Are USB LED lights safe?

A lot of people install a 12v lighting system in their campervans, but if you don’t want to go to the effort and expense of recessed lights and the whole wiring system (or even having a leisure battery at all) then grabbing a strip of LEDs with a USB plug on the end (which can be powered by a Jackery or smaller power pack) can seem tempting, but is it safe?

I’ve got both types of lighting in my own van (see the video at the end of this article for more details). The main 12 volt light runs off my leisure battery, and I have a 1 metre LED strip which runs off a small powerbank (Anker 325 ) as a backup or to provide a softer light if I choose.

What voltage do LEDs run at?

The voltage from a USB port is 5 volts. This is why it’s important to make sure you buy the LED strips with the USB plug already attached.

A lot of sellers online will list 12 volt LEDs as campervan lighting but these will come with bare ends ready to be wired directly into your 12v system.

Because of the low voltage and low power draw the LED light strips last for years making them not only an economical choice but also an eco-friendly one.

Where can I plug my LEDs into?

All USB ports will provide power to light up your LED strip, so you can plug your lights into any available ports in your van. However, some USB ports may not provide the full power output specified by the USB standard. This isn’t a problem, it just means your lights won’t be quite as bright as they would be with a full 5 volts. These restricted ports are usually found on laptops.

The most common USB versions in use today are USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 4.0.

USB 2.0 ports can provide a maximum of 5 volts (V) DC and 500 milliamps (mA) of current.

USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 ports can provide up to 5V and 900mA of current for USB 3.0 and 5V and 1.5A of current for USB 3.1.

USB 4.0 is expected to support up to 100W of power delivery and is backwards compatible with previous USB versions.

Is it safe to leave an LED strip light on constantly?

LED strip lights are designed to be energy-efficient and safe to use, and this is the case for all colours and temperatures of LED strips. They are typically low voltage and consume minimal power, making them an ideal choice for long-term use.

In the case of a 5V LED strip plugged into a USB port, it should be safe to leave it on constantly. USB ports typically provide a stable power supply and are designed to handle continuous use.

Regarding the issue of overheating, LED strip lights do generate some heat, but it’s generally not enough to cause any safety concerns or damage.

My LED strip came with a self-adhesive backing on it which, if the lights got hot, would melt, so it’s safe to say that logic dictates that it’s perfectly safe in terms of heat, otherwise they wouldn’t put glue on the back of them!

However, if the LED strip is covered or placed in an area where it can’t dissipate heat properly, it could cause the LEDs to burn out faster.

Can I power 5v LED strip lights from my laptop USB port?

Yes, you can power a 5V LED strip from your laptop USB port.

The voltage from a USB port is generally constant and regulated by the laptop’s power management system. However, the amperage output of USB ports can vary which may affect the brightness of your LED strip.

Most LED strip lights have a low power requirement and should not cause any damage to your laptop or USB port.

How do I tell the difference between LED strips rated for indoor or outdoor use?

You may want to opt for LED strips which are rated for outdoor use for your campervan or RV.

LED strips rated for outdoor use are designed to withstand exposure to moisture, dust, and other environmental factors, whereas LED strips rated for indoor use are not. Here are a few ways to tell the difference between the two:

Look for the IP rating: The IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) is a standard used to classify the level of protection provided by a device against environmental factors such as moisture and dust.

An LED strip rated for outdoor use will typically have a higher IP rating than one rated for indoor use. For example, an LED strip rated IP65 or higher is suitable for outdoor use, while an LED strip rated IP20 or lower is designed for indoor use.

Check the product description: LED strips rated for outdoor use are often marketed specifically as “outdoor” or “waterproof” LED strips.

Look for terms such as “water-resistant”, “weatherproof”, or “UV-resistant” in the product description to indicate that the LED strip is suitable for outdoor use.

Check the warranty: Manufacturers of LED strips designed for outdoor use often offer longer or more comprehensive warranties than those designed for indoor use.

This is because outdoor LED strips need to withstand more wear and tear, so manufacturers typically want to assure buyers of the product’s durability and quality.

Look for additional features: LED strips designed for outdoor use may come with additional features such as silicone coating, which provides extra protection against moisture and dust, or a higher number of LEDs per meter, which enhances the brightness of the strip to make it more visible in outdoor settings.

What are the benefits of using outdoor rated LED strips indoors?

There are several benefits of using outdoor-rated LED strips indoors, including:

Increased durability: Outdoor-rated LED strips are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to moisture, dust, and UV rays.

This means they are more durable and can last longer even in indoor settings with high humidity or where accidental spills may occur.

Water resistance: Outdoor-rated LED strips are often water-resistant or waterproof, which makes them ideal for use in campervans and RVs where moisture may be a concern.

Higher brightness: LED strips designed for outdoor use often have a higher number of LEDs per meter, which means they can be brighter than indoor-rated LED strips.

UV resistance: Outdoor-rated LED strips are often designed to be UV-resistant, which means they won’t fade or yellow over time when exposed to direct sunlight. This can be useful in indoor spaces that receive a lot of natural light, like campervans!

However, it’s important to note that outdoor-rated LED strips may be more expensive than indoor-rated ones due to their added features and durability. Additionally, some outdoor-rated LED strips may have a more rugged or utilitarian appearance, which may not be suitable for all indoor settings.