The Case for Hardwired: Timeless Control for Modern LED Strips
When it comes to controlling LED strip lighting, hardwired setups remain one of the most straightforward, reliable, and clean solutions available. At its core, all you need is the LED strip itself, a suitable driver, and an aluminium profile. From there, it’s simply a matter of choosing the type of driver— non-dimmable for simplicity and lower cost, or dimmable if you want greater flexibility and fine-tuned brightness control.
Most electricians can supply and install a compatible wall switch, with the Clipsal, HPM and ZETR offerings being a popular go-to. These sleek push-button dimmers not only offer smooth control but can also remember your last brightness setting—perfect for day-to-day convenience without the need for remotes or apps.
Whether it’s for a kitchen, bathroom, or minimalist workspace, hardwired control remains a solid choice for those wanting a low-maintenance setup that just works.
Table of Content
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
LED Strip Light
Start with a quality LED strip that suits your space. Whether you're after soft ambient glow or brighter task lighting, hardwired setups are compatible with most 12V or 24V options. Our Supernova series is a solid go-to — dot-free, dimmable, indoor/outdoor and available in multiple colour temperatures. It’s especially handy if you're going for that sleek, modern finish.
LED Driver
This little unit converts your 240V mains power into a low voltage your strip can actually use. You’ve got two main options:
Non-Dimmable Driver – Basic and budget-friendly. Flick it on/off at the wall, and you're set.
Dimmable Driver – Costs a bit more, but lets you control the mood. Pair it with a compatible dimmer switch and you can dial things up or down as needed.
Tip From Trenches: Leave enough cavity space for the driver.
LED Profile
Not essential, but highly recommended. Aluminium profiles help with heat, protect the strip, and give your install that professional, built-in look. We stock 2.5m profiles in a range of shapes and finishes — including recessed, surface and bendable types.
Wall Switch
Your electrician can help you out here, but we recommend push-button dimmers for the best experience with dimmable drivers. Popular options include HPM , Schneider , ZETR , or Trader – all with their own vibe depending on your project’s aesthetic.
Tip From Trenches: Don’t place the wall switch too far from the install location.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DRIVER
Non Dimmable Drivers
These are great if you just need basic on/off control from a wall switch. They’re affordable, reliable, and perfect for areas where mood lighting isn’t really a thing — think wardrobes, laundries or display cabinetry.
Dimmable Drivers
If you're the type who likes to set the mood, this one's for you. Pair it with a push-button wall dimmer and you’ve got full control. Perfect for kitchens, lounges, and anywhere else that benefits from “just right” lighting. Bonus: the good ones remember your last setting, so you won’t be blinded at 6AM.
Both dimmable and non-dimmable drivers are available in 12V and 24V , depending on the strip you're running. We usually recommend 24V for longer runs to help reduce voltage drop, but if you're working in tighter spaces, 12V can be the better fit.
WHERE IT WORKS BEST
- Bathrooms: Great for mirror lighting, under vanity glow, or ambient skirting — especially when you just want clean lighting that feels built-in and effortless.
- Kitchens: Whether you’re prepping late-night snacks or entertaining guests, hardwired strips give you consistent light — and with a dimmable driver, it’s easy to shift from “functional” to “laid-back” in seconds.
- Laundries: Sometimes simple is best. A fixed brightness strip with a wall switch just makes sense when the goal is visibility and reliability.
- Living Spaces: Pair with a push-button dimmer and you’ve got a solid, fuss-free lighting solution that integrates easily with most modern switch gear. Works beautifully as part of a layered lighting plan — alongside sensors or smart control, if needed.
PROS
- Built tough — once it's in, it just works. No pairing, no drama.
Clean finish — no gear on show, just lighting where it should be.
Works best with single colour strips — like Supernova, for straightforward jobs.
Add a push-button dimmer and you're in full control.
Ideal for permanent installs — perfect for new builds or proper renos.
CONS
Doesn’t suit every strip — tunable, RGB and RGB+CCT work better with smart control.
Needs a sparky — this one’s not for the DIY crowd.
Not easy to tweak later — once it’s wired, it’s locked in.
Not all wall dimmers play nice — you’ll need to match the gear properly.
Related Readings
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information provided by the Strip Light Guys, this can not be held responsible for any errors. SLG also reserves the right to modify/delete details without notice.
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