If you want a line of light where there is no power, a rechargeable bar light with a built-in sensor is the simplest answer, because it does the job of LED strip with no wiring, no driver and no electrician.
Sensio does not sell battery operated LED strip lights on a reel. What we make instead are slim rechargeable lights that do the same job inside wardrobes, cupboards, drawers and larders. This guide explains what they are, how long they run, which one suits which space, and when it is worth wiring in 24V LED strip instead.
What a rechargeable LED light gives you
Each of our battery powered lights has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a sensor, so it comes on when you open the door or reach in and switches itself off again. There is nothing to wire. Opus, Magnum and Strata fix with a self adhesive magnetic plate, and Magnum and Strata lift off the plate for charging.
Opus, Magnum and Strata also have an on/off switch to save battery when you do not need the light, for example in a guest room wardrobe.
Opus rechargeable sensor light.
The five Sensio rechargeable lights
Opus is a slim sensor light, 9.5mm deep, in 235mm and 405mm lengths. Its PIR sensor has two modes: on, where it activates every time, and ready to activate, where it only comes on when it is dark, which saves charge. It gives natural white light at 4000K and comes with a USB-C charging cable.
Strata comes in 200mm and 400mm lengths and has three ways to switch it: an on/off switch, a swipe sensor and an IR sensor. It gives 140 or 250 lumens in natural white and is dimmable. It charges by micro USB.
Magnum is a compact 70mm square light. Its PIR sensor has a 1.5m range across 120 degrees, and it switches off after 10 seconds with no movement. It gives 100 lumens and comes in chrome or stainless steel, with a 150mm USB cable included.
Incline is a PIR sensor wardrobe light in 350mm, 550mm and 850mm lengths. It stays on for 30 seconds after the last movement, then switches off. It gives cool white light at 6000K. The charger is sold separately.
Alto is a lit wardrobe rail. It is an aluminium hanging rail with the light built in. It carries up to 20kg and can be cut to length. Its PIR sensor switches the light on when the door opens, and it stays on for 30 seconds if no motion is detected. It comes in 562mm and 962mm lengths, with a side mounting bracket set. The charger is sold separately.
Incline rechargeable sensor light.
How long they run and how long they take to charge
Run times on our product pages are based on a few minutes of use a day. Charge times are shown where the product page gives one.
| Light | Battery life | Based on | Charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opus | 8 months | 3 minutes a day | Not listed |
| Strata | 6 months | 2 minutes a day | Not listed |
| Magnum | 6 months | 2 minutes a day | Under 2 hours |
| Incline | 6.5 months | 2.5 minutes a day | 4.5 hours on average |
| Alto | 6.5 months | 2.5 minutes a day | 5.5 hours on average |
If a door is opened more often, the battery will need charging sooner. If you lose a charger, the USB to Pin 13A Charger suits Alto and the USB to Micro USB Charger suits Incline.
Which one for which space
Wardrobe with a hanging rail. Alto builds the light into the rail itself. Cut it to the width of the wardrobe.
Wardrobe without a rail, or a tall cupboard. Incline comes up to 850mm long and switches on with movement. Opus in 405mm is the slimmest option.
Drawers. Strata and Opus both list drawers as a use. Strata's swipe sensor is handy where you want to choose when the light comes on.
Small kitchen cabinets and larders. Magnum is small enough for a single cabinet and charges in under 2 hours. Incline and Strata also suit kitchen cabinets.
For more ideas, read our wardrobe lighting ideas and our guide to which LED light sensor you need.
Magnum rechargeable sensor light in stainless steel.
When to wire in 24V LED strip instead
If the wardrobe or kitchen is being built or rewired, mains powered 24V lighting gives brighter, permanent light that never needs charging. Our LED strip lights and fittings plug into a Sensio 24V LED driver, so the 24V side is plug and play. The driver's mains connection should be made by a qualified electrician.
You can still avoid switch wiring. The Titan Smart Kinetic driver works with the wireless Titan Kinetic Switch, which needs no wiring, and can also be controlled from the Link Sensio app or by voice with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. For cupboards, the Titan+ Wireless Door Sensor runs on a CR2450 battery and switches lights on as the door opens. The Link-S Wireless Magnet & Reed Kit does a similar job, with a battery life of over 3 years.
To size the driver, see what size LED driver do I need. For fitting, see how to cut, connect, fit and wire LED strip lights.
What about caravans and boats?
If you already have a 12V leisure supply, you can run 12V LED strip such as Primo 12V or Polar X 12V from it. Read our guide to 12V LED lighting for caravans and motorhomes, and 12V or 24V LED strip lights for the difference.
Frequently asked questions
Do you sell battery operated LED strip lights?
No. We do not sell LED strip on a reel that runs from a battery. Our rechargeable lights, Opus, Strata, Magnum, Incline and Alto, give a line of light with no wiring and suit the same spaces.
How long do rechargeable LED lights last on one charge?
Between 6 and 8 months, based on our product pages. Opus is rated at 8 months on 3 minutes a day, Incline and Alto at 6.5 months on 2.5 minutes a day, and Magnum and Strata at 6 months on 2 minutes a day.
How long do they take to charge?
Magnum charges in under 2 hours. Incline takes 4.5 hours on average and Alto 5.5 hours on average. We do not list a charge time for Opus or Strata.
Do I need an electrician to fit a rechargeable light?
No. They need no electrical installation. A wired 24V system does need its driver connected to the mains by a qualified electrician.
Can I cut a rechargeable light to length?
Alto, the lit wardrobe rail, can be cut to length. The others come in fixed sizes, so choose the length closest to your space.
Can I use them in a bathroom?
Opus, Strata, Magnum and Alto are rated IP20, for dry indoor areas. For bathrooms, check our guide to bathroom zones and IP ratings.
