COB LED Strip Lights: Everything You Need to Know

COB LED Strip, or Chip on Board Light, integrates individual diodes directly onto the circuit board. These diodes are tightly arranged and encased in phosphor gel, resulting in uniform and continuous illumination.

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Certain COB lights also feature tunable CCT and RGB technology, allowing users to modify the color temperature and RGB colors through a remote control or mobile application with ease.

Flexibility is another advantage of COB lights. Given the close spacing of the diodes, these strips can be bent and molded to fit various shapes and tight spaces effortlessly.

Customized home lighting solutions are gaining traction, particularly with the rise of LED strip lights. There’s a consensus that LEDs outshine traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs in terms of efficiency, brightness, longevity, and low heat output, not to mention their programmable and controllable nature. Their compact and durable design adds versatility to both large and small-scale projects.

Among the popular choices in this realm are LED strip lights, which serve as an economical solution for both commercial and residential use. While selecting LED strip lights may seem straightforward, there are multiple factors to consider in ensuring the right selection. This article aims to highlight key considerations for LED strip lighting as well as categorize the main types available.

Different Types of LED Strips

LED Strips encompass various types suited for distinct applications. For instance, the IP65-rated LED flex strips are designed for outdoor settings due to their waterproof features. Below is a concise overview of the different kinds of LED Strip Lights; more detailed assessments of each type will follow in the discussion:

• DC LED Flex Strips - Operate on low DC voltage, typically 12-24V, and come with adhesive backing for easy installation, while being cuttable every two inches. They are available in diverse light intensities and waterproof options.
• AC Plug & Play LED Strip Lights - These strips facilitate direct connection to household outlets for instant use. They can achieve longer lengths, up to 150 feet, compared to DC Flex Strips.
• LED Rope Light - Contains encased, omnidirectional LEDs designed for subdued accent lighting, also suitable for plug-and-play.
• High Output LED Strips - Comprise high-power LEDs manufactured by leading brands such as Cree and Luxeon; these are made in the USA with onboard drivers compatible with 24V DC input.

LEDs per Length

When selecting LED strip lights, pay attention to the number of LEDs per length unit. Opt for strips that house more LEDs per foot (or meter) to achieve brighter and superior light quality. Strips with inadequately spaced LEDs might project a disjointed lighting effect instead of an unbroken glow. Since manufacturers employ various measurement systems to present this statistic, it is wise to standardize on one measurement for accurate comparisons.

LED density alone does not dictate brightness or light quality. For example, while our LED Rope Light has a higher LED density per foot than our DC LED Flex Strips, its wattage output is considerably lesser. Therefore, always assess the brightness ratings in addition to LED density.

LED Strip Brightness

Advancements in LED technology have led to increased brightness capabilities in strip lights. However, not all strips necessitate high brightness; certain applications, such as accent lighting, require gentle illumination.

LED brightness is quantifiable in LUMENS. Choose a lumen level that suits your purpose and aesthetic preferences.

For ambient accent lighting, keep below 200 Lumens per foot as a harmonic balance; it ultimately depends on personal taste and the desired ambiance.

Conversely, general lighting needs can be more complex, influenced by light direction, distance from the target area, and individual preferences. Be conscious of both the Lumens per length and the total LED count for each strip, as these factors profoundly affect light quality.

LED Strip Colors

We present a range of single-color and multi-colored LED strips (RGB or RGBW). Basic single-colored strips include Warm White, Neutral White, Cool White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Ultra Violet (UV).

RGB strips, equipped with color-changing capabilities, utilize a combination of red, green, and blue LEDs, allowing for refreshing color variations at your choice. Among color changers, RGB strips are most prevalent.

Notably, RGB strips do not generate white light; that role belongs to RGBW strips—which include both RGB and white diodes—offering mixed color displays and traditional white when required.

Color Temperature

Color temperature helps differentiate the various shades of white light an LED can produce. Measured in Kelvin, lower temperature values denote warmer hues (like yellowish light) while higher values indicate cooler tones (blueish). For a more comprehensive understanding, please refer to our visuals.

Tunable white lighting has emerged as a popular solution, facilitating various CCT colors—operable through specialized controllers akin to RGB systems. Instead of vibrant hues, tunable white lighting transforms a room's ambiance ranging from warm white to cool white. Detailed insights about our tunable white options can be found in our dedicated guide.

Installation Guide for LED Strip Lights

Prior to purchasing LED strip lights, consider the mounting and setup processes. For example, the DC LED Flex Strips feature peel-and-stick adhesive for straightforward installation, while other types may require additional tools for cutting, mounting, and wiring.

• Amount of LED strips required
• Desired breaks in lighting or the necessity for separate strips
• Power and voltage specifications of your strips
• Flexibility and durability needs
• Considerations for waterproofing
• Necessary supplementary components (connectors, extra wiring, etc.)
• Methods for dimming, control, or programming the installed strips

LED Strip Wattage

Understanding wattage is crucial for proper LED strip setup. At LEDSupply, we specify wattage per strip length, simplifying total wattage calculation based on linear feet/plans.

Every strip (with the exception of the Plug & Play variants) requires a compatible power supply. The Plug & Play options come with built-in power cords and transformers.\nTo find a suitable power supply, ensure you know the input voltage necessary for your LED Strips—typically either 12V or 24V DC. The wattage of the power supply should exceed your LED strip consumption by at least 10%. For reference: Output Voltage x Amperage = Wattage of your power supply.

Purchasing LED Strips at LEDSupply

We have covered the foundational aspects of buying LED strip lights, and now it’s time for a closer examination of the specific strips we offer. The following sections will pinpoint each strip while assisting you in determining the most suitable option for your needs.

DC LED Flex Strips

Operating on 12-24 volt systems, these flexible LED strip lights are among the most favored choices for home lighting projects and renovations. Both customers and contractors find this product invaluable for task and accent lighting throughout their spaces. Various accessible accessories further enhance this user-friendly lighting solution.

Ease of Use

Each strip features a 3M double-sided adhesive backing for simple installation. With minimal heat production and a low profile, these strips excel in compact areas. They’re available in 3-foot increments up to a complete reel of 16.4 feet (5 meters), with cut lines allowing for precise adjustments.

DC Power Input

These strips accept 12 or 24 VDC input, enabling safe installation for beginners. The low voltage setup facilitates direct powering from batteries and solar systems. When utilized in residential settings, ensure the correct power supply or transformer converts AC line voltage to a safe DC voltage.

Water Resistance Options

Flex strips come in three variations. The fundamental design is IP20, featuring a flexible circuit board with SMD LEDs but lacking a protective coating—ideal for dry environments. The IP65 waterproof option has a thin silicone coating that protects it from outdoor elements, making it great for settings like patios or bathrooms. For extreme applications, IP68-rated strips can withstand full submersion in water or high-heat locations like saunas.

Density Variants

DC flex strips consist of standard and high-density options. Standard strips include 30 LEDs per meter, while high-density strips feature double this, showcasing 60 LEDs per meter. Premium offerings, like COB Spotless strip lights and Tunable White Strips, can contain up to 512 LEDs per meter for seamless lighting, especially beneficial in reflective environments.

When selecting strips, prioritize high-density options for maximum brightness while taking note of the differences highlighted in the table below:

Density# of LEDsLumensWattage
(per Reel)CuttableMax. RunStand. (SD)30/Meter540/M27 WattsEvery 4&#;32.8 Ft.High (HD)60/Meter/M40 WattsEvery 2&#;16.4 Ft.

Standard density flex strips are appropriate for accent lighting or tight locations, whereas high-density strips shine as prominent task light sources.

12-volt LED flex strips are exceptionally user-friendly. Even with the diverse options available, the process shouldn’t feel overwhelming. If this LED strip piques your interest, check out our Guide to Installing 12V LED Strip Lights for all pertinent information and helpful accessories!

AC LED Flex Strips

If simple connection is your priority, AC Plug & Play LED Strip Lights fit the bill perfectly.

AC strips measure slightly wider than their DC counterparts at 9/16" wide and 1/4" tall, but their thickness does not compromise output—delivering 20 LEDs per foot at 180 Lumens. The plug-and-play feature simplifies usage: buy your desired length, connect it to a wall outlet, and you’re set!

Additionally, these strips can run continuous lengths of up to 150 feet, mitigating concerns about cutting for gaps. Mounting clips facilitate the attachment process, though three-foot mounting tracks are recommended for a clean, straight installation.

For lengths of 75 feet or more, opt for AC LED strips, as they operate efficiently over longer distances without the hassle of multiple power supplies or dimmers.

LED Rope Light Overview

Shifting focus from flex strips, we introduce LED rope lights, which are encased in a bendable 1/2" diameter rubbery plastic. This encasement delivers waterproof capabilities and allows light emission from all angles—a stark contrast from the directional output of flex strips. Although not as bright, LED rope lights serve well for dim accent lighting suitable for patios, decks, or gardens.

Similar to AC LED Flex Strips, these rope lights plug straight into standard outlets (120VAC) and boast a minimal output of just .77 watts per foot. Available in warm white, cool white, and blue, rope lights contain 12 LEDs per foot spaced inch apart, producing lower lumen outputs—6.3 lumens/foot for cool white and 5.5 lumens per foot for warm white. The lights arrive in customizable lengths of 3, 9, 15, 30, 75, 105, and 150 feet—but maintain a maximum length of 150 feet with jumpers connecting them seamlessly.

The LEDs in rope lighting produce noticeable delineation, making it ideal for accenting specific areas rather than serving as main room illumination components, yet they remain budget-friendly with lifespans estimated at 60,000 hours for whites and 100,000 hours for colors.

High Output LED Strips

This last category introduces our brightest options. Unlike flex and rope varieties, these strips feature mid to high power surface mount LEDs on a solid foundation.

The Duo Strip

Produced domestically by LuxDrive, the Duo LED strip is perfect for custom linear fixtures. It houses 48 Nichia 757 diodes across a 1-foot printed circuit board and incorporates onboard drivers functioning on merely a 24V input, outputting a remarkable 870 Lumens per foot while consuming around 8 Watts.

Segmentation is encouraged, as each segment can be cut down at 3-inch markings for flexible designs, allowing for multiple strips to connect up to 8 feet at once!

The Duo comes in a wide array of color temperatures (CCT) ranging from K to K, including red, yellow, green, and blue options.

Unique horticulture-specific LEDs also adorn the Duo, available in both K and K options—producing an extensive output spectrum ideal for growth applications.

Introducing ElaraStrip

Comprising 12” by .45” dimensions, the ElaraStrip showcases 9 high-powered Nichia LEDs on a rigid platform. Slightly elevated at .15”, this strip delivers a 120-degree angle for versatile illumination in compact settings.

These strips are sold in 1-foot intervals, capable of connecting up to 10 units together for a full 10-foot length. Pre-installed connectors simplify the assembly process, and cutting is possible at the 6-inch mark without adverse effects.

With diverse purchasing options in warm white, neutral white, cool white, red, blue, and green, the 9 Nichia LEDs output strong luminosity, hitting 200 Lumens/foot. They are well-suited for applications needing heightened brightness—think coves, accent lighting, general room illumination, and wall washing. ElaraStrips can also synchronize with dimmers, provided you acquire the required wiring harness for the initial connection.

This specific strip operates on 12-25V DC and runs at 4.5 watts per foot, allowing for hassle-free powering through either the suggested wiring harness or a power connector. The thoughtfully designed Elara forms a compact and efficient solution with built-in thermal regulation, eliminating the need for considerable external drivers. However, if seeking maximum brightness, placement on aluminum backing will optimize heat dissipation.

LuxStrip - The Ultimate in Customization

The LuxStrip is the upgraded version of the ElaraStrip and allows for total customization. Measuring 12” by .95,” it can accommodate 6 of your chosen LEDs—from Luxeon Rebel to Cree XLamp, inclusive of your preferred colors and optics—a feature beneficial for general illumination or as accents in exterior lighting, vehicle applications, or horticulture.

Offering flexibility, the LuxStrip comes in 1-foot sections, allowing combinations up to 12 feet long. Each strip includes connector ends for easy integration, while segments can be trimmed every two inches for precise fitting and tailoring.

Users can choose LED configurations with varying operating currents—350mA, 500mA, or 700mA—determining wattage at 7-15 Watts accordingly. These LEDs deliver high performance, particularly at maximum current, producing exceptional lumen output. Featuring 0-10V dimming capabilities, they grant essential control over brightness levels, though high currents necessitate heat sinks for effective heat management.

Ultimately, if brightness is your objective, this is the strip for you—capable of flooding any area with illumination. Ideal locations span under cabinets, in high cove ceilings, and more. The LuxStrip is versatile enough to utilize optical control options for targeted applications, while featuring superior LED options relative to the industry-standard releases from LuxDrive and Cree.

Conclusory Remarks on Your Purchasing Journey

And that encapsulates the essentials of LED strip lighting! Making an informed purchase doesn’t have to be overwhelming—simply orient yourself around your intended application and spatial constraints while familiarizing yourself with installment requirements, power needs, and available colors. Within our extensive stock, we are confident you will find the ideal solution for your lighting aspirations. Remember, our team remains available for ongoing support and advisory; don’t hesitate to share your projects with us on social media—we love witnessing the applications of our LEDs!