This category covers lighting accessories and controllers for LED and smart lighting, for anyone extending or automating lights at home, in a workshop or around a desk. The range holds over 250 products, mostly from Synergy 21, with items from Qoltec, Activejet, Tellur and Nanoleaf.
How to choose lighting accessories and controllers
Match the control system. Controllers and accessories only work with lights that speak the same language. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and simple RF remotes are not interchangeable, so check which one your bulbs, strips or panels use before ordering.
Check voltage and channels. Most LED strips run on 12 V or 24 V, and a controller must be built for the same voltage. The channel count matters too: single-colour strips need one channel, while RGB and RGBW strips need three or four.
Add up the power load. Total the wattage of everything the controller or power supply will drive, then leave some headroom, since running at the limit shortens the life of the unit. Longer strip runs draw more current, so they may need an extra supply.
Decide how you want to control the lights. A phone app suits scenes and schedules, a physical remote or wall dimmer is quicker for daily use, and voice control depends on support for assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant. Look at which of these a product supports before buying.
Think about installation. Look at connector types, cable length and where the unit will sit. Some controllers need a hub or bridge, others connect straight to your router, and that affects how easily you can add devices later.
Brands we carry
- Synergy 21: a German LED lighting brand with a large presence in our range, known for LED strips and the controllers, dimmers and power supplies that go with them.
- Qoltec: a European maker of power and computer accessories, including power supplies and chargers.
- Activejet: known for power supplies, batteries and accessories, as well as LED lighting products.
- Tellur: focuses on affordable smart home devices, such as Wi-Fi controlled bulbs and sockets.
- Nanoleaf: best known for modular light panels that respond to touch, music and app scenes.
- Philips Hue: a Zigbee-based smart lighting system that usually works through the Hue Bridge and links with the major voice assistants.
- TP-Link: a networking specialist whose smart home products are managed through one app alongside its other devices.
- Corsair: a PC hardware brand that makes RGB lighting and controllers for its iCUE ecosystem.
- Lamptron: known for fan and RGB controllers used in custom PC builds.
- OSRAM: a long-established lighting manufacturer with a history in lamps and LED technology.
Also in our range: Maclean and DSIT.
Frequently asked questions
What does an LED controller do?
An LED controller sits between the power supply and the LED strip and manages colour, brightness and effects. Simple models use a handheld remote, while smart versions connect to an app or voice assistant. It must match the strip's voltage and type.
Do I need a controller for an LED strip?
Not always. A single-colour strip can run from a power supply alone, but you need a controller or dimmer to change brightness. RGB and RGBW strips need a controller to select colours at all.
How do I know if a controller is compatible with my lights?
Check three things: voltage, strip type and control protocol. A 12 V RGB strip needs a 12 V RGB controller, and a Zigbee bulb needs a Zigbee hub or bridge. The product specification normally lists all of these.
Can I control my lighting with Alexa or Google Assistant?
Yes, if the controller or smart lighting system lists support for that assistant. Wi-Fi and hub-based products are the most likely to offer it, while basic RF remote controllers generally do not. Check the product description for the assistants it names.
