The Philips Hue Lightstrip is a smart LED strip that can be controlled with an app or a voice assistant. It does need to be plugged in to a power outlet, but it can also be extended or cut to fit your desired length and shape.
The Philips Hue Lightstrip is a versatile and customizable lighting solution that can add color and ambiance to any room. It can be used for accent lighting, backlighting, or mood lighting, depending on your preference. You can choose from 16 million colors and different shades of white, and sync the lightstrip with your music, movies, or games. You can also set schedules, timers, and routines to automate your lighting.
However, before you buy or install the Philips Hue Lightstrip, you might have some questions about how it works and what it requires. One of the most common questions is whether the Philips Hue Lightstrip needs to be plugged in or not. In this article, we will answer this question and provide some additional information about the Philips Hue Lightstrip.
The Philips Hue Lightstrip is a flexible strip of LED lights that can be attached to any surface with an adhesive tape. It comes in different lengths, from 2 meters (6.6 feet) to 10 meters (32.8 feet), and can be extended or cut to fit your space. The lightstrip connects to a power adapter, which plugs into a standard wall outlet. The power adapter also has a small box that acts as a controller for the lightstrip.
The lightstrip communicates with a Philips Hue Bridge, which is a hub that connects all your Philips Hue devices to your home network. The bridge allows you to control your lightstrip with the Philips Hue app on your smartphone or tablet, or with a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. You can also use a Philips Hue dimmer switch or a motion sensor to control your lightstrip.
Why does the Philips Hue Lightstrip need to be plugged in?
The Philips Hue Lightstrip needs to be plugged in because it uses electricity to power the LED lights and the controller. The lightstrip does not have a battery or a rechargeable option, so it cannot work without a power source. The power adapter converts the AC voltage from the wall outlet to a low-voltage DC current that the lightstrip can use.
The power adapter also regulates the amount of current that flows through the lightstrip, which affects the brightness and color of the LED lights. The controller sends signals to the lightstrip to change the color and intensity of the lights, based on your commands from the app or the voice assistant. The controller also receives signals from the bridge, which updates the lightstrip with the latest firmware and settings.
What are the benefits of plugging in the Philips Hue Lightstrip?
Plugging in the Philips Hue Lightstrip has some advantages over using a battery-powered or rechargeable lightstrip. Some of the benefits are:
Longer lifespan: The Philips Hue Lightstrip can last up to 20,000 hours, which is equivalent to about 7 years of use. A battery-powered or rechargeable lightstrip would have a shorter lifespan, as the battery would degrade over time and need to be replaced or recharged frequently.
Better performance: The Philips Hue Lightstrip can produce bright and vivid colors, as well as different shades of white, from warm to cool. A battery-powered or rechargeable lightstrip would have a lower output and a limited color range, as the battery would not be able to provide enough power for the LED lights.
More convenience: The Philips Hue Lightstrip does not need to be monitored or maintained, as it is always connected to a power source. You do not need to worry about running out of battery or recharging your lightstrip, which could interrupt your lighting experience. You can also use the app or the voice assistant to turn on or off your lightstrip remotely, or set schedules and routines to automate your lighting.
What are the drawbacks of plugging in the Philips Hue Lightstrip?
Plugging in the Philips Hue Lightstrip also has some disadvantages that you should be aware of before buying or installing it. Some of the drawbacks are:
Higher cost: The Philips Hue Lightstrip is more expensive than a battery-powered or rechargeable lightstrip, as it requires additional components, such as the power adapter, the controller, and the bridge. You also need to pay for the electricity that the lightstrip consumes, which could add up over time.
Less flexibility: The Philips Hue Lightstrip is less flexible than a battery-powered or rechargeable lightstrip, as it depends on the availability and location of a power outlet. You might not be able to place your lightstrip where you want, or you might need to use an extension cord or a power strip to reach the outlet. You also need to hide or manage the wires and cables that come with the lightstrip, which could affect the aesthetics of your space.
More complexity: The Philips Hue Lightstrip is more complex than a battery-powered or rechargeable lightstrip, as it involves more steps and devices to set up and use. You need to install the lightstrip, the power adapter, the controller, and the bridge, and connect them to your home network and your app or voice assistant. You also need to update the firmware and the settings of your lightstrip regularly, and troubleshoot any issues that might arise.
Conclusion
The Philips Hue Lightstrip is a smart LED strip that can be controlled with an app or a voice assistant. It does need to be plugged in to a power outlet, but it can also be extended or cut to fit your desired length and shape. The lightstrip has some benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before buying or installing it. The benefits include a longer lifespan, a better performance, and more convenience. The drawbacks include a higher cost, less flexibility, and more complexity. Ultimately, the Philips Hue Lightstrip is a great option for anyone who wants to add some color and ambiance to their space, as long as they are willing to pay for it and deal with it.
