Using aluminium profile (extrusion) for mounting LED strip is now the preferred option, particularly for interior use. It can be aesthetically pleasing, as well as providing mechanical support, protection and heat dissipation.

OVERVIEW

LED profile is a length of extruded aluminium, typically 2m to 3m long, on to which or into which LED tape is installed. Longer profile results in fewer offcuts, but is more difficult and expensive to transport. It must be packed carefully to avoid being bent. It generally has a polycarbonate cover which can range from water clear to semi opaque. The cover clips or slides into place after the  LED strip has been installed and tested. The cover provides some degree of protection from moisture and dust ingress. Plastic or spring steel mounting clips are often supplied to secure the profile to its mounting surface, or the profile may be siliconed into position.

SHAPES AND SIZES

While there are now literally hundreds of shapes and sizes of LED profile on the market, the vast majority of applications are satisfied by a few only variations.

The configurations can be summarised.

Surface mount, where the profile is mounted on to a ceiling or wall of shelf, sitting proud of it’s mounting surface.

Recessed (rebated) into a ceiling or wall so as to sit flush with it’s mounting surface.

A variation of this is floor mount, where the profile and cover is more robust so as to support foot traffic

Corner or angle is an attractive and practical solution, particularly in kitchen and shop fitouts, where it sits unobtrusively in a protected corner, yet offers a wide angle of light dispersion.

Wall profile (recessed) is typically used low down, and directed downwards to light the walkway.

Likewise, step light profile may form the leading edge of the step tread, shining down on to the step below.

Shelf light may be standard surface profile, or may be formed to slide on to the glass shelf above, shining downwards. Edge lit variants may light the glass shelf from the back edge.

Suspended profile may be round so as to resemble a bare fluorescent tube, low voltage power often being supplied via the suspension wires. Larger rectangular profiles can support multiple strips of LED, increasing the light output considerably. Some can include a slim driver inside the profile. Being available up to 3m long means more versatility in the lighting and architectural design.

Some profiles offer a shaped lens (cover) which can produce a concentrated light effect.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 

Contrary to some popular misconceptions, LEDs do produce waste heat. Despite recent improvements in efficiency, assemblies producing higher light outputs and generate considerable amounts of heat, which must be dissipated away from the LEDs. Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat, and the typically large surface area of the profile, provides for good heatsinking.

As mentioned above, profile affords mechanical protection, also against dust ingress and likely moisture to some extent. It makes cleaning more simple, being a smooth, shiny surface.

LED strip produces a DOTTY effect, which many people find undesirable, preferring a smooth, even glow as produced by a fluorescent light. Depending on it’s opacity, the polycarbonate cover diffuses the dots to some extent. However, increasing opacity ( “ milkiness “ ) will rapidly reduce the amount of light transmitted. If the profile is deeper, the increased distance between the LED strip and the cover will be a major contributor in reducing the dot effect. As well, using a tape with higher LED packing density also reduces the dot effect. Using tape of 120 LEDs per metre or greater will generally produce acceptable results.

Viewing angle depends on how far down in the profile the LED strip sits, and also on the design of the cover

LED profile is traditionally clear anodised, but some manufacturers are now offering in black or white, paint or anodise or powder coat. Matching end caps are also offered. It is of course possible to get clear anodised profile powder coated to any colour locally, but it is expensive and not every powder coater can work with 3m lengths.

In line with current architectural whims, profile is now available in smaller section sizes to as to be less obtrusive in some environments.

Some profile is now bendable, in one plane or the other (not both).

A new type of cover appearing on the market appears black when unlit, then appears white diffused when lit.