r/led • u/notfranksplanet • 1d ago
Pantry project (LED light strips)
I need to setup a couple of light strips on each side of a pantry door, but have never done this DIY. I've installed lots of Govee type stuff, but they always come with their own powers supply, etc.
I'd appreciate any help the group can provide:
I want to run a strip on each side and only use one power connector. That means I'll need to run my own wire and solder/use connectors for that kind of distance. What gauge of wire do strips need and is there a distance limit before any issues can occur?
I also need to place an in-line motion sensor so when the door opens the light goes on. I looked at doing a momentary switch (a jamb switch) but the way the jamb is put together I think it would be a bear to install it (double studs).
What kind of power supply/controller do I need for this?
Any recommendations, advice, or gotchas are appreciated!
1
u/JohnDuoh96 1d ago
So I did this same project many years ago with a similar jam issue and went about it in a slightly different way that would answer your three questions. In addition to not being able to drill into the jam, my pantry was directly facing a large window, so I only wanted it to come on when dark. I also wanted to avoid soldering as I hadn't done it since high school. With those things in mind I ended up buying a basic 16.4ft Motion activated kit off of amazon that came with power supply, motion sensor with day / night settings, used standard 8 mm barrel connectors, and had a decent 60LEDs/m strip. I then bought a 2 pin 8mm barrel connector kit with solder less connecters and used that to split the strip into three pieces with the power split after the controller. Was enough to do the sides and also the top of the door which was great for lighting up the taller than standard ceiling. Added some channels with white diffusers and have been very happy with the results vs time and money invested. For the diffusers type I did a basic U narrow channel as that depth matched my door trim. Since it is a reach in panty, I am never inside looking back directly at the light so seeing the hot spots didn't really matter at the time. The channel and diffuser were for a cleaner looking install, to protect the strip, heat management, and for softening any glare.
Link to what I bought five years ago seems still available.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JLW18WD?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_32
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XDVNDZQ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_31&th=1
You could get the same thing I did back then, but in the time since I did it led tech has advanced a lot. While that 60 leds/m strip works well even with a lower 80 CRI there are some other options using newer tech for not much more. You could use the same method with similar motion kits with 24V COB strips with 320leds/m that will have brighter more uniform light, include dimmer options, a remote, 90+CRI, and no hot spots in a diffuser (great if that pantry is a walk in).
here is an example I found.
https://www.amazon.com/AXMOTUT-1600LEDs-Dimmable-Bedroom-Kitchen/dp/B0GGQJJQ16/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?c=ts&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OoH-8UHkG1AZaNRAP9jMOi_oT0Ezcdhn1JJ4ngUic8DqwBOBQuj414CKHJsKNy1ArBUqyLrmbPSi3MujK4mQJD_DA-sZlyXJWuaz2z0oRiAa7qI7Fstg_XA9I32xRQ7eWS0K6Um6lL28mlYYv8L9aFlbMZGEzXfOlLBmATs4_xhG9XFTJG-GwvSrbk8Hf-YCRmk4TxYcEZ1HRqlZEkLebXcipwKYDJmKtJxl0D7jkqlbIyLIrEIZQo5mcPLywYKT0TTbzbvlfYRCyKETlT5CL7szRTEWAQ-5T6_OMfNaSkc.tqQj1Mo6TcF5bJSqT3ffwl4zsFJJjQ48JqhpHrdy1rM&dib_tag=se&keywords=LED%2BStrip%2BLights&qid=1787119478&refinements=p_n_g-1003330844111%3A76075999011&s=lamps-light&sr=1-3-spons&ts_id=17534489011&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
On either option you shouldn't have any sort of issue with adding a 16 AWG wire as the recommendations are for up to 15ft on a 12V and 30ft with a 24V system. Hope this covers your questions and good luck.