One of the most popular accessories for our LED strip lights include our aluminum profiles and diffusers. When planning LED strip light projects, you may frequently come across aluminum profiles listed on parts lists as an optional accessory. But how "optional" are they, really? Are they needed for thermal management? What benefits do aluminum profiles offer? In this article, we'll discuss the the most significant aspects of the decision making process, as well as the most commonly asked questions regarding aluminum profiles and diffusers.

What Are Aluminum Profiles for LED Strip Lights?

Despite the versatility and ease of use that LED strips offer, strictly speaking, they are more of a lighting component rather than a finished lighting product. Aluminum profiles, or sometimes called aluminum extrusions, serve a variety of functions that help LED strip lights look and work more like a traditional lighting fixture.

The aluminum profiles itself is relatively simple and straightforward. It is made of extruded aluminum (hence the alternate name), which allows it to be made long and narrow, which is perfect for a linear lighting installation where LED strip lights are considered. The channels are typically "U" shaped, with an approximately half-inch wide slot along which the LED strip light can be mounted. The most common length is 1meter (3.2 ft), and they are often sold in packs of 5 channels as this matches the typical 16.4 ft (5.0 meter) LED strip reel length.

In addition to the aluminum profiles, a polycarbonate (plastic) diffuser is oftentimes included. The polycarbonate diffuser is also manufactured via an extrusion process, and is designed to easily snap on and off of the top of the aluminum profiles. Once in place, the diffuser typically sits approximately a quarter to half an inch away from the LED strip lights, which are mounted at the base of the aluminum profiles. As its name suggests, the diffuser helps to provide diffuse light and improve the light distribution of the LED strip light.

Do Aluminum Profiles Help with Thermal Management?

In the early days of LED lighting, heat management was one of the biggest hurdles in light bulb and fixture design. Specifically, unlike incandescent or fluorescent lamps, LED diodes are very sensitive to high temperatures, and improper thermal management can lead to premature, or sometimes catastrophic failure. In fact, you may recall some early household LED lamps which had elaborate aluminum fins, which help to increase the total surface area available to dissipate heat into the ambient environment.

Among commonly manufactured and used materials, aluminum is one of the best materials for heat management, as it features thermal conductivity values second only to copper (which is far more expensive on a per-ounce basis), and as such, aluminum profiles absolutely do help with thermal management, as the direct contact allows for the heat to travel from the LED strip to the aluminum profiles body, where a larger surface area is available for heat transfer into the ambient environment.

So, do LED strip lights need aluminum profiles for heatsinking? The short answer is yes, especially when the power of the LED strips more than 16Watts/m, it must with an aluminum profile then the working performance of LED strips will be very excellent ! 

Diffusers & Light Distribution

Typically, the diffuser is frosted, which means that light can pass through, but as it passes through the polycarbonate material, it is scattered in many different directions, creating a soft, diffuse effect that is quite different from the raw LED "dots" that would otherwise be visible.

Whether or not the LED strip is covered with a diffuser can have a significant effect on the overall lighting in one of two ways: direct glare, or indirect glare.

Direct glare occurs when someone looks directly at a light source, and due to its extreme brightness, it causes minor discomfort and an instinctive urge to look away. This most often occurs with point-source lights such as spot lights, stage lights and even the sun. Brightness is generally good, but when it shines directly into our eyes from a small surface area, this can cause glare and visual discomfort.

Similarly, an LED strip light that points directly at someones can cause direct glare, as the individual LEDs shine directly into their eyes. While the brightness level of each individual LED on an LED strip is not as powerful as a high power spot light, this can nonetheless cause discomfort. With a diffuser, however, the individual "dots" of each individual LED are obscured, and the result is a far softer and more comfortable light beam that does not cause as much discomfort should someone look directly at the light source.  Direct glare is generally not an issue if the LED strip lights are concealed and cannot be seen directly. For example, LED strip lights installed as under-cabinet lights, toe-kick lights, or inside retail shelving are generally below eye level, and therefore not susceptible to direct glare problems.  Indirect glare, on the other hand, can still be an issue if a diffuser is not used. Specifically, indirect glare can occur when the LED strip lights shine directly onto a material or surface that exhibits high gloss (also known as specular reflection).  Below is a photo showing a section of the aluminum channel with and without the diffuser attached, shining onto our workshop floor, which is made of concrete but with a layer of wax finishing. Although the individual LED emitters are not directly visible from this angle, they are visible as reflections off of this glossy surface, which can be somewhat distracting. Do keep in mind, however, that this photo was taken with the LED strips basically on the floor - a set up that you would not see in practice.

Aesthetics & Other Practical Considerations

So far, we've discussed aspects of the aluminum channels that are quite technical and from the perspective of LED strip light performance and lighting science. The aluminum channels do offer some additional practical benefits that are certainly worth considering.

The first immediate and obvious benefit is the aesthetics aspect of the aluminum channels and the diffuser covers. Although we love our LED strip lights and it pains us to say this, a bare LED strip light with its circuitboard and bright yellow phosphor-coated emitters doesn't always mesh with the other interior and architectural elements of a space. An aluminum channel and diffuser cover can certainly help it blend in, and can provide a much more polished and professional finish.

The second benefit is the ability to protect the LED strip light from dust, debris and unexpected impacts. Although longer-term considerations such as cleaning are likely not top-of-mind when you're excited to install new lighting, the unfortunate reality is that the LED strip lights will inevitably gather dust over time that requires occasional cleaning. The aluminum channels will help prevent dust buildup on the LED strip light itself (dust and moisture are thought to contribute to the potential for short circuits) and allow for easier cleaning of the aluminum channel exteriors and diffuser covers only.

Do keep in mind, however, that the aluminum channels and polycarbonate covers are by no means water tight, so they will not be helpful for any installations that require moisture or water-proofing.

While unlikely, having an additional layer of protection between the LED strip light and any stray objects or equipment can be helpful, should an unexpected impact occur. Because the aluminum channels are far stronger than the LED emitters, they are far less likely to get damaged should a wayward object accidentally strike it.

Finally, although they operate on very low voltage levels (12 volts / 24 volts) and are generally very safe, LED strip lights do nonetheless carry live voltage and current. Especially if the LED strip lights are installed at a height or location that is relatively accessible, especially to young children, this may be an additional benefit and aspect to consider.