10 Reasons to Use Aluminum LED Channels

A KLUS aluminum LED channel is an extruded aluminum profile that houses and protects LED strip lights. KLUS is a leading manufacturer of aluminum channels for LED lighting, and you can use their profiles in residential and commercial lighting installations. You can find LED KLUS channel fixtures installed everywhere, indoors and outside.

Here are some of the nearly limitless applications:

• Cabinets
• Closets
• Bathrooms
• Gardens
• Entranceways
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Retail displays
• Art galleries

Aluminum channels come in one and two-meter lengths, but you can cut the LED channels to a custom size to fit installation requirements. Various accessories are also available that enhance the functionality and look of the channels, including end caps, mounting brackets, and lenses. Adding an optional diffuser cover, like a frosted or black lens, reduces glare and provides a more uniform lighting effect.

Aluminum channels are compatible with various LED strip lights, including single-color, RGB, RGBW, and COB strips. They are easy to install, with multiple mounting options, including surface-mounted, recessed, or suspended.

When selecting an LED channel, you must consider factors such as the length of the LED strip light, the mounting method, and the overall design and aesthetics of your lighting installation. Also, choose a channel compatible with your LED strip light width and all the accessories or connectors you plan to use.

• Aesthetic appeal: KLUS aluminum LED channels provide any lighting project with a sleek and modern look.

• Improved light distribution: A channel installed with a frosted lens will diffuse light evenly across the illuminated surface, helping minimize glare and visible hot spots.

• Protection for LED strips: The channel, compatible cover, and end caps protect the LED strips from damage, dust, and debris, providing a longer lifespan for your lighting project.

• Easy installation: KLUS aluminum LED channels are easy to install and come in various lengths, making it simple to create custom lighting solutions.

• Customizable: You can cut the channels to fit specific sizes and angles, allowing endless design possibilities.

• Heat dissipation: The aluminum material helps dissipate heat, extending the life of the LEDs and reducing the risk of overheating.

• Versatility: The channels can be used in various applications, from accent lighting to general illumination, in residential and commercial settings.

• Compatibility: Aluminum LED channels are compatible with a wide range of LED strip lights, providing flexibility in your lighting design.

• Durability: The channels are made of high-quality extruded aluminum, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear over time.

• Energy efficiency: LED lighting is highly energy-efficient, reducing energy consumption and saving on electricity bills in the long run.

Aluminum channels for LED strips are versatile and have many lighting applications. We’ve listed typical applications below, with photos provided by KLUS, and the recommended channels to recreate this look. 

Here are some typical applications:

Following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific aluminum strip channel and LED strip light is crucial, as the installation process may vary depending on the product. 

Additional accessories, such as end caps, connectors, and diffusers, may be needed to complete your LED light installation with an aluminum strip channel. See further instructions for sealing your strip channel fixture for damp or wet locations.

1. Measure and cut the extruded aluminum channel to the desired length for your LED strip light or cut your strip to fit the channel profile, following the manufacturer's directions.

2. Attach your end caps. Measure the space between them for the length of your lens cover and trim to fit.

3. Use an end cap with a hole where wiring is necessary and a solid end cap for closing the end of a channel or run. If an end cap with a hole is unavailable, use a small drill or Dremel tool to cut a hole to feed your strip wires.

4. Starting at one end, peel back the 3M™ adhesive backing and seat the LED strip light into the center of the channel. Press firmly down the length of the LED strip for a secure bond.

5. Place one end of the strip channel cover into the channel and slide your finger along the lens to the opposite end until the lens fully snaps into place.

6. Install any mounting brackets or clips to secure the aluminum strip channel to meet your specific installation requirements.

7. Connect the LED strip light to a compatible power supply or controller, and test the installation to ensure the LED strip light is functioning correctly before mounting.

Again, these are general instructions. We recommend following the specific instructions for your aluminum strip channel and LED strip light.

If you want to install your LED strip light fixture in a wet area, choose a KLUS aluminum channel designed to reach an IP67 waterproof rating. You can seal these channels for use in wet environments.

The steps for sealing an aluminum channel are listed below. 

1. Clean the channel: Use an aluminum-safe cleaning solution to remove any dirt, debris, or oxidation from the surface of the aluminum strip channel. Cleaning ensures the sealant adheres properly to the surface.

2. Select the proper sealant: Many are available, so choosing one appropriate for your needs is essential. Look for a sealant designed for use with aluminum surfaces and suitable for the conditions of use (e.g., temperature, moisture, UV exposure).

3. Waterproof the LED strip: Use a silicone sleeve or heat shrink tubing to protect the strip from moisture, or use a waterproof LED strip light.

4. Apply the sealant: Attach your end caps with adhesive, add a sealant layer along the length of the bottom of the aluminum strip channel, and embed the LED strip. Then add another layer along the sides of the channel and end caps. Make sure to fill any gaps or holes without covering the LEDs.

5. Smooth the sealant: Remove excess silicone with a rectangular tool, such as a piece of cardboard, without damaging the strip. The silicone layer must be even and must not cover the LEDs. Insert the cover so that its edges sit in the sealant.

6. Allow the sealant to dry: Drying time will depend on your selected product, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the sealant is dry, your aluminum strip channel is sealed and ready for use.

Note: It's vital to follow all safety precautions when working with sealants, including wearing gloves and protective eyewear, working in a well-ventilated area, and following the manufacturer's instructions.

We highly recommend waterproof LED strip lights for any wet or outdoor installation for ease of installation and the best results.

What Are the Different Types of Aluminum LED Strip Channels to Choose From?

We carry a wide variety of aluminum LED strip channels, including corner, cove, edge-lit, recessed, step, surface, and trimless mount. You will choose between the different types of mounts based on how the strips are being used. For example, our surface and recessed lights are best for installation on walls, floors, or ceilings, corner mounts for 90-degree turns for bookshelves or cabinets, edge-lit mounts for sign lighting or panel lights, cove mounts for suspended ceilings, etc.  

Should Aluminum Channels Always Be Used?  

While aluminum channels can easily elevate the look of a space or improve the light distribution, they aren’t required for applications, and shouldn’t be used for certain ones. For example, if you aren’t going to install the LEDs permanently, install them in a visible area, or care about the aesthetic look, then an aluminum channel isn’t necessary. 

How Do My Current LED Strip Lights Affect the Aluminum Channel I Need?

Your current LED strips will determine the aluminum channel required due to the size of the strips. Purchasing a channel that is too thin won’t hold the strip properly. Additionally, you will need to purchase aluminum channels that are long enough to cover the area where you’re installing the strip lights.  You can filter our products based on the max strip width accommodated and channel length to simplify this.  

We’ve recently added a few new elevated styles of strip lights to our KLUS product line.  These include our GIZA-LL surface mount channels, KOZUS recessed mount channels, HR-SLIM surface/recessed mounts, or MICRO-30DEG-K recessed mounts. The surface mount channels can be installed easily onto ceilings, walls, or floors. The recessed mount channels are great for unique structures, including 5/8” drywall, furniture boards, built-in structures, and more.  Our in-depth buying guide here provides detailed information to walk you through the selection process, different mount styles, accessories, installation, and more. 

Or if you’re ready to get started, shop our full line of aluminum channels.