3528 SMD Flexible LED Strip Lights

A 3528 SMD LED light is a strip that uses surface-mounted diodes measuring 3.5mm by 2.8mm. That's what '3528' means—it's just the chip size. Each one is a single-color, low-power diode, which lets us pack them very densely on the PCB for a smooth, bright line of light. Because they're small and efficient, they are a workhorse for accent, cove, and under-cabinet lighting where you need focused, reliable illumination. You can learn more in our guide about what SMD LED strips are.

They're different chip generations with different performance. The 3528 is the classic, a 3.5x2.8mm chip that's reliable and efficient for focused light. The 2835 is a newer, brighter 2.8x3.5mm chip with a better heat dissipation design, meaning it can be driven harder for more light output without overheating. We see searches for '3528 2835 smd led lg' sometimes, which usually means someone is looking for a specific manufacturer's spec, but the chip size itself is the universal standard. For brand new, high-brightness projects, you'll likely want a 2835 SMD strip.

A standard density (60 LEDs/m) 3528 strip is great for accents, but for more functional light, a high bright 120 SMD LED version is a big step up. A typical 120/m strip will give you about 770 lumens per meter @3000K, depending on the color temperature. It's excellent for task lighting. If you need serious output to replace fluorescent tubes, look at our double or quad-row 3528 strips, which can push well over 950 lumens per foot @3000K.

Yes, our 3528 flexible waterproof LED strip is perfect for outdoor use when you get the right IP rating. Don't just grab any strip. For damp locations like a porch ceiling, an IP65 silicone-coated strip works. For direct rain exposure on a sign or building exterior, you need an IP67 rated strip, which comes inside a silicone tube. Using an indoor IP20 strip outside is the most common mistake we see—it'll fail from moisture in a matter of months.

It's all about brightness and light quality. A single-row strip is your standard for accent lighting. When you need more punch for task lighting or to light a larger space, a dual-row strip doubles the light output. For maximum intensity, our quad-row strips are the brightest we make, designed to replace old T8 fluorescent fixtures. More rows mean more light and a wider beam angle, giving you a much smoother, more substantial wash of light.

For lower-density strips (60 or 120 LEDs/m), it's not strictly required, but it's always recommended. The channel acts as a heat sink, pulling heat away from the LEDs, which makes them last much longer. For high-density, double-row, or quad-row strips, a channel is mandatory. Without one, the heat will build up and cause the LEDs to fail prematurely. Plus, it gives you a much cleaner, more professional-looking installation.

CRI stands for Color Rendering Index, and it's a measure of how accurately the light shows colors, on a scale of 0 to 100. Sunlight is 100 CRI. A strip with a high CRI 90 or CRI 95 rating will make colors look vibrant and natural, just like they do outdoors. A low-CRI light can make things look washed out or give them a weird color cast. For retail displays, kitchens, or anywhere color accuracy matters, a high CRI is non-negotiable. You can read all about it in our guide to CRI.

Absolutely. The 3528 chip is extremely versatile, so we stock it in a wide range of specific wavelengths. We have several Ultraviolet (UV) strips in the 365nm to 405nm range for things like curing, counterfeit detection, and special effects. We also offer Infrared (IR) strips in 850nm and 940nm for security cameras, night vision applications, and touch screens. They look just like regular strips but emit light that's invisible to the human eye.

Not at all—they just have a different job. While chips like the 5050 or 2835 are brighter and used for general illumination, the 3528's smaller size and lower power consumption make it the absolute best choice for high-density applications. When you want a completely seamless, dot-free line of light, you can pack more 3528 chips closer together than larger chips. It's also the go-to for specialty wavelengths like narrow-band UV and IR.

It depends on the strip's voltage. A 12V strip usually has cut marks every 25mm or 50mm (about 1 or 2 inches), typically after every 3 LEDs. A 24V strip has a longer series circuit, so its cut points are usually farther apart, often every 50mm or 100mm (about 2 or 4 inches), after every 6 or 12 LEDs. Always look for the little scissor icon printed on the strip—only ever cut on that line.

Yes, we do this all day. A huge part of our business is building custom-length strips. You can specify the exact length down to the millimeter, the type and length of the lead wires, and the specific connector you need on the end. Just send us a quick sketch or description of what you need. An engineer will send back a complete wiring diagram and parts quote, usually within 12 hours, with no fee or obligation to order. We'll get your spec built right.