LED Strip Lights
Linear LED strip fixtures for fast, uniform general lighting—ideal for utility spaces and long runs where simple install and consistent coverage matter most.
Commercial LED strip lights for continuous-row layouts, high-efficacy output, and flexible mounting
LED Strip Lights are the industry standard for high-output, narrow-profile illumination in commercial and utility spaces. Engineered for surface, pendant, or continuous-row mounting, these linear fixtures are one of the most versatile options for replacing legacy T5 and T8 fluorescent systems while maintaining clean rows, predictable spacing, and uniform work-plane visibility.
Read more about LED Strip Lights
Strip light families and field-selectable performance in this collection
Our collection focuses on Field-Selectable solutions that let installers toggle wattage and color temperature (CCT) on-site to match task requirements and commissioning targets. Whether you’re outfitting warehouses, retail aisles, or mechanical rooms, these fixtures prioritize high-efficacy performance and 0–10V dimming compatibility, reducing operating costs while delivering uniform, flicker-free light for safety and productivity.
Common applications and linear-system context
Answer summary: LED strip lights are specified by mounting height, spacing, continuous-row layout, glare exposure, and application—not lumen output alone.
Linear fixture references
Replacing Fluorescent Shop and Utility Fixtures with LED Strip Lights Optimizing Linear Strip Lighting for Workspaces and Utility Areas Preventing Dimming and Control Issues in LED Strip Light Installations
Strip lighting spec workflow: row layout, spacing checks, glare control, and documentation
Use this guide to choose strip fixtures by mounting method and distribution, confirm continuous-row spacing and alignment, and manage documentation (photometrics, submittals, shipping visibility, closeout) for commercial projects. The table of contents links directly to the decision points used in real specifications.
Strip lighting specification guidance
Linear strip lighting performance depends on more than lumen output. Mounting height, spacing, continuous-row layout, glare control, and dimming integration all affect uniformity and visual comfort in commercial interiors. For broader guidance covering strip, panel, troffer, recessed, and linear ceiling systems, reference our commercial ceiling lighting buying guide.
Specification note: Common strip lighting failures include excessive glare at eye level, uneven spacing that creates hot spots, and poor row alignment that causes shadowing between fixtures.
Technical selection guide for LED strip lighting
Strip lighting succeeds when rows are planned for uniformity, sightlines are checked for glare, and the mounting method matches ceiling constraints. Use the sections below to compare fixture types and apply selection rules.
Linear strip vs. wraparound fixtures
Selection rule: Standard strip lights prioritize maximum output and row efficiency, while wraparound fixtures prioritize glare control and visual comfort in low-ceiling environments.
Standard strips typically deliver higher output and simpler continuous-row deployment. Wraparounds use a diffusing lens that shields the source and spreads light wider, improving comfort where people are close to the fixture.
Selection shortcut: Use the matrix below to choose standard strip fixtures vs wraparounds based on ceiling height, glare risk, and row efficiency.
| Decision factor | Standard strip light | Wraparound fixture | Spec check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum output and row efficiency | Best fit for high-output rows and utility zones. | Can be adequate, but diffusion may reduce “punch.” | Compare delivered lumens and efficacy, not just wattage. |
| Low ceilings and close-to-fixture sightlines | Higher glare exposure if the source is visible. | Best fit—lens shields the source and softens luminance. | Confirm optic/lens type and glare control intent for the space. |
| Uniform, comfortable illumination in occupied areas | Uniformity depends heavily on spacing and mounting height. | Often easier to achieve comfort in low-to-mid ceilings. | Validate spacing and mounting height; avoid over-lighting. |
| Continuous-row applications | Best fit for long rows and clean linear runs. | Some families support rows; check accessories and joiners. | Confirm row coupling hardware and end-to-end alignment method. |
| Visual appearance (finished ceilings) | Clean, minimal profile; often more “utility-modern.” | Bulkier lens form factor; softer appearance. | Confirm lens profile, finish, and consistency across runs. |
Continuous-row layout and alignment
Continuous-row strip systems reduce shadows and improve uniformity when rows are straight, evenly spaced, and aligned to aisles and work zones. Use row layout to control where light lands (and where it doesn’t), minimizing scalloping, dark lanes, and glare in primary sightlines.
Row layout checklist: Use the table below to avoid dark lanes, hot spots, and shadow breaks in continuous-row strip installations.
| Layout risk | Typical cause | Spec / layout fix | Field / commissioning fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark lanes between rows | Row spacing too wide for mounting height and optic. | Reduce row spacing or select wider distribution optic. | Trim output only after spacing is corrected; confirm rows are centered to aisles. |
| Hot spots on the work plane | Rows too tight or output too high for the task. | Increase spacing slightly or reduce lumen package / wattage setting. | Use high-end trim / task tuning; verify selectable wattage is set consistently. |
| Shadow breaks along the run | Gaps at couplers, misaligned joiners, inconsistent mounting plane. | Specify proper row couplers; confirm continuous-row accessories. | Re-align sections; ensure consistent mounting height and straight rows. |
| “Striping” or uneven brightness along the aisle | Row offsets, inconsistent spacing, or mixed lumen packages. | Standardize fixture family and lumen package per zone. | Correct offsets; normalize selectable wattage/CCT settings across the row. |
| Glare down the aisle | Rows placed in direct sightlines; optic not comfort oriented. | Re-position rows; choose diffusion / shielding if occupied at eye level. | Lower output; tune scenes for occupied hours; confirm lens orientation. |
Mounting options: pendant vs. surface
Pendant mounting brings the source closer to the work plane in higher ceilings and can improve uniformity when the ceiling is tall relative to spacing constraints. Surface mounting maximizes headroom and is ideal for utility rooms, workshops, and standard-height commercial interiors.
Mounting reference: Use the table below to choose pendant vs surface mounting based on ceiling height, uniformity goals, and clearance constraints.
| Mounting method | Best for | Common constraints | Spec checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface mount | Utility rooms, shops, garages, standard-height ceilings. | Headroom limits, ceiling obstructions, mounting plane irregularities. | Confirm mounting surface, feed location, and row straightness requirements. |
| Pendant mount | Higher ceilings where bringing light closer improves uniformity. | Clearance to doors/equipment; sway control; cable length management. | Confirm suspension kit compatibility, cable lengths, and wiring pathway. |
| Continuous-row (either method) | Long aisles and work zones needing consistent illumination. | Alignment over long runs; couplers; zoning and circuiting. | Specify joiners/couplers; define row zoning; document as-builts at closeout. |
Field-selectable performance and controls
Field-selectable wattage and CCT reduce SKU complexity and support consistent appearance across phased projects. Confirm dimming protocol (typically 0–10V), wiring approach, and control compatibility to avoid flicker, dropout, or limited dim range—especially in long-row installations.
Commissioning map: Use the table below to apply field-selectable wattage and CCT as tuning tools for uniformity and consistent appearance across long runs.
| Condition | Wattage setting intent | CCT setting intent | Documentation check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright task zones / higher ceilings | Increase output only as needed to hit maintained targets. | Choose CCT consistent with adjacent zones and daylight exposure. | Record final switch positions per row/zone at closeout. |
| Occupied low-ceiling zones (glare risk) | Reduce output to prevent harshness and eye-level brightness. | Neutral/comfortable CCT consistent with the space intent. | Document scene levels and high-end trim settings. |
| Phased installs / future expansions | Standardize lumen package by zone to avoid “patchy” rows later. | Lock a single CCT policy per area to avoid mismatched appearance. | Maintain an as-built schedule of settings for replacements. |
| Mixed environments (aisles + workstations) | Use zoning first; tune outputs by row, not fixture-by-fixture. | Keep CCT consistent across shared sightlines. | Confirm zoning matches intended control groups. |
Controls check: Use the checklist below to verify 0–10V compatibility and wiring practices—long rows make wiring errors show up fast.
| Check | What to verify | Common symptom | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver protocol and control match | Driver supports 0–10V and matches the control device strategy. | No dimming response or limited range. | Standardize driver options and controls; confirm on submittals. |
| Polarity consistency (where applicable) | 0–10V leads wired consistently end-to-end. | Erratic dimming or reversed behavior. | Verify wiring diagrams and correct polarity; re-terminate if needed. |
| Low-voltage separation | 0–10V runs separated from line voltage and interference sources. | Flicker/shimmer during dimming. | Reroute control wiring; avoid shared conduits when possible. |
| Zone segmentation on long runs | Long rows are divided into logical control zones (daylight vs interior). | Uneven user experience and over-lighting in some areas. | Re-zone controls; apply high-end trim and scene tuning by zone. |
| Mixed driver families in one zone | Avoid mixing driver families within a single dimming circuit. | Some fixtures dim differently than others. | Standardize driver families per zone; document in closeout package. |
Troubleshooting note: If the install is complete and complaints begin post-commissioning, use the symptom-to-fix table below before swapping fixtures.
Field-proven fixes: The table below maps common strip light install complaints to likely causes and the fastest spec/commissioning corrections.
| Complaint / symptom | Typical root cause | Spec fix (design) | Field fix (commissioning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark lanes between rows | Row spacing too wide for mounting height and distribution. | Reduce spacing, add a row, or select wider distribution / lens option. | Verify rows are centered to aisles; confirm consistent mounting height end-to-end. |
| Hot spots directly under fixtures | Output too high for ceiling height / task; rows too tight. | Select lower lumen package or specify diffusion/wraparound for low ceilings. | Reduce selectable wattage; apply high-end trim and tune scenes to targets. |
| Glare down the aisle / “harsh” brightness | Direct view of source in primary sightlines; low ceilings; lens not comfort oriented. | Specify wraparound/diffused optics; re-position rows relative to sightlines. | Lower output; adjust row placement where feasible; document tuned levels. |
| Uneven brightness along the run (“patchy” rows) | Mixed lumen packages, mixed CCT settings, or mixed driver families in one zone. | Standardize fixture family and lumen/CCT policy by zone. | Normalize switch positions (wattage/CCT) across the run; verify zoning/circuiting. |
| Flicker or unstable dimming | 0–10V wiring issues, interference, polarity errors, or low-end driver instability. | Specify compatible drivers/controls and enforce wiring best practices in scope. | Verify polarity; separate low-voltage runs from line voltage; set minimum dim above dropout. |
| Limited dimming range / some fixtures won’t dim | Control-device mismatch, incorrect driver option, or mixed control methods. | Confirm dimming protocol on submittals and standardize controls project-wide. | Confirm control settings; isolate the zone; correct device/driver mismatch. |
| Shadow breaks between fixtures in a continuous row | Gaps at couplers, misaligned joiners, inconsistent mounting plane. | Specify correct continuous-row couplers/joiners and alignment method. | Re-align sections; ensure couplers are seated; verify mounting plane consistency. |
| Color looks inconsistent across aisles | Different CCT settings, mixed product families, or phased replacements without a policy. | Define a single CCT policy per area and standardize products by zone. | Normalize CCT switch settings; record as-built settings for future replacements. |
Commercial Project Support
Need documentation, lead-time visibility, or closeout-ready deliverables? Use the resources below to route your project correctly and reduce revision cycles.
- Commercial Project Support (Hub)
- Quote Intake & Project Routing
- Photometrics
- Submittals
- Shipping Reliability & Fulfillment
- Closeout Documentation
- Returns & Restocking
- Warranty Claims
- Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
How do I choose LED strip lights by mounting height?
Start with mounting height and the maintained light level needed at the work plane. Higher mounts typically require higher lumen packages and spacing that preserves uniformity without creating glare hot spots.
When should I use continuous-row strip lighting instead of individual fixtures?
Use continuous-row layouts when you want uniform aisle coverage, reduced shadowing, and predictable spacing across long runs—common in warehouses, retail aisles, and production zones.
What causes glare with LED strip lights?
Glare most often comes from direct view of the source at low ceiling heights, overly high output for the space, or poor row placement relative to primary sightlines. Diffusing optics, better placement, and correct spacing reduce glare complaints.
Are wraparound fixtures better than standard strip lights?
Wraparounds are often better in low-ceiling environments where visual comfort matters because the lens shields the diodes and spreads light wider. Standard strips are preferred where maximum output and simple continuous-row efficiency are the priority.
When should I use field-selectable wattage and CCT?
Use field-selectable fixtures to reduce SKU count and keep commissioning flexibility—especially in phased projects or facilities with mixed ceiling heights and varying task requirements.
How do I avoid dimming flicker in long rows?
Confirm driver and control compatibility, follow correct 0–10V wiring practices, and separate low-voltage control runs from sources of electrical interference when possible. Long rows make wiring errors and polarity issues show up faster.
Expert reviewed for commercial specification
Brandon Waldrop
Lead Commercial Lighting Specialist • Documentation + Layout Support
The LED Strip Lights collection is reviewed for continuous-row readiness, high-efficacy uniform output, and control-safe commissioning so long linear runs stay straight, consistent, and flicker-free across warehouses, aisles, and utility interiors.
Collection review focus:
Verified for continuous-row execution (row couplers/joiners, end-to-end alignment strategy, straight-run consistency, and shadow-break avoidance at connections) so long runs don’t create dark seams or patchy brightness; verified for spacing and mounting-height behavior (row spacing vs ceiling height vs distribution) so layouts avoid dark lanes, hot spots, and scalloping—especially in aisles and task zones; verified for glare exposure in real sightlines (low ceilings, aisle viewing angles, reflective floors/walls) so “too bright” complaints are reduced without sacrificing uniformity and safety; verified for mounting flexibility (surface vs pendant support, suspension hardware compatibility, feed locations, and run straightness) so the same family can scale from tight utility rooms to higher-ceiling interiors; verified for field-selectable commissioning discipline (wattage/CCT settings standardized by zone, documented switch positions, and phased-retrofit consistency) so future replacements don’t create mismatched rows or color shifts; verified for 0–10V dimming stability in long runs (driver/control compatibility, minimum dim behavior, zoning strategy, and avoidance of mixed driver families within a circuit) so flicker, dropout, and uneven dim response don’t appear after occupancy/schedule tuning; verified for wiring-practice tolerance where long rows amplify errors (polarity discipline where applicable, low-voltage separation from line voltage/interference sources, and logical zone segmentation) so control problems don’t get misdiagnosed as fixture defects; verified for application-fit optics and lens choices (output-forward strips vs comfort-forward diffusion when needed) so the correct “strip vs wraparound” decision is made based on ceiling height and glare risk—not just lumen counts.
Team-backed support: Quotes, photometrics, submittals, shipping visibility, and closeout documentation are supported through Commercial Project Support . Call 800-357-6860.
Commercial Strip & Linear Accent Engineering Resources
