Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Around The House). This thread is read-only.
There is a high platform in my living room, along the wall, w/ that surface above the hallway and guest bedroom. There are a pair of NEMA 5-15 receptacles at that location, w/ the power controlled by a nearby wall switch. A previous owner placed a single tube 8′ florescent light on that platform, plugged into the receptacle.
There were several things I didn’t like about this light. The biggest objection I had was the low-volume audible 60Hz buzzing noise when the light was on. This was easily discerned in the very quiet house. The other thing I didn’t like was the illumination non-uniformity. All of the light was concentrated at the center, none at the edges / room corners.
The solution I selected was to install this trimmable / dimmable 40′ white LED strip light at that location, replacing the florescent light. This is a nice part. It may be cut, about every 5″, along the length. It is attached either using the adhesive tape backing, or using the included attachment clips and screws. I used the clips and screws. The wall wart 24VDC power supply feeds a on/off brightness inline box having a rotation knob control. I installed this new strip light to run the entire length, from wall to wall. I have the control knob set to maximum brightness.
This high platform is currently a painted Sheetrock surface. My expectation is that I will cover this w/ plywood, when I refinish the ceiling / walls / trim in this area. The surface had random splatter from the ceiling texture application. That splatter was removed / cleaned by scraping and vacuum sanding.
Some of the images show the top of my Metaltech 6′ Baker staging. I purchased that w/ the Guardrail system and w/ the 14″ Outriggers, for additional safety. This is an excellent tool! It is VERY secure, easy to setup, modify, break down and store. The cost is reasonable too. When I started the project I initially used my step ladder, before it finally soaked through my thick skull that this would be perfect for my staging.
The living room images show that I haven’t yet hung my artwork. The method I use, that works for me, is to first place all the pieces around the house, then hang them at those locations. I’ve delayed that action as I have a large painting in storage and require a trailer rental for emptying that unit to the house. That hasn’t happened yet.
Initial Florescent Lighting
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New LED Strip Lighting
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Strip Lighting Kit
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Strip Lighting Installed
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wingless wrote:
On 7/2/2025 at 7:08 AM, wingless said:The solution I selected was to install this trimmable / dimmable 40′ white LED strip light at that location, replacing the florescent light. This is a nice part. It may be cut, about every 5″, along the length. It is attached either using the adhesive tape backing, or using the included attachment clips and screws. I used the clips and screws. The wall wart 24VDC power supply feeds a on/off brightness inline box having a rotation knob control. I installed this new strip light to run the entire length, from wall to wall. I have the control knob set to maximum brightness.
New LED Strip Lighting
[External image (live.staticflickr.com), not copied]
Strip Lighting Installed
[External image (live.staticflickr.com), not copied]
The 40′ strip light was trimmed to be wall-to-wall at over 22′ in length, leaving over 17′ of length as waste.
A pair of jumper wires were soldered to restore power to the waste LED strip and that was installed close to the initial strip to increase the brightness.
These images show the result.
[External image (live.staticflickr.com), not copied]
[External image (live.staticflickr.com), not copied]
Looking nice. LED is always a great way to make a room better. We did the same thing in or kitchen and love it.