LED Strip Light Technical FAQ
What is an LED strip light?
An LED strip light is a flexible linear lighting solution consisting of mounted LED chips on a PCB, designed for continuous illumination in architectural, commercial, and industrial applications.
What is the difference between COB, SMD, and SCOB LED strips?
SMD LED strips:
Use discrete LED packages mounted on the PCB
Visible light points
Cost-effective and widely used
COB LED strips:
High-density LED chips mounted directly on board
Dotless and uniform light output
Ideal for architectural and visible installations
SCOB LED strips:
Enhanced COB technology
Improved light uniformity and efficiency
Reduced shadowing
COB and SCOB are preferred for high-end applications requiring seamless lighting.
What is LED strip density and why is it important?
LED density refers to the number of LEDs per meter.
Higher density results in:
More uniform light output
Higher brightness
Reduced spotting
Typical densities:
120 LEDs/m
240 LEDs/m
480+ LEDs/m (COB)
What is voltage drop in LED strip installations?
Voltage drop occurs along the length of the strip due to resistance.
Effects:
Reduced brightness
Color shift
Solutions:
Use 24V systems
Limit run length
Use parallel wiring
Inject power at multiple points
What is the maximum run length for LED strips?
Run length depends on:
Voltage (12V or 24V)
Power consumption
Wire gauge
Typical guideline:
12V → shorter runs
24V → longer runs
For long runs, power injection is required.
What is a free-cut LED strip?
Free-cut LED strips allow cutting at any point along the strip without fixed cutting intervals.
Advantages:
Maximum installation flexibility
Precise length adjustment
Ideal for custom millwork and architectural details
What is a cuttable LED strip?
Standard LED strips can only be cut at designated cut points marked on the PCB.
Cutting outside these points will damage the circuit.
What is IC RGB or addressable LED strip?
IC RGB (addressable LED strips) contain integrated circuits that allow individual LED control.
Applications:
Pixel lighting
Media façades
Dynamic lighting systems
Requires SPI controllers.
What is RGB, RGBW, and RGB+CCT LED strip?
RGB:
Color mixing using red, green, blue channels
RGBW:
Adds dedicated white channel
RGB+CCT:
Adds tunable white (warm to cool white)
Used for advanced lighting control systems.
What is strip width and why does it matter?
Common widths:
6.5mm → ultra-slim installations (cabinet, tight channels)
8mm / 10mm → standard applications
12mm → higher power and higher density configurations
Width affects:
Heat dissipation
Installation compatibility
Brightness capability
What is 110V AC LED strip light?
110V LED strips operate directly on AC power and are suitable for long continuous runs.
Advantages:
Reduced need for multiple drivers
Long-distance installation
Considerations:
Safety
Proper insulation
Professional installation recommended
What is lumen output in LED strip lights?
Lumen output defines brightness.
Typical ranges:
Low output → decorative lighting
Medium output → ambient lighting
High output → task lighting
Always refer to lumen per meter or per foot.
What is CRI and why is it important?
CRI (Color Rendering Index) indicates how accurately colors are rendered.
CRI 80+ → standard
CRI 90+ → high-quality lighting
Recommended for:
Retail
Hospitality
Residential applications
What IP rating is required for LED strips?
IP20 → indoor
IP65 → splash resistant
Selection depends on installation environment.
How should LED strips be installed for heat management?
For optimal performance:
Use aluminum channels
Ensure ventilation
Avoid enclosed heat-trapping environments
Heat management extends lifespan and maintains performance.
Can multiple LED strips be connected together?
Yes, but:
Total load must be managed
Voltage drop must be considered
Power injection may be required
Parallel wiring is recommended.
What are common installation mistakes?
Exceeding maximum run length
Incorrect voltage selection
Insufficient power supply
Poor heat dissipation
Improper wiring
What accessories are required for LED strip systems?
LED drivers
Controllers
Connectors
Aluminum channels
Extension wiring