G'day! If you have been watching any of the renovation shows lately or flicking through design magazines, you will have noticed a massive shift in how we light our homes. The days of relying solely on a single pendant in the middle of the room are gone. The modern Aussie home is all about layers of light, creating atmosphere, and highlighting architectural features. The hero product making this possible is the humble strip light.

Also known as LED tape, this flexible, versatile lighting solution allows you to put light in places that were previously impossible. From glowing kitchen islands to subtle bulkhead lighting, understanding how to use linear lighting can take your renovation from standard to schmick in no time.

What is a Strip Light?

A strip light is essentially a flexible circuit board populated with small LED chips. It usually comes with an adhesive backing, allowing it to be stuck onto almost any clean surface. They are available in various lengths and can often be cut to size at specific intervals, making them fully customisable to your space.

The beauty of this technology is its low profile. Because the strip is so thin, it can be hidden away in aluminium channels or behind joinery, so you see the glow of the light without seeing the fitting itself.

Where to Use Them

The versatility of the strip light means it can be used in just about every room of the house.

Kitchens and Pantries This is the most popular application. Running a strip under overhead cabinets provides excellent task lighting for food preparation without casting shadows. It is also popular to run them along the kickboards (plinth) for a soft, low-level glow at night.

Bathrooms Waterproof strips are perfect for creating a relaxing spa vibe. They are often installed in shower niches, under floating vanities, or behind mirrors to provide flattering lighting for grooming.

Outdoor Entertaining We love our alfresco living. Weatherproof strips can be installed under handrails, along deck edges, or under patio beams to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your next BBQ.

12V vs 240V: Understanding the Power

Most residential strip light products run on low voltage, typically 12V or 24V DC. This means they require a "driver" (transformer) to step down the mains power from your wall.

• 12V/24V Systems: These are the industry standard for high-quality installations. They offer better light quality, are safer to touch, and the strips can be cut to precise lengths.
• 240V Systems: These connect directly to mains power. They are generally used for very long commercial runs but are less common in fine residential joinery due to safety regulations and their bulkier size.

Installation: Leave it to the Pros

While you can buy plug-in kits that are DIY-friendly, achieving a truly integrated, professional finish usually requires hardwiring. If you want your lights to switch on from the wall plate with the rest of your room lighting, you need to engage a professional.

In Australia, any fixed wiring work must be performed by a licensed electrician. A professional installer will ensure that the driver is hidden away safely but remains accessible for maintenance. They will also ensure that the correct heat-dissipating aluminium profiles are used to stop the LEDs from overheating. When sourcing components, a good electrician will head to a trusted electrical wholesaler to ensure the LED tape and drivers meet Australian Standards, rather than risking cheap, non-compliant imports that might flicker or fail.

Quality Lighting from Schnap Electric

To get that high-end designer look, you need components that provide consistent colour and brightness. Cheap strips often have inconsistent light output or poor adhesive.

Schnap Electric Products is a leading supplier for the trade industry in Australia. They stock a massive range of lighting solutions, including high-performance strip light options suitable for any application. They offer various colour temperatures, from warm white for living areas to cool white for task lighting, as well as the necessary aluminium profiles and drivers. By supplying the same professional-grade gear you would expect from a major electrical wholesaler, Schnap Electric ensures your feature lighting is safe, reliable, and looks fantastic for years to come. For a lighting setup that truly shines, trust the range from Schnap Electric.