Powering LED Strips With a Battery: Illuminate Anywhere!​


LED strips have become a go-to lighting solution due to their flexibility and versatility. They offer endless possibilities for creating ambient lighting or adding a touch of flair to any space. But what if you want to use LED strips in a location without access to a power source? Don’t fret! In this article, we’ll show you how to power LED strips using a battery, allowing you to illuminate anywhere!


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Tested and Recommended​

At Waveform Lighting, we love taking LED strips “off the grid” and exploring the possibilities. After extensive research and testing, we’ve found a battery solution that ticks all the boxes:

  1. Rechargeable with 12V output
  2. Lightweight and user-friendly
  3. Provides sufficient charge to operate an entire reel of FilmGrade LED strips for over an hour

Our top pick is the RAVPower Xtreme Rechargeable battery pack, which works seamlessly with Waveform Lighting LED strips.

 

Connectivity Made Easy​

The RAVPower battery pack offers multiple connectivity options, including USB ports with 5V output and a DC jack with variable voltage. For our purposes, we need the 12V output.
Connecting the battery to the LED strip is a breeze. Start by pressing the power button on the battery and ensuring that the 12V output is selected. Then, use the included male-to-male cable to connect one end to the battery’s DC output port and the other end to the barrel jack of the LED strip. That’s it – you’re ready to go!

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Battery Life and Optimization​

With a full charge, the RAVPower battery pack can provide approximately an hour of continuous illumination for an entire LED strip reel. The battery’s official capacity specification is 85Wh, which translates to about an hour based on the FilmGrade LED strip’s power specification of 90W per reel.
To conserve battery life, simply click on the power button to temporarily turn off the LED strip. When not in use, we recommend disconnecting the LED strip completely.
For even longer battery life, consider using a PWM dimmer like Waveform’s FilmGrade dimmer. This clever device acts as a “valve,” allowing you to reduce the brightness without any flickering or color changes. Dimming the LED strip will extend the battery’s runtime accordingly.

 

Exploring Other Battery Options​

While we highly recommend the RAVPower Xtreme Rechargeable battery pack, it’s important to note that there are various other battery options available. Below, we offer some general tips and guidelines to help you find a compatible pairing.

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Basic Requirements​

When selecting a battery for powering LED strips, keep these requirements in mind:

  1. The LED strip’s voltage must match the battery’s output voltage.
  2. Ensure that the battery’s capacity is sufficient for your needs.
  3. Check that the connectivity method between the LED strip and battery pack is compatible.

Voltage Selection​

The most common LED strip and battery voltage combination is 12V DC. Unless you have specific requirements, 12V should suit your needs perfectly. For those opting for standard AA batteries, a battery holder can create a 12V voltage using eight 1.5V AA batteries.

Calculating Power Capacity​

Battery capacity is typically measured in milliamp hours (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh). This value indicates the number of hours the battery can provide a certain electrical current (mA) or power (W) before running out of charge.

>>> Read more: Powering LED Strips With a Battery: Illuminate Anywhere!​


To determine how long a fully charged battery can power an LED strip, follow these steps:

  1. Find the power draw of the LED strip in watts (or Amps), usually provided in the product’s specification sheet.
  2. Convert the power draw to milliamps (mA) if it’s given in Amps, or divide it by the voltage and multiply by 1000 if provided in watts.
  3. Identify the mAh rating of the battery. Common battery types have different mAh ratings.
  4. Divide the battery’s mAh value by the LED strip’s mA value to calculate the expected battery life in hours.

Instantaneous Power Draw Capacity​

Pay attention to the maximum instantaneous amperage limit specified by the battery, usually expressed in Amps. Make sure that the LED strip doesn’t exceed this limit to prevent shortened battery life or damage.

 

Connecting the Battery​

Ensure compatibility between the wires and connectors of the battery and the LED strip. Most battery packs provide either bare wires or DC connectors as output terminals, similar to typical wall plug power supply units.

>>> Read more: How to Create Your Own DIY Grow Lights Using LED Strip Lights

For detailed guidance on connecting an LED strip to a power supply, refer to our comprehensive guide or check our quick-reference chart.

Final Considerations​

Battery packs are ideal for powering LED strips as they are inherently compatible with DC devices. In addition to the requirements we’ve outlined, consider factors such as battery weight, portability, recharge method, and rechargeability when selecting a battery. The market offers numerous options, expanding the potential use scenarios for LED strip lights!


Ready to free your LED strips from the confines of power outlets? Browse Waveform Lighting’s extensive range of LED strip lights and accessories to brighten up your life, no matter where you are!