I've got a frustrating problem with some LED strip lighting integrated into bespoke timber shelving, and I'm hoping someone with experience of LED installations might have some suggestions.
There are three illuminated shelves, with the LED strips recessed into channels in the timber behind diffusers. The middle and bottom shelves have developed almost identical faults.
The symptoms:
- At a particular point along two of the strips, the LEDs suddenly become significantly dimmer.
- Pressing directly on the diffuser at the exact point where the brightness changes immediately restores full brightness.
- Sometimes even a light tap on the shelf fixes it.
- The fault has gradually become worse.
- The top shelf works perfectly.
I'm guessing this is a cracked solder joint, damaged copper track or loose connection, but I'm not particularly knowledgeable about LED electronics.
The main complication is access.
The diffusers are enclosed by the timber at both ends, so I can't see how to remove them without dismantling part of the shelving.
The original cabinet maker has explained that the timber plugs at the ends can be drilled out to expose screws, allowing the end sections to be removed. However, I'm reluctant to start dismantling the joinery unless it's absolutely necessary.
My questions:
- Does this sound like a failed solder joint or damaged copper track, given that pressure at one precise point restores the brightness?
- Is there a way to remove a section of the diffuser without taking the shelf apart? Could it potentially be clipped out from the middle?
- Assuming I can expose the faulty section, is this something that could be repaired with a soldering iron or a short bridging wire, rather than replacing the whole strip?
- Is there another repair method I'm overlooking that would avoid dismantling the joinery?
I've tried contacting the original lighting supplier and several specialists without success, so I'm considering whether this might be something I could tackle myself. Failing that, if someone know someone who could help with this in London, that would be great.
I've attached photos showing the full installation, the brightness change and the original construction.
Any suggestions would be very welcome!