How to control an LED strip with Zigbee applications and devices?

In our previous blog post "Wireless Zigbee control for LED lights – convenience for everyday life" , we generally discussed what Zigbee technology is and how it makes lighting control smart. In this follow-up, we focus specifically on LED strips and practically show how to implement Zigbee control step by step.

Why control LED strips with Zigbee?

LED strips are a popular solution for kitchen countertops, indirect living room lighting, and for example, as backlighting for TV units. With Zigbee control, you can:

• Adjust brightness and color from the app

• Create your own lighting scenarios (e.g., "morning light," "movie night")

• Control lighting with voice via Alexa or Google Assistant

• Integrate lighting as part of your entire smart home

What you need for Zigbee control of an LED strip:

1. LED strip

   • Monochromatic, CCT (tunable white), or RGB/RGB+CCT.

   • Example: Valotehdas COB LED strips

2. Power supply (LED power supply)

   • Converts 230 V to 24 V.

   • Power must be sufficient for the total wattage of the strip (e.g., 5 m × 15 W/m = 75 W → choose at least a 100 W power supply).

3. Zigbee controller/receiver

   • Connected between the power supply and the LED strip.

   • E.g., Zigbee RGB+CCT controller.

4. Zigbee gateway (hub/bridge)

   • Usually needed to connect devices to the app (e.g., Philips Hue Bridge, IKEA Trådfri Gateway).

   • Some smart speakers (like Amazon Echo) have Zigbee built-in.

Installation – step by step

1. Install the LED strip in a profile (for cooling and a neat appearance).

2. Connect the strip to the power supply and add the Zigbee controller in between.

   • Order: Power Supply → Zigbee Controller → LED Strip

3. Connect the controller to the Zigbee bridge according to instructions (resetting and pairing).

4. Open the app (e.g., Hue, Tuya, SmartThings) and name the LED strip.

5. Test control: adjust brightness, color, and try automations.

Practical example

Kitchen backsplash LED strip:

• COB LED strip 15 W/m (warm and cold light adjustment, CCT).

• 100 W / 24 V power supply.

• Zigbee CCT controller.

• Philips Hue Bridge → control with Hue app and voice.

The result: bright task lighting for cooking and warm ambient lighting for the evening – all from the same strip and app.

Zigbee vs. other control methods for LED strips

• RF remote control: easy, but a separate controller and no integrations.

• WiFi control: works with a phone, but can overload the network.

• Zigbee: reliable, energy-efficient, and easy to expand to the entire smart home.

Summary

Zigbee makes controlling LED strips easy, smart, and expandable. By combining a high-quality strip, the right power supply, and a Zigbee controller, you get lighting that adapts to your everyday life – with an app, automation, and voice.

👉 Check out Valotehdas's Zigbee controllers and LED light strips and make your home even smarter!