I'm trying to set up some motion-detecting lights for my stairs using an ESP32 and PIR motion sensors. I'm debating whether to go with 30 LEDs per meter or 60 LEDs per meter. Will 30 LEDs provide enough brightness for the stairs in the dark? I want to be cost-effective and not waste money on extras if I don't need them. My plan is to place the LED strips under the lip of each step.
3 Answers
From my experience, if you’re using a diffuser, you might want at least 12 LEDs per foot to avoid spotting. But it really depends on your setup and how you want the light to look.
It really depends on how wide your stairs are! If your stairs are about 30 inches wide (like mine), then 30 LEDs should actually be plenty bright, especially if you're using RGBW LEDs. You might be surprised at how bright each one can be. Plus, if you make sure to get LEDs with white light, they’ll consume less power too!
The number of LEDs per meter isn’t the only factor for brightness; you should check the lumens or wattage too. But generally, for stair lighting, a small amount of light is sufficient to see where you're walking — sometimes less is more. 30 LEDs should do the trick nicely if they're placed close to the stairs!