When installing Ambient LED Lighting many clients automatically use a 10w strip by default.

This is the right product for primary lighting if the fitting being made is relied upon to be the main source of light. But, as you would expect, this has a knock-on effect to the cost of drivers and control gear.

It's not unusual for installers to use 10-20wpm strips. They often use controls and/or drivers to dim down to the required level.

Not only does this mean you are paying more for the strip, but also a higher cost for drivers and controls. So, when planning your Profile & lighting setup, consider these costs.

If you are installing ambient light such as Cove, Picture Rail and Wall Wash LED that are only used to create a mood and complement other lighting in the room, use 5wpm or lower.

It offers more than enough light for this type of application. This also means the drivers will be lower wattage and cost. In many circumstances, the need to make them dimmable is also removed. This is especially true with ambient LED lighting, particularly when installing a cove into a large room with a high meter count where ambient LED lighting is desirable.