Replacing Shop LED Strips: Can You Keep the Channel and Power Supply?
Replacing Shop LED Strips: Can You Keep the Channel and Power Supply?
LikeLight Tom · Operations
You may not need to replace everything
If your shelf channel—the long housing for the strip—is still sound, keeping it may save work. First check that the new strip fits and can work with the existing power supply and dimmer.
For dry indoor white lighting, LIKELIGHT’s COB range—a type of flexible LED strip—is a candidate to discuss. First check the physical fit, supply output and dimming. Treat it as a sample choice, not a plug-in replacement.
Hoping to keep the existing fittings?
Send shelf and power-supply label photos, lengths and destination. Ask which replacement strip is worth sampling.
Discuss My Replacement
Start with photos, not a guess at the old model
Take a shelf photo, a close-up of the strip and its connection, and a readable photo of the power-supply label. Include the dimmer model if the lights dim. You do not need to identify every specification yourself.
Photograph only safely accessible parts. Leave covers on electrical equipment; have a qualified installer isolate power and inspect anything that needs opening. The manufacturer’s installation instructions also require disconnection before work. [S3]
These photos answer different questions. The strip tells you what is being replaced, the channel shows the available space, and the supply label helps identify what powers it. One photo rarely answers all three.
Check what will fit inside the old channel
Measure the clear inside width, not just the old strip. Also show the channel depth, the cover above the strip and the space available for its wires and ends. A strip that fits along the middle can still be awkward to connect at the end.
The LIKELIGHT L-S-COB family lists several widths and white-light options. Ask which actual version suits those measurements, and request its dimensions and cutting details. [S1]
Do not choose a wider or higher-power version simply because it sounds brighter. Ask the installer to check the mounting and heat-dissipation requirements for the new strip. Reusing a housing is a fit decision, not proof of thermal suitability.
Keep the old cover in the sample test if you plan to reuse it. You are buying the finished shelf appearance; choosing by the bare strip alone can miss a poor fit or an unsatisfactory result through that cover.
A matching voltage is necessary, but not the whole answer
The supply converts the shop’s electricity to the output the strip needs. Read its OUTPUT label, not only the mains INPUT. For constant-voltage strips, the specified output voltage must match; a 12 V strip is not a substitute for a 24 V one. [S2]
The L-S-COB page lists 12 V and 24 V family options. [S1] Ask for the voltage of the exact version being quoted. A photograph of a 24 V strip does not make every option on the page a 24 V product.
Power capacity matters too. Consider this buying example, using assumed numbers rather than a LIKELIGHT rating: the proposed 24 V replacement totals 6 m at 10 W/m.
Lamp load = 6 m × 10 W/m = 60 W. An existing supply labelled 24 V, 2 A provides a rated output of 24 V × 2 A = 48 W. Under these assumptions it is too small, despite the matching voltage.
The purchasing implication is simple: do not order the strip alone on the assumption that this supply can stay. Ask for a suitable supply option and installation check in the quote.
Conversely, a rating above 60 W would not prove reuse is safe. The installer still needs the actual supply manual, condition, loading and temperature limits. Rated output may need reducing under the manufacturer’s stated installation conditions. [S3]
If the shop dims the lights, test that combination
Dimming means changing the light level. The wall control, supply and strip must work together; a fitting connector or matching voltage does not settle that question. Driver dimming methods can behave differently with LED strips. [S2]
Tell LIKELIGHT whether you want to keep the old dimmer. Ask the installer to try the proposed strip with that actual control and supply, from normal brightness down to the level you use, including switching off and on again.
If it flickers, jumps in brightness or will not dim as needed, pause the repeat order. Have the combination assessed rather than buying more of the same strip and hoping the problem disappears.
Compare a strip-only quote with a complete refit
Use one representative shelf section to decide what can stay. Then ask the quote to name the strip version, quantity, necessary accessories and the parts the installer has agreed to reuse.
| Quote item | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Strip and cutting lengths | Fits the measured channel and planned shelf pieces |
| Existing channel and cover | Reuse agreed after fit and appearance checks |
| Supply and dimmer | Exact equipment and compatibility assessed, not assumed |
| Wires, connectors and installation | Included, excluded or supplied locally |
| Sample and spare material | Cost, availability and identification for later orders |
A cheaper strip-only quote can become expensive if the team discovers missing supplies, unsuitable covers or extra connection work on site. Compare the same finished result, not just the strip price per metre.
The listed L-S-COB protection is IP20, not for wet or wash-down locations. [S1] If the refit changes the environment or adds colour effects, describe that change and consider the relevant LED strip options.
FAQ
Can I choose a replacement from the old strip width alone?
No. Check the channel, connection space, electrical version and finished appearance too. Start with a representative sample.
The old supply is 24 V. Can I keep it for any 24 V strip?
No. Output type, capacity, condition, installation limits and dimming still need checking for the proposed strip.
Can I open the supply to find its rating?
Do not open it yourself. Send a safely accessible label photo or ask a qualified installer to identify it with power isolated.
Do I need a new dimmer when I change the strip?
Not always. The actual combination needs assessment and a sample test; the strip name alone cannot answer this.
Should I buy a full shop quantity before testing?
Start with a representative section where possible. Confirm the fit, operating result and parts to retain before repeating the order.
Send a short replacement enquiry
- Shop use and photos of the shelf, old strip and accessible supply label: ___
- Length per section and number of sections: ___
- Keep existing dimming, change it, or no dimming: ___
- Destination country: ___
- Please suggest a suitable replacement strip and available sample. Show the strip price and necessary replacement parts separately, including anything to be supplied locally.
Price the work you actually need
Ask for a strip-only option where reuse is confirmed, and a separate price for any necessary replacement parts.
Get a Refit Quote
