Manual switches are the most common and traditional approach to turning on/off LED strip lights. However, you can control LED strip lights in several other ways- using a remote, via a mobile app, clapping on/off, using a motion sensor, and more.
Let’s get in-depth on various ways of tuning strip lights on/off and find out which is the most suitable method for your application.
Methods/Ways To Turn Strip Lights ON/OFF
LED strip lights come with varying controlling methods. You can turn them on/off in several ways. These are as follows:
1. Using Switch (Manual Control)
The most traditional switches to turn on/off LED strip lights are wall-mounted switches. These are the regular switches that you use to turn off your lights or fans. The LED strip is wired into the wall switches. So, you can press the button easily to turn it on/off.
However, modern switches advance manual control over LED strips. For example, using our DIM – Panel Controller, you can dim the lights by switching them on or off. This comes with a touch/knob panel and RF remote control dimming mode.
2. High Voltage Dimmer Switch
LED strip lights run at low voltage DC. But the current from the power supply is high voltage AC, 110V or 240V. This is why LED strip lights use an LED driver or transformer that converts the high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC, which is suitable for strip lights.
Using a high-voltage dimmer switch allows you to dim the light, turn it on or switch it off before passing the current to the driver. This way, you can control the LED strip lights.
3. Remote Control
The remote control allows you to turn on/off, adjust brightness and CCT, and change the light color of the LED strip lights using a remote. However, while selecting a remote control, check its control distance. For instance, our CCT – RF LED Remote Control supports light control from 30 meters.
Note that the remote control you buy must be compatible with the LED strip light. Below, I have added a controller to turn on/off different types of LED strip lights:
| Type Of LED Strip | Controller To Turn ON/OFF |
| Single-color LED strips | DIM – RF LED Remote Control |
| RGB LED strips | CCT – RF LED Remote Control |
| RGBW LED strips | RGBW – RF LED Remote Control |
| LED strips with RGB and adjustable color temperature | RGB+CCT – RF LED Remote Control |
4. Smart Control (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-Enabled Strip Lights)
If you are looking for the most convenient way to control your LED strip lights, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled strip lights are your go-to solution. These lights allow you to turn on/off the lights from your smartphone. Therefore, you can control them from anywhere with Wi-Fi or internet connectivity.
Check our Tuya Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, & Zigbee Series controllers to take your LED strip light control to the next level. This enables app control and access to Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
5. Motion Sensors
In spaces like staircases, bathrooms, garages, or walkways, using a motion sensor LED strip light controller will take your lighting to the next level. Once you enter the room, the sensor will detect your movement and turn on the light immediately. As you step out of the room, the lights will automatically turn off. This reduces the misuse of energy and saves you electricity bills. LEDYi has a complete Sensor Series for LED strip lights, including a sensor dimmer, sensor switch and sensor remote control. Get them for your suitable motion sensor lighting application.
Troubleshooting Common Issues While Turning On/Off LED Strip Lights
LED Strip Not Turning On
Your LED strip light will not turn on if the power is off or the lights are not getting sufficient voltage. This can also occur due to loose or faulty wiring and incompatible remote control.
Solution:
- Ensure the LED strip is connected to the power supply
- The voltage and current of the power supply must match the LED strip
- Use a compatible controller or switch
Flickering Issues When Turned On
A faulty dimmer or controller causes flickering issues. Besides, loose wiring and insufficient voltage or power are also major causes of flickering.
Solution:
- Use high current power supply
- Replace the dimmer or controller
- Check if the wires are rightly connected
LED Strip Doesn’t Turn Off
Wiring issues and faulty on/off switch prevents the light from turning off. So, your LED strip lights stay on, which increases your electricity bill.
Solution:
- Fix if there is any improper wiring
- Test and replace the on/off switch if needed
- Reset or replace the LED controller
Remote Control Not Working
The remote control you use for the LED strip will not respond to a dead battery or faulty remote or receiver. Again, any kind of signal interference will also hinder the remote’s functioning.
Solution:
- Ensure there is no interference between the remote and the receiver
- Replace the remote batteries
- Reset the controller and see if it responds with the LED strip
How Do You Turn ON/OFF LED Strip Light Without Remote Controller?
You can turn on/off the LED strip in several ways rather than using just the remote. These are as follows:
1. Mobile App
Besides using a remote, you can turn on/off LED strips using smartphones. These smart LED strip lights connect to a mobile app with which you can control the lighting from your smartphone. This allows you to adjust the brightness, change the light color, adjust lighting mode, turn it on or switch it off. Besides, you can also set a timer for auto turn on/off.
This way, an LED strip integrating with a Wi-Fi connection or mobile app facilitates greater control over the lighting. You need not carry a remote to switch it off. Instead, you can control the LED strip from anywhere on your smartphone.
2. Clap On/Off Control
Clap on/off LED strips have features that respond to clapping sound patterns. For instance, it turns on/off for double clapping. Such LED strips are integrated with sound sensor technology that includes sensitive microphones to detect clapping sounds. This mic filters out the background noises to recognize clapping sounds and turn on/off the LED strip accordingly.
3. Light Sensor
LED strip lights integrated with a light sensor detect the light intensity of the environment and react accordingly. For instance, when the surroundings become darker or at night, it turns on automatically. Again, in daylight or in sufficient illumination, it turns off.
Such light sensor-based strip lighting is excellent for commercial spaces. Besides, you can use them in gardens and street lights. Moreover, these lights also reduce or increase brightness based on the ambient light intensity. This way, you will get a comfortable and automated light-controlling feature that does not require a remote.
FAQs
Wrapping Up
Whether you are using a remote control or a more advanced option like a mobile app to turn on/off strip lights, having a high-quality LED controller is a must. For this, the LEDYi LED controller is your ultimate solution. We have an RGB LED controller, LED pixel controller, LED strip controller, LED Wi-Fi controller, Arduino LED controller, and LED controller IC. You will find a suitable controller for all types of LED strips. Moreover, all our LED strip controllers are certified and facilitate ODM and OEM facilities. So, contact us ASAP for bulk purchases.
