How to choose LED Strip'

Based on the increase in efficiency, color options, brightness, and ease of installation, LED strip light is rapidly rising in modern lighting around the world. Architects and lighting designers are implementing more and more LED strip lights into residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Joineonlux.

There are many options on the market for LED strip lights (also called LED tape lights). So We make this advice for how to choose LED strip lights for newcomers alike.

A clear preview comes first!

Imagine the overall effect after LED lighting completes

01

Where will you install LED light'

Different Scene required:

• What type of location are you in? Residential, commercial, retail, outdoors?
• Where will it be installed? Cabinets, steps, eaves, wall, Swimming pool?
• What specifically will you be lighting?
• What material will the lighting be attached to?

02

what functions do you need?

This will help us to find:

• What kind of overall appearance do you want to achieve? Some special styling?
• Single color or RGB or RGBW?
• Dimmable LED lighting? Addressable LED lighting?
• If need high CRI for high color rendering?
• Which IP lever is required?

03

Expression of aesthetics & emotion

What kind of emotion and aesthetics express do you want to achieve?

• Calm, Safe, Relaxed;
• Seductive, Energetic, Hopeful; 
• Bold, Funny?

Top 6 features you must know before buying LED strip light!

To find the right led strip you exact need!

What Color?

Color is the first thing for selecting a light. LED strip light can achieve your colorful design.

PCB Width Limited?

Is there any width limitation for your installation? There are many widths of LED strip for choose.

How Bright?

Lumen is the measurement of brightness as perceived to the human eye.

If Waterproof?

LED strip can make IP62, IP65, IP68 etc to satisfy different nvironment

Which SMD?

Different LED SMD will effect the Lumen, wattage and Heat dissipation effect.

Any Report?

If UL, CE, REACH or other certificates required for your market?

1. color

1.1 confirm the color type

After your clear preview of whole project, the first thing comes out is to confirm what color required. Single white color or dual white? RGB, RGBW or Addressable?

You can find the right LED tapes in our large production range. In addition, special color for your projects can be realized by our professional R&D team. 

1.2 confirm the CCT

CCT - Correlated Color Temperature, It is for regular white color and to measure how warm or cool a light's color is.

Myledy can provide color temperatures ranging from K to K, and low to K for some special article. Here are some color temperature ranges we provide:

• -K: For soft, relaxing light suitable for a light glow in dining rooms or bedrooms.
• -K: This is a comfortable, cozy glowing light that is commonly used for lighting wooden furniture.
• -K: This color temperature produces a warm glow in white color for office rooms or kitchens.
• -K: For a neutral shade in white color used mostly in offices or schools. This shade is best for reducing eye strain.
• -K: Produces a bright white light and works best for areas that require high illumination in commercial displays.

1.3 Confirm the CRI

CRI - Color Rendering Index, measures the accuracy of light's color under the light source. The CRI of sunlight defined 100, the higher the value, the closer the light is to the real daylight.

• CRI 95 ' 100:  Phenomenal color rendering. Colors appear as they should, subtle tones pop out and are accented, skin tones look beautiful, art comes alive, backsplashes and paint shows it's true beautiful full saturation.
• CRI 90 ' 95:  Great color rendering! Almost all colors 'pop' and are easily distinguishable. Noticeably great lighting starts at a CRI of 90.
• CRI 80 ' 90:  Good color rendering, where most colors are rendered well. You may not see items as fully saturated as you would like, but most people will not notice.

An LED strip light with low CRI('90) produces distorted colors. Whereas the high CRI(>90) LED produces high-quality illumination, you can view natural daylight things.

It is very important especially for Commercial Lighting. A high CRI is necessary for perfect display of your products.

2. lumen -- brightness

Lumen refers to the amount of light emitted by a lamp, which is what we usually call brightness. The reason why LED lamp is so popular is that its high lumen can play a role in environmental protection and energy saving. If you replace a standard 150-watt bulb that emits about lumens, a 25-watt LED is roughly the same.LED strips' lumen output level varies depending upon the usage of your strips. Here is Myledy's wide range of Lumen output per meter:

• 510- lm/m: best for mood or accent lighting
• 570- lm/m: mostly used for cabinet lighting
• 910- lm/m: produces best task lighting which is close to the light source
• - lm/m: best used for task lighting that is away from its light source
• - lm/m: mostly used for indirect lighting in bedrooms or hotels
• - lm/m: for commercial usage or industrial lighting such as signage, linear lighting

3. LED SMD Type

LED SMD has many types, which come in different sizes with different wattages and lumens. 

You can select the LED tapes according to Myledy LED SMD types:

4. PCB Width

LED strip lights can make different width to satisfy designers' special requirements, such as super slim lighting, wide addressable design etc. Are there any width limits for your projects'

Myledy has a wide range of  PCB widths for LED tape. You can easily find the target LED strips in the following categories :

5. IP Level

IP is an acronym 'Ingress Protection', a measurement standard ratings used to indicate the level of protection for electrical equipment against solids and liquids.

IP rating has two numbers, both of which give you information about the protection level. A higher number means greater protection against solids and liquids.

• The first number (0-6) refers to the level of protection against solid objects and moving parts, such as dust, debris, or other solid matter.
• The second number (0-8) refers the level of liquid and moisture protection.

Below IP Rating chart can help you to better understand the protection offered with each IP Number.

Solid Protection

Water Protection

Protected against a solid object greater than 50mm, such as a hand.

Protected against a solid object greater than 12.5mm, such as a finger.

Protected against a solid object greater than 2.5mm, such as a screwdriver.

Protected against a solid object greater than 1.0mm, such as a wire.

Dust protected. Limited ingress of dust permitted.

Dust tight. Zero ingress of dust permitted.

IP Rating Chart 

Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited ingress permitted.

Protected against vertically falling drops of water enclosure tilted 15° from vertical.

Protected against sprays to 60° from the vertical. Limited ingress permitted.

Protected against water splashed from all directions. Limited ingress permitted.

Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted.

Protected against strong jets of water. Limited ingress permitted.

Protected against the effects of immersion in 15cm to 1m.

Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure.

For more wholesale LED strip lightsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

• Myledy is equipped with state of the art manufacturing equipment utilizing cutting edge technology to offer anti-yellowing, resistance to high and low temperature and diverse IP rating lever  IP62~IP68 waterproofing for special applications.

6. Verifiable Quality

To make sure that your LEDs last their intended lifespan, and don't require extra maintenance costs to replace, you need to verify the quality claims.

1. Thermal Management ' Heat is the most important factor of LED death. This is not solely rely on an aluminum heat sink to dissipate heat away. The LED strip should be designed thermal management and heat dissipation at chip level and on PCB to ensure a longer lifespan.

2. Color Consistency ' There is a range on each CCT which can make several bin number and make you LED strip color looks a little different. Only one Bin in the LED would selected to you and be keep in project.

3. Material Quality ' Product performance and longevity is determined not just by the quality of the LEDs, but the thickness and materials used in the PCB, resistors, wires, and lead-free soldering.

4. Certificates & Test Reports ' Ask for CE, RoHS, UL or other required certificates for safety claims. And test reports to verify claims of brightness and longevity. These may include LM-79 testing, IES reports, etc.

5. After Service & Warranty ' You may need some special components for the projects, Myledy is easy to find the right products for you. We also boast 5 years warranty for our LED strip lights represent the highest quality found on the market today!

COB LED strips (Chip on Board) are an advanced lighting technology known for their high brightness, uniform light output, and long lifespan. This article will delve into the construction, applications, installation methods, and differences between COB LED strips and traditional LED strips, helping you fully understand this modern lighting solution.

1. What is a COB LED strip?

COB LED strip lights are a type of strip light that integrates multiple LED chips. Unlike traditional SMD LED strips, COB strips form a single, cohesive light source by mounting multiple LED chips directly onto the substrate. This design increases light density, resulting in more uniform and softer light output.

2. Uses of COB Strips

COB strips find extensive application across various settings, including:

• Home Lighting

Enhancing kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms.

• Commercial Lighting

Illuminating stores, restaurants, and offices.

• Display Case Lighting

Showcasing products with high-quality illumination.

• Background Wall Lighting

Creating ambiance and decoration in diverse spaces.

Their versatility makes COB LED strips a preferred choice for both residential and commercial lighting needs.

Through the multitude of applications in various settings, it's clear that COB LED strips generally emit warm, yellowish light. So, why do COB LEDs appear yellow? 

2. Why Are COB LEDs Yellow?

The yellow appearance of COB LEDs when unpowered is due to the color of the encapsulation gel and phosphor. This unique characteristic is inherent to their design and does not impact performance. is an integral part of COB LEDs. It ensures consistent, warm-toned light output across various applications, making them a preferred choice for creating inviting and comfortable environments.

To fully understand why COB LEDs exhibit this characteristic and their superior performance, let's delve into what makes up a COB strip.

3. What's inside a COB strip?

COB LED strips consist of the following components:

Substrate

Usually made of aluminum, which helps with heat dissipation.

LED Chips

Multiple small LED chips are arranged closely together.

Phosphor

Coating the LED chips to adjust the light color.

Encapsulation Gel

Protects the LED chips and further assists with heat dissipation.

This structural design gives COB LED strips significant advantages in terms of brightness and uniformity. The lowest brightness COB strip on the market is about 500 lumens per meter, suitable for low-brightness environments like decorative lighting. In contrast, high-brightness COB strips can reach lumens per meter, ideal for areas requiring high-intensity lighting.

Understanding the components of COB strips is crucial, but to fully appreciate their capabilities, it's important to delve deeper into how the strategic positioning of these LED chips enhances their performance and ensures a superior light output

4. Positioning of LED Chips in COB Strips

In COB strips, the LED chips are evenly distributed across the entire substrate. This design eliminates the common issue of light spots in traditional LED strips, resulting in smoother and more even light output. This uniform light is particularly important for high-quality lighting applications, such as photography lighting and high-end interior lighting. The unparalleled uniform light source makes COB strips the preferred choice in these professional fields.

With an understanding of how COB strips achieve their seamless light distribution, it's equally important to consider how to power these strips effectively to maintain their performance.

5. 12V COB LED Strips & Best Power Supply Methods

Understanding the importance of choosing the right power supply is crucial for ensuring the optimal performance of your COB LED strips. Among the various options available, 12V COB LED strips stand out as a popular low-voltage lighting solution. They offer easy installation and high safety, connecting directly to a 12V power source without the need for additional drivers. This makes them suitable for various applications such as automotive lighting, marine lighting, and outdoor camping lights.

When powering multiple COB strips, it's essential to select the appropriate power supply to maintain their performance and longevity. A high-power LED power supply is recommended, with each strip having an independent power connection. Parallel connection is the most effective method as it avoids voltage drop issues that can cause uneven brightness. For instance, if each COB strip has a power rating of 10W and you have five strips, the total power requirement would be 50W. Choosing at least a 60W power supply ensures stability and reliable operation. This method extends the lifespan of your strips, making your lighting design more durable and efficient.

With a reliable power supply in place, you can then explore more creative ways to install these strips, such as bending them to fit specific design requirements.

Once you have a reliable power supply in place, you might want to explore more creative ways to install these strips, such as bending them to fit specific design requirements.

6. How to Bend COB Strips to 90 Degrees

COB strips have a certain level of flexibility, but care must be taken when bending to avoid damaging the LED chips. There are two common methods to achieve a 90-degree bend:

Using Specialized Connectors: There are connectors on the market designed for connecting and bending strips, which can help achieve a 90-degree turn. These connectors are cleverly designed, easy to use, and ideal tools for complex lighting designs.

Cutting and Reconnecting: Cut the strip to the required length and reconnect it using soldering or specialized connectors. Although this method requires some skill and tools, it allows for more flexible lighting layouts to meet diverse design needs.

With these techniques, you can create versatile and unique lighting setups. One popular application of COB strips is in ceiling installations, which can transform the ambiance of any room.

7. How Effective Are COB Strips Installed on Ceilings?

Ceiling lighting design is always a focal point, and COB strips installed on ceilings are a popular choice among them. COB strips not only feature high brightness and uniform light output but also bring a new visual experience to indoor environments.

Installing COB strips on ceilings can provide extremely uniform lighting effects. The high light density and even light output result in smoother light distribution, reducing shadows and hot spots. This soft ambient light enhances the overall lighting quality and creates a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Imagine a warm evening when you are lying on the sofa, and COB strips installed on the ceiling emit soft light that fills the entire room without any glaring spots or shadows, only tranquility, and comfort. This lighting effect not only beautifies your home environment but also adds a sense of ease and joy to your daily life.

The uniform light effect and high brightness of COB strips make them highly praised for ceiling installations. Whether used in residential spaces like living rooms and bedrooms or commercial spaces like offices and meeting rooms, COB strips provide excellent lighting effects, illuminating every corner with brilliance. This unmatched lighting experience allows every user to feel the beauty that technology brings to life.

8. Do COB LED Strips Need Diffusers and Are They Waterproof?

As we've seen, the versatility of COB strips extends beyond mere aesthetics, making them a top choice for both residential and commercial applications. However, certain accessories and modifications can be beneficial to further enhance their performance.

Although COB strips have very uniform light output, using a diffuser can further soften the light, eliminating any potential hot spots and enhancing light quality. For high-quality lighting applications, such as display case lighting and home theaters, LED channel diffusers are highly recommended. They ensure that the light is distributed evenly and smoothly, providing a superior visual experience.

9. COB LED Strip Lifespan

Another critical aspect to consider when choosing COB LED strips is their lifespan. The typical lifespan of COB LED strips ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 hours. Key factors affecting lifespan include the usage environment and heat dissipation conditions. High-quality COB strips, with good heat dissipation and proper usage, can last even beyond 50,000 hours. This means that if used for 8 hours a day, they can last nearly 17 years. Such longevity makes them an excellent investment for both residential and commercial lighting needs.

Conclusion

COB LED strips, with their efficient, uniform lighting effect and long lifespan, have become a popular choice in modern lighting design. Whether for home renovation or commercial applications, COB strips offer excellent light output and durability. If you're looking for high-quality LED strips, consider COB LED strips. I hope this article has helped you better understand COB LED strips. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact me!

References

• How to Install LED Strip Lights: A Step-by-Step Guide