If you’re installing the channel on top of a cabinet or shelf, you can place it directly on it, without requiring additional materials. 

If you have questions about installation or choosing the correct aluminum channel or strip light, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 866-590-3533 or by email. Our customer service and technical support teams are available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT on Friday.