Tired of unsightly cords and limited placements for your light bulbs, you might ask yourself, “do LED light bulbs need to be plugged in?” After all, why bother with cords and outlets if you don’t have to?
LED light bulbs need to be plugged in to function. They require an external power source to operate, typically provided by plugging them into an electrical socket or a light fixture. However, there are also wireless LED lights that can be powered through alternative sources such as batteries or solar panels.
This blog post will highlight 7 wireless LED lights for your home or office to help you get away without plugging light fixtures in.
Let’s hop in!
Do LED Light Bulbs Need To Be Plugged in?
Like any other light bulbs, LED bulbs need to be plugged into an electrical current to power their tiny diodes that produce light. So, unless you have a wireless power source, you must plug those LED bulbs into an electrical socket.
However, the plug-in lights just don’t cut it anymore. Thanks to modern technology, we have various options for non-plug-in LED lights that don’t need to be plugged in. The most common ones include battery-powered LED lights, solar-charging LED lights and bulbs, and battery-operated strip lights.
Not only do these non-plug-in lights eliminate the need for a pesky electrical outlet, but they can be placed practically anywhere. For spaces without outlets or areas where cords would be an eyesore (or even a safety hazard), wireless LED lights make the space chic and clutter-free.
Do LED Strips Have To Be Plugged In?
LED strip lights are a versatile and stylish way to add much-needed ambiance to any space. But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: do LED strips need to be plugged in?
Well, the answer is yes — and no!
LED strips do require some power source. Whether that means being plugged into a wall outlet or directly into a power supply, the power source is what allows the LED lights to illuminate. However, it’s worth noting that some LED strip lights don’t need to be plugged in. These LED lights come with built-in batteries or can be powered by rechargeable batteries.
So, while they technically require power, you can still bask in their brilliant glow, controlling them with a LED strip controller sans cords and wires.
How Do LED Strip Lights Work?
LED strip lights work by utilizing an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fixed in a series or parallel circuit on a flexible substrate. When an electric current is transmitted through the diodes, they emit light. The color and brightness of the LED light can be controlled by adjusting the diodes’ current and composition.
Power Requirement for LED Strip Lights
The power requirement for LED strip lights can vary depending on the specific type of LED strip and the length of the strip. LED strip lights are typically rated in watts per meter (W/m) or watts per foot (W/ft.). This rating indicates the power the LED strip consumes per unit length.
For example, a standard 12-volt LED strip light typically requires around 4 watts per foot or 14 watts per meter, while a higher-powered 24-volt LED strip may require around 8 watts per foot or 27 watts per meter.
LED Light Power Sources
Some common LED power supply sources are as follows:
- Plug-in adapters: These are plugged straight into your wall for an LED power supply.
- Hardwire power supply: Directly connect your voltage line wiring and LED strings.
- Batteries: A good quality LED strip light with over 450 lumens per foot should work well with a 12V battery.
Do Wireless LED Lights Exist?
Wireless LED lights exist as a portability-embracing alternative to old-school plug-in lights. These modern LEDs are either battery-powered or solar rechargeable lights. Since wireless LEDs do not have cords extending outwards, installation, operation, and maintenance are a total breeze.
Furthermore, wireless LED lights have a plethora of practical applications, including illuminating under cabinets, enhancing outdoor spaces, and under your bed. You can also use these modern marvels to provide accent lighting in areas where traditional incandescent lights won’t do.
How To Use LED Strip Lights Without Plug or Cord: 7 Wireless LEDs
You can easily infuse the much-needed ambiance into your space where you don’t have access to a power outlet in the nearby zone. Enlisted below are the seven practical ways to use LED strip lights without a plug:
1. Battery-powered LED Strips & Strings
Battery-fueled LEDs are energy efficient as they use rechargeable batteries that are relatively environmentally friendly. They’re also easier to install and safer for household use.
With most battery-powered LED lights featuring remote-controlled or app-enabled color and brightness changes, you’ve got endless customization at your fingertips.
2. Solar LED Lights & Bulbs
Solar LEDs work perfectly for bright, vibrant, and colorful lighting, as sunlight can charge them directly. They continue to charge even on cloudy days, although not as much.
Solar-powered lights also last longer than incandescent and fluorescent lights, keeping your home illuminated for up to 22 years. This fact alone makes solar LED strip lights a wonderful choice for remote areas. The best part is that you can also cut down on your electric bills.
3. Wind-powered LED Lights
Wind-powered LEDs — a great eco-friendly option for outdoor lighting. These lighting solutions utilize the movement of the wind to generate the power for the LED lights.
Even traffic LED lights utilize the power generated by wind. No known pollutants are released, and the batteries don’t need frequent replacements.
4. Portable LED Lights
Usually waterproof and shockproof, portable LED lights make up a super durable lighting solution. They are bendable and contain a built-in rechargeable battery for power supply; thus, you can easily carry them around.
Having a trusty portable LED is a no-brainer if you love to venture into the great outdoors. It can light up your campsite without draining your batteries. So, whether you’re out in the woods or just need a reliable light source on the go, a portable LED is the ultimate camping partner.
5. Water-powered LED Lights
Water-powered LED strip lights are your best bet to add lighting to your bathtub. These innovative lights utilize the power generated by the movement of water.
Since water-powered LEDs are waterproof and water resistant, you can use them in streams and rivers to make jacuzzis or bathtubs more aesthetic. Moreover, like most waterproof materials, water-powered strip lights are silicone based, making them safe and environmentally friendly.
6. Carabiner LED Lights
Carabiner LED lights are handy little devices attached to your backpack, belt loop, or any other gear using a trusty carabiner. They’re always within easy reach. You can also attach carabiner lights to your pet’s collar and make them more visible. When you need a little extra illumination, you only need to flick on the switch.
The durable Carabiner LEDs can also withstand the wear and tear of your adventures, whether scaling a mountain or just going for a nighttime stroll.
7. Kinetic LED Lights
Kinetic lights are ideal for usage in highly crowded areas as they generate energy from the movement of people or animals.
These outdoor security gadgets utilize LEDs that illuminate when triggered by motion and automatically shut off after 30 seconds. This automation makes them an exceptional tool for enhancing security measures. Some kinetic LED lights also offer a manual setting where you can manually turn your LED lights ON/OFF.
Expert QnAs
Do LED lights plug into the wall?
Yes, LED lights can be designed to plug directly into a wall socket, provided they are built with the appropriate power supply and voltage requirements for the region where they are being used.
Do LED lights need to be wired?
Yes, LED lights need to be wired to receive power and function properly. This power supply lets us operate and control the lights according to your preference.
How are LED lights powered?
LED lights are typically powered by direct current (DC) electrical power sources, such as batteries, AC-to-DC power supplies, or through a direct connection to a building’s electrical system.
Do LED lights use electricity when turned off?
No, LED lights do not use electricity when turned off. When the lights are not in use, they don’t require any power supply. Even if the LEDs are left plugged in, they don’t use electricity when not in use.
How do you charge LED lights?
LED lights can be charged through various methods, including a USB cable or a specific charging dock. It is essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific LED light to determine the best charging method.
How can I use LED lights without an outlet?
There are several options for using LED lights without an outlet, such as battery-powered LED lights, solar-powered LED lights, or USB-powered LED lights that can be connected to a power bank.
Final Word: Do LED Lights Need To Be Plugged In?
Typically, all LED lights need to be plugged in, but some cool wireless LED lighting options are also at your disposal. Wireless LED strip lights offer a creative way to illuminate parts of your house that are otherwise difficult to reach with plug-in lights.
With these battery-powered wireless lights or solar LED strips, plenty of colors and brightness options are available to suit any mood or occasion. There’s no need to deal with any additional wiring. Just fix the LED light where you want it and turn it on for a vibrant, cord-free glow.
Got more questions like ‘do LED lights need to be plugged in,’ drop them in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you!