LED strip lighting with automatic door switch

[mielock]

It hit me one day that since the LED lighting operates with 12 VDC, adding a simple micro-switch to the door would eliminate the need for a wall switch. So I picked up the micro-switches from Radio Shack for $3.49/each and tapped an always nearby 12 VDC source, and now I have lights that turn on/off as the door opens/closes. If you look closely, you can see the switches mounted at the top side, with all wiring tucked neatly away never to be seen.

[dannytas]

I'm stealing this...thanks...

[RollandB]

Great project. Out new 5er has a type of rope light at the head of the bed which makes a great light when you want something on but not bright. After going to bed one night and before turning it off I was looking at it thinking about uses in other places.

[tenbear]

popeyemth wrote:
Thanks
I was leary of eBay China stuff

Before I put out $70 for the Home Depot strip, I would at least look at what is available on eBay, and compare prices.

[Iraqvet05]

popeyemth wrote:
Thanks
I was leary of eBay China stuff

Most likely the Home Depot stuff and the LED sellers items in the US are made in China anyway. All of the LED's a bought for my TT were shipped directly from China. Only 2 SMD panels have failed in 2 years. Quality control is a gamble but the cost has been worth it to me.

[popeyemth]

Thanks
I was leary of eBay China stuff

[mielock]

LED lighting strips can be purchased from a variety of places, mostly online. I install under-cabinet lighting for a living, so I get the scraps left over from my jobs, but I purchase mine online from Home Depot because it has a higher lumen rating, plus it's easy to solder. The important thing is to make sure it's 12 VDC and not 24 VDC. You can find all kinds of LED strip lighting online in ways that are certain to confuse most of us.

[popeyemth]

Where does one get the strip lights?
Thanks,Mike

[tenbear]

Great idea!

[Chris_Bryant]

Nice job. I'm really impressed you found something at Radio Shack 😉

[DaHose]

I have had the switches and LED's laying around for months to do the same thing.

Nice job!

Jose

[DrewE]

Looks nice indeed.

I'd be afraid of absentmindedly putting the milk and leftovers in the pantry rather than the fridge if mine were lit like this. On the other hand, having the outside storage compartment lights turn on and off automatically would be fantastically handy. Hmmm....

[Johno02]

magnetic switches work well for this type of application also.

[Johno02]

the IKEA light strips I used to replace our bedroom shelf light would be perfect for thin type of installation. White light strips with an extra set of connectors would serve very well also.

[GMandJM]

Looks great. Thanks for the idea and the photos.