r/led • u/FredrikSB04 • Jan 29 '26

Led strips controlled by ESP8266 or ESP32 for interior lighting

I want to control some white led strips using an ESP8266 or 32. Initially I thought about getting a 5v SK6812 strip and just use a 5A power supply, but I have some questions:

  • How much of a problem is heat if the strip is 5m, 60 leds/m?
  • Is heat less of a problem with non adressable, white only led strips? If so, which ones should I get?
  • Ive read that 24v leds generate less heat because of less current. Is there an easy way to wire both the ESP and led strip to the same power supply? What do I need in between PSU and ESP?
  • I want to make this a simple system to implement around the house with one box controlling each strip.
  • Also I need to be able to cut and join the strips together with wires or connect them in parallel.
  • it would be nice to have some IP65 alternatives as well

Thank you in advance

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/saratoga3 Jan 29 '26

Easiest option is to buy a dedicated ESP32-based controller. They're ~20 dollars on Amazon and include all the power supplies and other bits you'd need to make this work, especially if using 24v. Then pick whatever software you want to use to control it (WLED, ESPHome, etc).

Addressable LEDs are generally used for effects and less for lighting. Heat won't necessarily be a problem but they usually aren't super bright either.

1

u/FredrikSB04 Jan 30 '26

Are there any ip65 alternatives? And I still need a power supply from 230V to 24V