How to Choose and Buy LED Strip System Products for Your Custom Projects?

No two LED strip lighting projects are exactly alike. Your space, your design, and your requirements dictate the specific strips, controllers, and power supplies you need. We offer more than just products—we provide flexible LED lighting solutions tailored to meet the challenges of diverse projects. Whether it’s color, brightness, size, or control methods, we deliver expert recommendations and custom services based on your specific application and LED usage goals, ensuring light seamlessly integrates with your environment.

If You Haven’t Found Your Ideal Strip Yet – How to Choose the Right LED Strip Type?

SuperLightingLED offers our customers an extensive selection of LED strip products. As you can see, each strip light category features numerous products within the same series, differing in aspects like LED density, PCB design, or voltage. To find the perfect LED light strip for your project among these categories and products, please answer the following questions in sequence.

Question 1: high-voltage LED or low-voltage LED?

Faced with a dazzling array of LED strips, you might feel overwhelmed. The first decision is whether to use a high-voltage or low-voltage system.

For residential use, we recommend low-voltage lighting systems (LEDs are powered by an adapter that converts dangerous high voltage to low voltage suitable for LED operation).

High-voltage systems are only recommended for outdoor landscape lighting projects in areas inaccessible to people (High-voltage LEDs are protected by the waterproof material and come with an AC plug for direct connection to household outlet).

Which voltage for low-voltage LED strips?

We recommend selecting the voltage based on the required lighting length for your project.

• 5-volt: DIY projects under 2 meters/pcs
• 12-volt: Automotive/marine lighting projects under 5 meters/pcs, or general household lighting projects
• 24-volt: Residential and commercial lighting projects under 10 meters/pcs ( Both ends of the >5m light strip typically require power input. )
• 36-volt: Industrial projects under 15-30 meters/pcs
• 48-volt: Large-scale projects under 20-30 meters/pcs

Low-voltage LED strips require a power supply with stable, consistent voltage output (same as the LEDs). Directly powering low-voltage strips with 110V will burn them out. Due to voltage drop limitations caused by strip length, using a single power supply and controller to power all low-voltage strip lights is impractical. Firstly, such high-wattage power supplies and controllers are unlikely to exist. Secondly, connecting multiple LED rolls in series will inevitably cause significant voltage drop. Therefore, please consider these factors comprehensively.

Question 2: do you want continuous, consistent light?

The next decision directly impacts the visual quality of your tape lighting. Do you desire light that flows uniformly and seamlessly, completely free of graininess? This is the core distinction between COB and SMD technology.

Simply put: COB (Chip-on-Board) integrates numerous tiny LED chips directly onto a single circuit board, creating a continuous, uniform light-emitting surface. SMD (Surface-Mounted Device) places individually packaged LED chips onto the circuit board. This is the most common form of LED strips; the model number (e.g., 2835, 5050) indicates the chip size.

Typically, when users are unsure which light strip to choose, we recommend COB light strips. As a type of LED light strip, COB offers an extensive range of product specifications covering all common light colors and diverse application scenarios.

SMD individual LED beads can appear somewhat dim at low densities, and distinguishing between numerous SMD models can indeed be challenging. Opting for COB LED strips simplifies matters significantly.

COB strips are renowned for their high density, delivering more uniform and brighter illumination; the onboard chip also enhances the flexibility of the strip’s application.

Question 3: what light color do you want?

Once you’ve determined the power system and LED type suitable for your project, the next focus is on the expressiveness of the light—choosing just the right light color. If you’re not yet clear on the differences and variations among the many light color types, please first read our articles on LED color temperature, color, and wavelength.

Below is detailed information we provide regarding LED strip color temperature, color options, and special wavelengths to help you select the most suitable lighting color for your project:

Additional specific requirements for LED strip lights

If your lighting requires waterproofing, no problem—we’ve included waterproof rating options for each product. Select the appropriate waterproof strip light based on your location, or browse our full range of waterproof strip lights.

Installation space is too tight for larger fixtures? Go directly to our ultra-narrow strip light series or addressable ultra-narrow series.

Looking to install basic lumen lighting in outdoor corridors or commercial spaces? We recommend our oversized aluminum profiles for embedding or suspending from ceilings, allowing light to illuminate the space from top to bottom.

Generally, the more LEDs configured, the higher the lumens and brightness. If your project has strict lumen management requirements, choose the densest LED configuration possible within your specifications.

Question 4: does your LED tape require a diffuser to optimize light distribution?

When selecting LED lighting, both light quality and distribution are equally important. Even with the ideal LED type chosen, overly concentrated or uneven light distribution can compromise overall illumination effectiveness and visual comfort.

Light optimization solutions for LED light strips primarily revolve around two core components: flexible silicone diffusers and professional aluminum profiles. Their selection directly determines the final light quality and project completion.

For more specific information on silicone light diffusers and aluminum LED profiles, please read: Best Guide To Know Silicone LED Diffuser & Ultimate Guide on Aluminum Profile for LED Strip Lighting.

We’ve been talking about how to make the light look better with external diffusers. But what if you want the LED strip itself to give off a super even and soft light, and you’re looking for a super simple, all-in-one installation experience that looks clean and seamless? That’s where lensed LED strips come in.

Lens LED strips build upon standard SMD strips by individually encapsulating each LED chip with an optical lens cover. This lens is no longer a simple “diffuser cover” but a precision-engineered optical component whose core function is to precisely control and shape the light.

Through optical lens diffusion, LEDs can achieve a wide beam angle of 160°-180°. Even with standard LED spacing (density), these wide-angle lens strips can create uniform illumination comparable to higher-density strips, making them particularly suitable for use in channels.

Product Confirmed – How Do I Purchase the Custom Length for My LED Strip?

Don’t worry—this is a very common situation! It’s normal for standard LED strip roll lengths (e.g., 5 meters per roll) to not match your project’s exact requirements. Fortunately, with proper cutting and splicing, you can easily combine standard products to achieve any desired length. Here are the solutions specifically designed for your scenario.

Solution 1: do it yourself

Suppose you’ve selected a 5-meter roll of LED strip, but your project requires one 3-meter and one 7-meter section. You can:

1. Purchase two 5-meter rolls.
2. Cut one roll at the 3-meter mark to obtain one 3-meter and one 2-meter section.
3. Join the 2-meter piece to the 5-meter piece using soldering or quick connectors. (Not all LED strips support solderless connectors. If a specific strip cannot use connectors, we will indicate this on the product detail page. The PCB width of the connector must match the PCB width of the light strip.)

Choosing this approach requires:

• Basic DIY skills and electrical knowledge.
• Purchasing all materials independently, including LED strips, connectors, and tools.
• Assuming responsibility for potential damage or poor performance due to improper connections.
• Investing time and effort into research and execution.

One crucial point to note: If your custom length is very short, the LED strip may not support cutting to that specific dimension. For example, COB strips are cut at 31.25mm (1.23 inches), so you would only get a 187.5mm (7.38-inch) strip instead of 120mm (4.72 inches).

Solution 2: let us customize the finished product for you

If you wish to avoid all the hassle and receive a perfectly matched, ready-to-use finished product, our professional customization service is your best choice. Simply tell us the required LED length and product model, and we’ll handle everything for you. Below is a custom motion-sensing stair lighting system we designed for our client:

We never use loose solderless connectors for custom light tapes. Instead, we employ industrial-grade soldering techniques to create permanent, stable, low-resistance connections between segments, eliminating voltage drop issues by design. Every custom light strip undergoes a power-on test before shipping.

For custom products, we offer a 2-year warranty. Contact us with any questions upon receiving your custom order. Our online chat is available 24/7, or email Daisy ([email protected]) and Violet ([email protected]). We are not responsible for any issues caused by human error or misuse.

Is there a fee for our customization service?

If your custom order is fewer than 3 strips, we charge no additional fees. Simply add all required items to your cart. For orders exceeding 3 strips, a customization fee applies per strip. Significant bulk orders may qualify for discounts based on volume.

For customers purchasing both LED strips and neon silicone tubes, we offer complimentary neon light assembly (requires notification; excludes custom lengths and is limited to tube insertion service only).

I added aluminum profiles to my cart that need to match my custom light strip length. Can you cut them for me? Absolutely. We offer aluminum profile cutting services (one service per strip). We can not only cut the profiles to your exact length but also trim them at specific angles to fit your desired design.

I’d like to specify the cable specifications for the LED strips

Absolutely! You can specify the cable specifications for your LED strips based on your needs. After selecting the appropriate connectors (DC connectors, DuPont connectors, terminal connectors, JST SM connectors, etc.) or extension cables (parallel cables, waterproof cables, sheathed cables, etc.) for your strips, add them to your cart.

Take our 10-meter COB LED strip as an example. Suppose you need 2 strips of 3 meters (9.84 feet) and 3 strips of 7 meters (23 feet), and you want each strip to have a DC female connector at one end. Your cart should look like this:

We recommend selecting based on product length for greater cost efficiency. Your total requirement is 2×3 + 3×7 (27 meters). Please purchase 3 x 10-meter strips directly. We will include the remaining 3 meters as a spare.

Since you’ve customized 5 strips total, add 5 soldering fees to your cart. Finally, to avoid unnecessary errors, please specify in the notes section any additional actions you’d like us to perform, such as: Please make 2 x 3-meter and 3 x 7-meter COB light strips. Each strip should have a DC female connector on one end and a plugged end on the other.

At checkout, you can pay via PayPal or bank transfer. We offer free worldwide shipping on orders over $299 USD. For US customers using tax-free shipping channels, we will adjust shipping fees based on your address. Shipping timelines depend on the inventory status of your purchased products. If in stock, your order will ship the same day. If production is required, it typically takes 3-7 days (excluding shipping time).

Controlling LED Strip Lights – How to Choose a Controller?

Controlling LED strip lights primarily involves two approaches, depending on whether you want to adjust the color and brightness states of the LED strip via a controller or through the power supply. This directly determines your user experience, functional limits, and installation costs.

Control type: dimmable via power supply or controller?

• Dimming via Power Supply/Driver: Commands originate from traditional wall-mounted knobs or slider dimmer switches. The power supply/driver interprets these commands and alters the output current to regulate brightness. (The power supply must support dimming functionality.)

LED strip lighting → Dimmable LED driver → Light Switch, Remote Control, Mobile APP (the control method depends on the driver type)

• Dimming via LED Controller: Commands originate from a dedicated controller. The power supply solely provides stable voltage, while the controller modulates brightness by rapidly switching the circuit at extremely high frequencies.

LED strip lighting → LED Controller → LED Power Supply (the controller features built-in buttons/knobs/touch or wireless remote control functionality)

Electrical parameter selection

For the custom project illustrated above, the 10-meter COB light strip consumes 12 watts per meter. Two 3-meter strips and three 7-meter strips will consume a total of 27 × 12 = 324 watts, requiring a power supply and controller rated for at least 388.8 watts. Unsure how to calculate? We’ve prepared a detailed power calculation guide for you. Please note: The voltage of the power supply and controller must match the voltage of the light strip.

Total LED Strip Length (in meters) * Strip Wattage (per meter) = Total Strip Power
Power Supply Capacity = Total Strip Power * 1.2 or higher

Since the strip operates at 12V, if using a smart driver to control the entire setup, it must be rated at 12V 33A (400W) or higher. Drivers with such high dimming capacity are rare; our current maximum offerings are 150W smart drivers and 300W dimming drivers. Therefore, if a single power supply cannot drive all LED strips, you will need to use multiple power supplies as a compromise.

For high-power controllers, a 12V 32.4A controller is required to handle 388.8W. However, our current largest controllers only support currents up to 20A, 25A, 30A, or 32A. We consistently recommend leaving a 20% margin for both LED controllers and power supplies to ensure long-term reliability.

When a single dimmable power supply or controller cannot handle all LED strips, you must consider multiple power circuits. Alternatively, you can forgo the dimming function—simply turn the LED strip lights on and off. This allows you to power all light strips using just one 12V 450W power supply. However, this approach only works for single-color LED strips, as color-changing light strips require a separate device to control the LED colors. (A single LED power supply has a maximum capacity of 3000 watts.)

Centralized control or independent control

When planning multiple LED strip circuits, your control strategy is the primary consideration: Do you want all tape lights to operate in unison, or do you prefer independent control for different zones?

If you intend to control all strips via a single remote or app, first verify that your selected smart controller supports simultaneous control of the maximum number of devices.

Returning to the earlier example, neither a dimmable power supply solution nor a controller+power supply solution can drive all 2 x 3m and 3 x 7m LED strips simultaneously. Therefore, you must divide them into separate circuit sections.

Since this COB strip has a 10-meter no-voltage-drop capability, you can divide them into three separate circuit groups: e.g., one 3-meter and one 7-meter strip (Group A), one 3-meter and one 7-meter strip (Group B), and one 7-meter strip (Group C). Each group requires only one dimmable power supply or a controller + power supply unit, eliminating the need for additional power points for the light strips.

To control all three groups simultaneously, you need: 1 large power supply, 3 controllers, and 1 remote control or app to pair with these three controllers.

To control the three groups separately, you need: 3 small power supplies, 3 controllers, and 3 remote controls or other control devices (or 1 multi-zone remote control in 100ft).

How to Power LED Strips Based on Your Groups?

Although each group requires its own controller, with sufficient power supply, you can choose one or multiple power sources to supply power to the controllers and LED strips within these groups.

Power supply selection: plug-in, hard-wired, or rechargeable battery?

Choosing the right power supply for your LED strip lighting project involves balancing “permanence of installation,” “ease of setup,” and “professional reliability.” Plug-in adapters, hard-wired industrial power supplies, and rechargeable batteries represent three distinct design philosophies and user experiences.

Plug-and-play plug-in adapters

The core value of plug-in adapters lies in their ultimate convenience and safety. Essentially a complete “external power appliance,” their greatest advantage is eliminating the psychological barrier and operational risks associated with handling mains electricity. No electrical knowledge is required—simply find an outlet, plug it in, and illuminate your strip lights, just like charging a phone.

However, its power output is typically capped at 50W@5V, 252W@12V, 280W@24V, limiting its ability to drive large-scale or high-brightness lighting projects. While the Plug-in Adapter is the most universal entry-level option, it is often the component professional users eventually upgrade.

Professional and reliable hard-wired industrial power supplies

Hard-wired industrial power supplies (represented by Mean Well) are professional solutions engineered for ultimate performance and long-term reliability. Choosing them means accepting a higher initial installation cost (potentially requiring an electrician), but in return, you gain lasting stability and peace of mind.

Their metal casings deliver exceptional heat dissipation, engineered for 24/7 continuous operation with a lifespan far exceeding plastic-cased adapters. They are the definitive choice for all major home renovation projects (such as whole-house recessed lighting designs, kitchen cabinet lighting), commercial space illumination, and any scenario demanding stringent stability and aesthetic standards.

Wireless freedom rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable battery solutions completely shatter the traditional notion that “light strips must be wired,” ushering in a new era of fully wireless mobile lighting. Their significance lies not in replacing existing options, but in pioneering entirely new application areas.

Use it to overcome the frustration of spaces without pre-wired power sources (like the interior of a finished cabinet), or bring light to unexpected places: setting the mood in a camping tent, enhancing safety with warning lights while cycling, creating impromptu decorations at parties, or even as a portable reading lamp.

However, this freedom comes at a slight cost: you’ll need to accept a minor compromise in brightness stability and remember to recharge it regularly.

For more LED strip control wiring diagrams, please refer to the following:

Single color led strip wiring diagram

CCT tunable white led strip wiring diagram

RGB led strip wiring diagram

RGBW led strip wiring diagram

RGBCW led strip wiring diagram

Addressable led strip wiring diagram

Can SuperLightingLED customize the entire project for users?

Certainly! SuperLightingLED offers far more than just products—we provide a one-stop solution from concept to illumination. With our extensive project experience, we can deeply engage in your entire planning process. This includes selecting the right LED strip type for you, precisely calculating and customizing strip lengths, specifying the most convenient control method based on your usage habits (such as apps, remote controls, or smart home integration), and handling every detail—from wiring to connectors.

We offer the industry’s most comprehensive product ecosystem, featuring over 2,000 types of LED strips and 2,000 compatible controllers. With more than 6,000 product listings and tens of thousands of SKUs, our platform represents one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of LED lighting solutions. This unparalleled selection ensures that we can meet any project requirement, from simple accent lighting to complex commercial installations, all while maintaining perfect compatibility between every component.

Ultimately, you won’t need to grapple with complex wiring or compatibility issues. We pre-configure and thoroughly test all components, packaging them into a truly “plug-and-play” complete kit. What you receive isn’t a collection of loose parts, but a finished product ready for installation right out of the box—delivering the exact results you envisioned the moment it’s set up. Your worries are completely eliminated.

90% of our customers are based in the United States. We take pride in our repeat purchase rate exceeding 50%, which fully demonstrates the richness of our product line, the reliability of our quality, and the professionalism of our service. Choosing us means choosing trusted global quality.