This is a review of the Ustellar Waterproof Flexible LED Strip Lights with self-adhesive back or tape lights. This particular strip did not come with a 12v power adapter so if you need one, you’ll have to order it or purchase the unit with the kit.
This particular item is said to be waterproof however I was not able to test it outside given the strip came with exposed wiring. I checked other products and the internet all seemed to indicate it should not be exposed. I am awaiting the replacement unit to come. Hopefully it will not be the same. Amazon is a great place to order.
The LED strip is 16.4ft/5m long and has a total of 300 LED modules. Instructions show that it is cuttable and linkable every 3 LEDs along the cutting marks. The LED strip is sealed with silicone which makes it waterproof and smooth to the touch. The non-waterproof strips don’t have the silicone wrapping and the LED modules and resistors are bare which can cause an electrical shock despite it only being 12v. I’d recommend spending the extra money (a few bucks, not much) to purchase the waterproof silicone wrap ones which is smooth to the touch and can handle heat. Given the item is for my kid’s room, as parents it is probably best to spend the money for the peace of mind.
The strip is very easy to install with self-adhesive back or tape like back which sticks to pretty much any smooth surface. I’d probably consider running these strips inside and under my kitchen cupboards and shelves.
After some research, this product with is a 2835 LED is an upgrade from the 3528. The light output of 2835 is 2 to 3 times higher than 3528. Depending on what you plan to use the strip for, 2835 is said to be better for kitchen under-cabinet lighting and above crown moldings while the 3528 would be better for bookshelves or for ambient lights.
If you are planning to connect multiple LED strips to a single power source, it is best to run them in parallel rather than series. I noticed with this and other LED strip lights when connected in a series that at the end of the strip the lighting appears to be dimmer. After researching the issue, it appears that in a series, you are running power through one strip connected to the next, and so on which the power does not hold the same with each connector and thus causing the dimmer lights with each passing connector (voltage drop).
With so many of
the same products out there of the same design and made, they all appear to be
the same standard length (16.4ft/5m). I
wish there were options to purchase longer strips or pay per feet that way I
don’t have to deal with having to connect the strips and deal with the voltage
issue.
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