An LED strip stuck directly onto a cabinet or ceiling quickly gives a disappointing result: visible light dots, adhesive that peels off with the heat, a strip that runs hot. The professionals' solution is the aluminium LED profile. It protects the strip, dissipates its heat and creates a clean line of light under a kitchen cabinet, in a wardrobe, along a staircase or on the ceiling.
But between a surface, recessed or corner profile, which one should you choose? Here is our guide to choosing and installing your LED profile and strip correctly.
Contents
Why use an aluminium LED profile?
- A clean finish: the profile hides the strip and the cables, for a result worthy of a high-end kitchen or shop.
- Better heat dissipation: aluminium draws away the heat produced by the LEDs, which helps the strip last longer.
- Protection against knocks, dust and fingers, especially in a busy kitchen or wardrobe.
- More even light when a diffuser covers the strip: you see a continuous line rather than a series of dots.
Surface, recessed or corner LED profile: the differences
| Profile type | Installation | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Fixed on the surface, no groove | Under kitchen cabinets, shelves, wardrobes, quick renovation |
| Recessed | Inserted in a groove, flush with the surface | Plaster ceilings, walls, worktops, custom furniture |
| Corner | Fixed in a 90° corner | Wall/ceiling corner, inside wardrobes, display cases, stair steps |
The surface profile
This is the easiest to install: it fixes directly under the cabinet or against the wall. At Brico MIM, the PROFILIGHT range offers the 10 × 10 mm surface profile, the matte black 17 × 7 mm surface profile and the 20 × 20 mm surface profile.
The recessed profile
It fits into a groove for a line of light flush with the surface, very popular in plaster ceilings and custom furniture. It requires more preparation (a groove has to be cut). We offer the matte black 17 × 7 mm recessed profile and the stainless 17 × 7 mm recessed profile.
The corner profile
It sits in a corner and directs the light diagonally: perfect for lighting the inside of a wardrobe or highlighting the wall/ceiling junction. Discover the stainless 15.5 × 15.5 mm corner profile.
All our PROFILIGHT profiles come in 3 m bars that can be cut to length, and are available from 65 DH per bar. Up-to-date prices are shown on each product page.
Choosing the size and finish
- Strip width: the strip must lie flat at the bottom of the profile. Measure the width of your LED strip and compare it with the inner width of the profile before buying. If in doubt, send us your strip's reference.
- Discreet or visible: small sections like 10 × 10 mm go unnoticed; a larger section like 20 × 20 mm leaves more room for the strip and makes the line of light stand out more.
- Finish: matte black suits dark kitchens and ceilings or modern decor, stainless steel and aluminium suit light-coloured furniture and bright interiors.
- Accessories: each profile's product page states what is included (one 3 m bar). The LED strip is not supplied. For the diffuser, end caps and mounting clips, ask us for advice on WhatsApp.
Installing your LED strip in a profile, step by step
- Measure the exact length to be lit and plan the cable route to the power supply.
- Cut the profile with a hacksaw or a mitre saw fitted with an aluminium blade, then deburr the cuts with a file.
- Prepare the surface: for a recessed profile, cut a groove to the profile's dimensions; for a surface profile, simply degrease the surface.
- Stick the strip to the bottom of the profile, on clean, dry aluminium, cutting it only at the marks provided by the strip manufacturer.
- Fix the profile with clips, screws or mounting adhesive depending on the surface.
- Connect the strip to its power supply, test that it lights up, then fit the diffuser and end caps.
Brico MIM tip: for a plaster ceiling, plan the position of the recessed profile before the ceiling is finished. It is much easier to build in the groove during the works than to cut it after painting.
Power supply and safety
Most LED strips run on low voltage (often 12 V or 24 V) and need a suitable power supply (driver). To size it, as a guide: strip power in W/m × total length, plus about 20% margin. For example, 5 m of a 10 W/m strip requires a power supply of at least 60 W.
- Place the power supply in a ventilated, accessible spot, never enclosed without ventilation.
- Respect the strip voltage: a 12 V strip connected to a 24 V power supply will be destroyed.
- Switch off the power before any work. Connecting the power supply to the 220 V mains must be done by a qualified electrician.
- In a bathroom or outdoors, use a strip and power supply designed for humid conditions.
Frequently asked questions about LED profiles
Is the LED strip supplied with the profile?
No, PROFILIGHT profiles are sold on their own, as a 3 m bar. The LED strip must be bought separately.
Can an aluminium LED profile be cut?
Yes, the 3 m bar can be cut to the desired length with an aluminium saw. Then deburr the cut.
Surface or recessed for a kitchen?
Under wall cabinets, the surface profile is the most practical. In a ceiling or custom furniture, the recessed profile gives a more discreet finish.
Do you deliver everywhere in Morocco?
Yes, Brico MIM delivers to every city in Morocco, with cash on delivery.
Clean lines of light in your home
Surface, recessed and corner LED profiles, delivered everywhere in Morocco with cash on delivery.
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