Everything you need to know before buying led strip lights
Before you buy LED strip lights, settle five things:
- Voltage: low-voltage 5V, 12V, 24V, 36V or 48V, or high-voltage AC110/220V. Strip, power supply and controller must all be the same voltage.
- Color type: single color, dual white CCT, RGB, RGBW, RGB+CCT or addressable. Everything except single color needs a matching controller.
- Waterproof rating: IP20, IP65, IP67 or IP68, depending on whether the spot can get wet.
- Length: most reels are 5 m / 16.4 ft. Longer runs need more power and can suffer voltage drop; ultra-long constant current strips run 10–50 m.
- What else to order: an LED power supply (LED driver or transformer) at about 1.2 times the strip wattage, plus connectors if you cut or join the strip.
Before buying LED strip lights, we recommend that you first understand the relevant led strip knowledge so that you can use the led light strip in your lighting project to the greatest extent, whether it is an indoor led lighting project or an outdoor waterproof lighting project.
The applications of the LED light strips are various, home lighting, commercial lighting, or building outline lighting, like bedrooms, cabinets, living rooms, TVs, ceilings, stairs, KTVs, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, retail stores, etc. You will always find the right led strip light for your lighting project.
Before you buy: 9 questions first-time buyers ask
At SuperLightingLED these are the questions we answer most often before a first order. Each answer is short and links to the guide that covers it in depth. If you prefer a checklist of the technical factors (IP rating, brightness, voltage, length, controller and power), read our Top 6 considerations before buying LED strip lights.
Which voltage should I buy: 5V, 12V, 24V or higher?
LED strips come as low-voltage strips (5V, 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V) and high-voltage AC110/220V strips. The voltage is marked on the strip, and the power supply’s output voltage must match it: a 12VDC strip needs a 12VDC power supply. At the same wattage a 24V strip draws half the current, so it runs further from one feed point: up to 5 m at 12V and up to 10 m at 24V. 12V still makes sense for short runs, boats, campers and anything fed from a battery. AC110/220V strips plug into the mains with their own plug and inline rectifier, so no separate power supply is needed.
Go deeper: 12V vs 24V wiring diagram · How to choose an LED strip power supply
Which color type do I need?
There are six: single color, dual white CCT, RGB, RGBW, RGB+CCT and addressable. The type decides the rest of the order: a single color strip connects directly to the LED driver, while color-changing and tunable strips need a controller of the same type between the strip and the power supply. For white light, also choose the color temperature, from warm white to pure white and cool white.
Go deeper: How to choose the right color for your LED strip lights · Warm white vs pure white vs cool white · Choosing the right addressable LED strip
Can I put LED strips outdoors, in a bathroom or in a garage?
Yes, as long as the waterproof rating suits the spot: strips come as IP20, IP65, IP67 and IP68. Outdoor waterproof strips are normally used around swimming pools, parks, roofs and steps, and strips also go into offices, factories and even cars. In a bathroom use an IP65 strip and keep the power supply outside the wet zone; for outdoors or damp rooms there are waterproof (IP67) drivers with sealed cables at both ends. A garage follows the same rules: a dry wall needs no waterproofing, a spot that can get wet needs a waterproof strip and driver, and a long wall run is easier at 24V. Shop outdoor LED strip lights, weatherproof LED strip light kits and DC24V waterproof power supplies.
Go deeper: What IP20, IP65, IP67 and IP68 mean: Top 6 considerations before buying
How long a strip can I run, and will the far end go dim?
Most strips come as 5 m / 16.4 ft reels. You can connect two reels into 10 m, but the power grows with the length: a 100W reel becomes 200W at 10 m. On very long runs watch for voltage drop: the white light turns yellow, then orange and red towards the far end. The fix is enough power: add a separate power supply where the white starts to turn yellow, or choose an ultra-long constant current LED strip, made in 10, 15, 20, 30 and 50 m lengths so the brightness stays the same end to end.
Go deeper: 20 m run with four feed points (wiring diagram) · How to connect LED strip lights together · How to calculate power for LED strip lights
Does an LED strip come with a power supply or transformer?
Unless you buy a kit, plan the power supply as its own item: before putting the strip into use, prepare an LED power supply, also called an LED driver or LED transformer. Match its output voltage to the strip, look up the strip’s wattage in its specification (the wattage is not marked on the strip), and apply the 80% rule: the supply should be about 1.2 times the strip’s wattage. If you want everything in one order, choose from our complete LED strip kits and check each kit’s product page for exactly what is included.
Go deeper: How to connect an LED strip to the power supply · How to choose an LED strip power supply
Do I need a controller?
Only for dimming or color. A single color strip connects directly to the LED driver; add a dimmer between supply and strip if you want brightness control. An RGB strip connects to an RGB controller, which connects to the power supply: the controller handles the color changes and brightness, and the power supply feeds both the controller and the strip. Tunable white, RGBW, RGB+CCT and addressable strips need a controller of the same type.
Go deeper: How to choose LED strip light controllers · How to wire RGB color changing LED strip lights
Can I cut an LED strip to length, or join pieces?
Yes. Strips have cut lines along their length: a line with a scissors symbol every 3 LEDs on 12V strips or every 6 LEDs on 24V strips. Cut only there; the copper pads on either side are the connection points. Pieces and reels are joined with solderless clip connectors made for the strip width (8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm) and pad count, or soldered. Some strips are also offered in 1 m / 3.28 ft lengths, and we can customize the strip length you want.
Go deeper: Can you cut LED light strips? · How to choose LED strip light connectors
How hard are LED strips to install?
The strip carries a 3M adhesive backing, which makes it easy to install. Connect and test it first, then stick it down. The most common places at home are bedrooms, ceilings, walls, under cabinets and counters, stairs, kitchens and bathrooms. LED aluminum channels and LED neon tubes are sold as accessories, and stair lighting comes as motion sensor stair light kits.
Go deeper: How to install LED strip lights · Aluminum profiles for LED strip lighting · How to install LED motion sensor stair lights
How long do LED strip lights last?
The service life can reach 50,000 hours, which is 5.7 years if they run around the clock; in real use it depends on how many hours a day they are on. Improper bending can break the strip, and running it outside its standard voltage, current and power shortens its life. Precautions are marked on the packaging.
What arrives with an LED strip, and what else you may need
Here is what you get when you order a reel, and the parts you may need to add so it works on day one.
| Item | What it is / what arrives | Do you need it? |
|---|---|---|
| LED strip reel | Usually a 5 m / 16.4 ft reel; some strips also come in 1 m / 3.28 ft, and ultra-long constant current strips in 10, 15, 20, 30 or 50 m. A printed circuit board with SMD LEDs and a 3M adhesive backing. The voltage and the + / - poles are marked on the strip, cut lines run along it, and precautions are marked on the packaging. The wattage is in the specification, not on the strip. | Always. Choose the voltage, color type and waterproof rating first. Single color · RGB · Addressable · Ultra-long constant current |
| LED power supply (LED driver, LED transformer) | Turns mains AC into the DC voltage the strip needs. Output voltage = strip voltage; rated at about 1.2 times the strip wattage (the 80% rule). | Yes for 5V to 48V strips: prepare it before first use. Not for AC110/220V strips, which plug in through their own plug and rectifier. All power supplies · DC12V · DC24V · DC24V waterproof |
| LED controller or dimmer | Sits between the power supply and the strip and controls color change and brightness. | Needed for CCT, RGB, RGBW, RGB+CCT and addressable strips, in the same type as the strip. Optional dimmer for single color strips. Dimmers · CCT · RGB · RGBW · RGB+CCT · Addressable |
| Connectors and splitter cables | Clip connectors join a cut end to wires or to the next strip without soldering; L connectors turn corners; splitter cables feed several short strips from one adapter. | When you cut, join, turn a corner or run several strips from one supply. Match the pin count to the strip: 2-pin single color · 3-pin CCT · 4-pin RGB · 5-pin RGBW · 6-pin RGB+CCT · 3-pin addressable · L corners · Splitters |
| Aluminum channel, neon tube, 3M tape | LED light strip accessories. The strip already carries its own 3M adhesive backing. | Optional, depending on the look and the location. Aluminum profiles · LED neon strip lights · All accessories |
| Complete LED strip kit | Kits by type: single color, variable white, multi-color, color chasing, weatherproof, stair lights, motion sensor, under cabinet puck lights, TV, battery operated and USB powered. Stair kits arrive with every tread strip pre-cut and pre-wired. For a pre-wired plug-and-play kit we cut the strip, solder the leads and connectors, pair the controller and pack it with the matching supply. | When you would rather not wire anything. Check each kit’s product page for exactly what is in the box. All kits · Single color · Variable white · Multi-color · Color chasing · Weatherproof · Stair · Motion sensor · Puck lights · TV · Battery · USB |
These diagrams show the same parts wired together. They are drawn by the SuperLightingLED engineering team; click one for the full notes in our LED strip wiring diagrams library.
The full guide in five parts
Everything you need to know before buying led strip lights: #Part 1. What are LED strip lights? #Part 2. Where and how to install LED light strip? #Part 3. How do LED strip lights work? |
What are led strip lights?
With the popularity of LED lights, LED light strips came into being. LED strip lights are also well-known as led tape lights, led rope lights, or led ribbon lights.
As its name indicates, LED strip light is like a strip. Its component is a print circuit board with surface-mount device LED lights and other electrical parts, and its backing is a 3M adhesive, which is easy to install.
What makes led rope lights unique is that led strips can be cut, and there are many cutting lines along the lighting strips, which surprised people and unbelievable.
*Single color 5050 led strip light
Led strip lights have countless advantages, long lifespan, easy installation, less energy consumption, material environmental protection, safe and various colors and color temperatures.
• According to the working voltage, the led strip lights can be divided into: Low-voltage led strip lights (5V led strip lights, 12V led strip lights, 24V led strip lights, 36V led strip lights, 48V led strip lights), High-voltage led strip lights (AC110/220V led strip lights). • According to the LED color, the led tape lights can be divided into: Single color led strip lights, Dual white CCT led strip lights, RGB flexible led strip lights, RGBW led strip lights, RGB+CCT led strip lights, Addressable led strip lights. • According to the LED structure, the led rope lights can be divided into: SMD LED, COB LED, Constant current IC, Addressable IC. • According to the luminous way, the led lights strips can be divided into: Side-emitting led strip lights, Top-emitting led strip lights. • According to the waterproof rating, the led strips can be divided into: IP20 led strip lights, IP65 led strip lights, IP67 led strip lights, IP68 led strip lights. • LED light strip accessories: 3M tape, LED connector, LED aluminum channel, LED neon tube |
►Related waterproof IP rating, voltage, and SMD LED knowledge: Top 6 Considerations Before Buying LED Strip Lights
►Related LED color and white light color temperature knowledge:
How to choose the right color for your led strip lights?
The Color Difference Between Warm White 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 6000K Pure White and 7000K Cool White
What is Kelvin color temperature?
Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Addressable LED Strip
►COB VS LED, COB VS SMD: What is COB led lights?
►Knowledge about LED aluminum profile and LED neon lights:
Ultimate Guide on Aluminum Profile for LED Strip Lighting
Where to install led strip lights?
The most common places to install led strip lights at home are bedroom, ceiling, wall, under cabinet, under counter, stairs, kitchen, and bathroom. These places all can be installed led light strips to be lighting lights or atmosphere lights.
Outdoor waterproof led strip lights are normally used in swimming pool, park, roof, steps, etc. Led rope lights can also be installed in offices, factories, supermarket, even in cars.
The installation place of led strips is numerous. As long as the light strip usage rules are met, it can be used anywhere.
►Related LED strip installation knowledge:
How to install led strip lights?
How to connect led strip lights together?
How to install LED motion sensor stair lights?
How do led strip lights work?
When connecting the led strip to a power supply(also called LED driver, LED transformer), current will flow through the strip, and make its light emitting diodes to glow. Note that the current should be within the normal use range of the light strip. The current cannot be too high or too small, too high will burn the led strip, and too small the brightness of led lights will get dark.
Led strip light is marked with positive and negative poles, and it represents led strip need to be connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply to let it work normally.
Generally, led strip lights will tell you what voltage it need. And the voltage is marked in the strip as well. So, if you want to enjoy led rope lights, pay attention to the working voltage. Otherwise, it will be not work.
Wattage power is another important factor to led strips work. If you want to know the wattage of your led lighting strip, it is not marked in the led strip, you have to find led strip specification to see what wattage it use.
*Single color LED strip directly connect to LED driver
*RGB color changing LED lights connect to RGB controller, then connect to LED power supply.
(RGB LED light controller controls RGB color change and LED brightness adjustment, LED transformer supplies power to the RGB controller and the RGB color changing LED strip lighting)
For example, the led strip light above, single color 5050 LED light strip, its working voltage is 12VDC. So that it need a 12VDC power supply. And it requires 90W power supply a roll. Therefore, before putting the LED lighting strip into use, you should prepare an LED power supply whose output voltage is 12VDC and the power sources is 100W.
In addition, when talked about the power of the led power supply, please remember the rule 80%. It means the power of the led transformer is about 1.2 times the power of the led strip. So, the strip light above can choose an LED power supply, which is 12VDC and 100W power sources.
A quick check on the numbers: by the 80% rule a reel that needs 90 W calls for 90 W × 1.2 = 108 W, so pick a power supply rated at 108 W or more rather than stopping at 100 W. Step-by-step sizing: how to calculate power for LED strip lights.
In conclusion, the normal operation of led strip lights is inseparable from the correct working current, voltage and power wattage, and correct wiring.
►Knowledge about led power supply and LED controller:
How to calculate power for led strip lights?
How to choose led strip light power supply?
How to connect led strip to the power supply?
How to choose led strip light controllers?
How long can you run an LED strip?
In general, the length of led rope lights is 5 meters / 16.4 feet a roll. According to the content mentioned above, to make led strips work normally, you must make sure the working current, voltage, wattage and wiring are correct, which are the all important factors. These factors determine how long an led strip you can run.
If your 12V led strip light is 5 meters / 16.4 feet, and your lighting project is 10 meters / 32.8 feet, can you use the 5 meters / 16.4 feet 12V led strip light? The answer is yes. You can use two that led strip with connecting them, and make it a 10 meters / 32.8 feet led strip.
However, as the strip length increases, the power is also increases. If the wattage of strip is 100W, when it becomes 10 meters / 32.8 feet long, the power changes. And it becomes 200W now.
►LED light strip connector: How to choose led strip light connectors?
We have to pay attention to the problem of voltage drop when running super long LED strips. What is voltage drop? Due to the too long length and the insufficient power supply, the light strip will have LED brightness attenuation and white light LED color changes.
The most obvious way to observe whether there is a voltage drop is to turn on the LED lights with white light color. The white light of the light strip gradually turns yellow, and turns to orange and red as the distance increases. This is a typical manifestation of the led voltage drop. Finally, when there is a 100% voltage drop, the LED brightness will disappear.
The solution to solve the LED voltage drop is that to power the led light strip sufficiently. Where the LED white color turns yellow, a separate power supply should be required when running super long LED strip lights.
Actually, there are ultra-long constant current led strip lights in our product lists to make up the LED voltage drop problem. Constant current means that the LED brightness of the long LED light strip is always the same. So the constant current LED strip can make the LED brightness keep the same and at the same time achieve super long running.
We provide 10m/32.8ft, 15 meters/49.2ft, 20 meters/65.6ft, 30 meters/98.4ft, and 50 meters/164ft LED strip length options. You can choose a right ultra-long constant current led strip light for your super long LED lighting project.
If you don’t want your led strip light to be too long, there are some led strip lights that provide a choice of 1meter/3.28 feet as well, or you can contact us to customize the strip length you want.
►Related led light strip wiring diagram about short length LED strip project and ultra long LED lighting project:
How to wire single color led strip lights?
How to wire tunable white/CCT led strip lights?
How to wire RGB color changing led strip lights?
How to wire RGBCCT led strip lights?
How to wire addressable led strips?
How long do LED strip lights last?
The service life of led strip lights can reach to 50,000 hours, which is 5.7 years. However, there is a difference while the using hours are different per day.
Although led strip lights have a very long life, the incorrect use will still reduce the life of the led light strips. In the process of using the led strip light, please make sure that you use it correctly and will not damage the light strip.
Improper bending will cause the LED strip to break and affect the life of the LED strip. LED strips work under non-standard voltage, current, and power, which will also affect their service life. Generally, precautions are marked on the packaging of the led strip light.
If you have any questions, you can search for answers on the Internet or ask for help from others or contact us. Wish you a perfect chemical reaction between you and your led strip lights.
►More knowledge about LED strip lights you need to know:
Is it worth getting led strip lights?
What are the types of led strip lights? Flexible led strip lights VS rigid led strip lights
Shop LED strip kits, power supplies and parts
Complete LED strip kitsKits by color type and use
Single color LED strip light kitsOne-color kits
Multi-color LED strip light kitsColor-changing kits
Weatherproof LED strip light kitsFor outdoor projects
LED stair lights kitsTread strips pre-cut and pre-wired
Ultra-long constant current LED strips10 to 50 m runs
DC12V MW UL-listed power suppliesFor 12V LED strips
DC24V MW UL-listed power suppliesFor 24V LED strips
LED smart controllersDimmers and color controllers
2-pin single color LED strip partsConnectors for one-color stripsTell us where the strip goes, how long the run is and which color type you want, and the SuperLightingLED team will list the strip, power supply, controller and connectors you need. Standard orders such as accessories and controllers ship within 24–48 hours; LED strip orders follow the production lead time shown on the product page. Contact our team · Custom lighting services