What are LED strip lights?
An LED strip light is a flexible circuit board filled with small SMD LEDs, with 3M adhesive on the back, that you can bend and cut to length.
- Types: single color, tunable white (CCT), RGB, RGBW, RGB+CCT and addressable (dream color) LED strips; COB strips; 110/220 V high voltage strips; and LED neon flex.
- Power and control: low-voltage strips run on DC5V, 12V, 24V, 36V or 48V from a power supply of the same voltage; a controller matched to the strip type sets brightness and color.
- Length and waterproofing: cut along the cutting line to your length; choose IP20 for indoor use, IP65 for humid rooms, IP67 for rainy outdoor places and IP68 for pools and yachts.
At SuperLightingLED we supply every type of LED strip covered below. This page is our beginner’s guide: what an LED strip is, the types, how it is powered and controlled, and what makes it different from other lighting.
The LED strip is a diversified combination. The surface of the flexible circuit board that combines a flexible copper substrate, an insulating layer, and a protective layer is filled with light-emitting diodes (SMD LED), and a 3M adhesive is used on the back, the exterior can be wrapped with high-end materials for waterproofing (IP65/67/68).
The LED light strip exists as a single entity, and it can produce the best effect when used in coordination with the LED controller and the LED power supply.
Types of LED strip lights
These are the main types of LED strip lights we supply. The type decides how many pads the strip has at each cut mark and which controller it needs:
| Type | What it is | Pads at the cut | Control it with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single color | One fixed color per strip: warm white (2700-3500K), neutral white (4000-4500K), daylight white (6000-6500K), amber, red, green, blue and more. Our single white strips reach CRI 98. | 2: + and - | Straight from the power supply, or a single color dimmer |
| COB | Chip on board: the COB chip and fluorescent film are packaged directly on the PCB; the smallest LED we offer. Made as white, single color, tunable white, RGB, RGBW, RGB+CCT and addressable COB strips; cut only at the printed mark every 25-50 mm. | Same pads as an SMD strip of the same type, but narrower: use COB connectors | The controller for its color type, as for SMD strips |
| Tunable white (CCT) | Two whites on one strip, warm white + natural white or pure white + warm white; the controller mixes them, set from 2700 K to 6500 K on the remote. | 3: V+, WW, CW | CCT (dual white) controller |
| RGB | 3-in-1 LED chip of red, green and blue that mixes colors; a four channel LED strip. | 4: V+, R, G, B | RGB controller |
| RGBW | Red, green and blue plus a white LED; a five channel LED strip. | 5: V+, R, G, B, W | RGBW controller |
| RGB+CCT (RGBWW) | Red, green and blue plus warm white and cool white; a six channel LED strip. | 6: V+, R, G, B, CW, WW | RGB+CCT controller (an RGBW controller cannot drive it properly) |
| Addressable (dream color) | Each LED group is programmable for chasing effects: one LED per group on DC5V, three on DC12V, six on DC24V. Most chips are SMD5050; data travels one way, so feed the strip at the IN end. | 3 on single-signal strips (V+, DIN, GND); 4 on dual-signal strips | Addressable (SPI) controller |
| High voltage 110/220 V | Plugs into the mains through a rectifier, no separate power supply; up to 50 m from one feed (some types 100 m). Cut only at the 50 cm or 100 cm mark. High voltage RGB is not addressable. | 2-pin plug (single color), 4-pin plug (RGB) | High voltage controller; a TRIAC wall dimmer only for strips marked TRIAC dimmable |
| LED neon flex | An LED strip inside a silicone sleeve for neon-style signs and curves; made as single color, RGB, addressable, 360 degree and high voltage neon. Minimum bend radius 10 cm, never bend it flat-wise. | As the LED strip inside | The controller for the strip inside (single color, RGB or addressable) |
Not sure which white? See what is color temperature. Choosing a pixel strip? See the guide to choosing the right addressable LED strip. Making a sign? See how to make LED neon lights.
How LED strips are powered and controlled
- Power supply. Low-voltage strips need a power supply with the same output voltage, rated 20-30% above the strip’s watts: how to choose an LED strip power supply, how to connect it, how to calculate the power. 110/220 V strips plug straight into the mains.
- Controller. It sits between the power supply and the strip and must match the strip type (last column above): how to choose LED strip light controllers.
- Cutting and connectors. Cut only at the cut marks, then join pieces or add wire with a connector of the same pad count and width: can you cut LED light strips, how to choose connectors, how to connect LED strip lights.
- Installation. How to install LED strip lights step by step, with our LED strip wiring diagrams for every strip type.
SMD LED size
As one of the most comprehensive suppliers in the world, we provide the most comprehensive SMD LED. Including COB, 020SMD, 335SMD, 2110SMD, 2216SMD, 3014SMD, 2835SMD, 3528SMD, 5050SMD, 5630SMD, 5730SMD.
At present, the brightest product we provide uses SMD5730; the smallest LED uses COB chip on board, COB LED combined with COB chip and fluorescent film LED chip is directly packaged on PCB. COB is one of our superior products and is committed to developing products that customers will receive.
Currently, we provide multiple single colors led strip, CCT /RGB /RGBW /Addressable RGB led strip light; the densest single row of LEDs is SMD2110 (except COB), and the maximum density can achieve 700LEDs/ m. If you have a soft spot for multi-row products, SMD2835 and SMD3528 are good choices.
Almost all SMD2110/SMD2216/SMD3014 can achieve no light spot, but their LED size and maximum density are different. As a basic chip, SMD5050 has a wide range of applications. Most of the chips for addressable light strips are packaged in SMD5050 components, it is one of the most popular products, it is evenly matched with SMD5630 in terms of brightness.
The difference between all the SMD LEDs, you can find the related knowledge parts of this article.
Shop by LED chip: SMD2110 · SMD2216 · SMD3014 · SMD2835 · SMD3528 · SMD5050 · SMD5630 · SMD5730, or COB LED strips.
Features of LED strip lights
What sets LED strip lights apart from other lighting, one feature at a time: energy use, brightness, color, color rendering, lifespan and flexibility, working temperature, waterproofing, beam angle, length and safety.
Low energy consumption
LED strips can convert 80% of electrical energy into light energy. When the LED light source absorbs electrical power, it converts the electrical energy into light energy, electrical energy and infrared radiation.
The LED strip does not produce infrared radiation, and the heat generated by a single LED is small enough, 80% of the light energy is converted into light energy, and the rest is converted into heat energy.
How much heat can LEDs generate? You'll find your answer in the article about whether the led light strips are safe.
| Lumens | LED strip light | Incandescent light |
| 3600LM | 25-28W | 150W |
| 1600LM | 16.-20W | 100W |
| 1100LM | 9-13W | 75W |
| 800LM | 8-12W | 60W |
| 450LM | 6-9W | 40W |
High Lumens (Luminous Flux)
A measure of the total amount of visible light emitted per unit of source time. Most of the light emitted by the LED light source is invisible, the range of visible light is defined as the wavelength between 400 (ultraviolet) and 700nm (infrared), the luminous efficiency of a single LED is high, and the power is lower than the ordinary LED light under the same light output conditions, and the power consumption of the LED strip is lower.
| Lighting tasks | Recommended Lumens |
| Accent lighting (Stairs, Swim Pool) | 150-250LM/Ft |
| Nearby working lighting (Cabinet) | 175-550LM/Ft |
| Long-distance task lighting (Ceiling) | 350-1200LM/Ft |
| Indirect lighting (Backlight) | 375-1200LM/Ft |
| Sign (Hoarding) | 500-1200LM/Ft |
Luminous color
In the optional direction of static color change: we provide warm white(2700-3500K);Neutral White(4000-4500K);Daylight White(6000-6500K); Amber; Red; Green; Blue; Yellow; Orange; Tiffany Blue; Marrs Green ; Plastic Pink etc and multiple single color optional
• CCT: warm white + Natural white; pure white + warm white ⇒ CCT tunable white LED strip lights • RGB: 3in1 LED chip integrated by red, green and blue, which is a four channels LED light strip ⇒ RGB color changing led lights strip • RGBW: integrated by red, green, blue, and white, and is a five channels LED strip light. ⇒ RGB+White led strip lights • RGBWW: integrated by red, green, blue, warm white, daily white and is a six channels LED strips. ⇒ RGB+CCT color changing led strip lights • In terms of dynamic color change, we provide Dream Color LED strip light, DC5V single LED group is programmable; DC12V, three LEDs are programmable; DC24V, six LEDs are programmable, coordinated with the controller to achieve such effects. ⇒ Addressable led strips |
To learn about addressable dream color led light strips, click this link to the article.
Meanwhile, you can look at our video to get an intuitive understanding about your preferred led color.
High CRI (Color rendering index)
The spectrum of the light source determines CRI. The object's color under the LED light source is compared with the color under natural light, and 0-100 is used as a score to measure the color rendering of different LED colors.
At present, we usually measure CRI by the restoration degree of scene color under a white lighting environment, the color rendering index of the single white color LED strip light in our product is as high as 98.
Long life and good flexibility
Unlike traditional LED lights, LED lights to produce light with current passing through semiconductors, and metal wires are used in ordinary LEDs.
LED light strips can convert more electrical energy into light energy, and the energy consumption is small so that LED strip light can extend the life span up to 50,000 hours.
You can bend it at a suitable angle at will, and LED strip light can restore it to its original state very well.
But do you know the difference between the flexible led strips and the rigid led strips lights?
Low dependence on the working environment
LED light strips are made of high-quality PCB materials with an external protective layer, which can work at -20~60°C. At present, the LEDs we provide can be as narrow as 3mm, which can meet all the needs of ultra-narrow spaces.
Custom waterproof level
IP20 (bare board light strip): Non-waterproof naked board light strip is only suitable for indoor use, avoid placing the light strip in a humid environment, avoid placing it with metal, damaging the LED components, and causing short circuit during the use of the light strip, Conductivity and other issues.
IP65 (epoxy resin wrap): solves the trouble of IP20 light strips, can be placed in a humid indoor environment, epoxy resin wrap can be wind and dustproof. Do not place the light strip outdoors. The IP65 light strip can only be splash-proof. Excessive rain will cause problems such as a short circuit of the light strip.
IP67 (silica gel sleeve, heat shrinkable tube package): suitable for the rainy outdoor environment, the tail is sealed with translucent glue to avoid placing the light strip in water to soak.
IP68 (waterproof plastic package): IP68 is the highest waterproof grade, IP68 light strip, can be placed in outdoor hot (<80°C), cold environment (>-20°C), suitable for decoration on yachts, swimming pools, Internal lighting and so on.
Beam angle
The narrow beam angle of 25 degrees is called the spot. A wider beam angle of 60 degrees is called a flood beam, and an even wider beam is called a broad flood beam, brighter downlights with more overall beam angles are very suitable for living rooms and bedrooms.
LED light strips can better meet this demand, the beam angle of 120/180 degrees can radiate to a larger area, and the light is evenly dispersed. There is no too bright or too dark light, which is very suitable for indoor reading and work.
Custom length
The LED light strip is cuttable, and it can be cut smoothly along the cutting line to reach the desired size. You can customize the length of your own according to the needs of the room layout.
Safe and harmless
We currently provide DC5/12/24/36/48 light strips to choose from. Are led strip lights safe? The most significant feature of low-voltage light strips is safety, stability, high efficiency, and harmless to the human body.
Correct use of LED lights with soft range to control our sleep cycle; correct exposure is essential to maintain our circadian rhythm.
Different lighting is used in different scenes. In the rest area, you should choose a wide beam focusing and moderate brightness lighting. White/Orange light can match the kitchen, which can brighten the environment and restore the color of food to a high degree, bathroom lighting can use warm white LED strip light.
Maybe you need this: How to choose the right color for your led strip lights? What's the color difference?
LED strip installation and wiring guides
*What you need to know about led strip installation for those who want to purchase the led strip:
How to connect two light strips together?
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?
Also useful: how to install LED strip lights, how to connect an LED strip to the power supply and LED strip wiring diagrams for every strip type.
LED strip lights FAQ
What are LED strip lights?
A flexible circuit board, made of a flexible copper substrate, an insulating layer and a protective layer, filled with SMD LEDs, with 3M adhesive on the back. The outside can be wrapped for waterproofing (IP65/67/68). An LED strip works best together with an LED controller and an LED power supply.
What types of LED strip lights are there?
Single color; tunable white (CCT) with two whites; RGB (four channels); RGBW (five channels); RGB+CCT (six channels); and addressable dream color strips whose LED groups are programmable. There are also COB LED strips, 110/220V high voltage strips and LED neon flex.
What do I need to power an LED strip?
A low-voltage strip (DC5V, 12V, 24V, 36V or 48V) needs a power supply with the same voltage, rated 20-30% above the strip wattage, plus a controller if you want dimming or color control. A 110/220V high voltage strip plugs into the mains through a rectifier and needs no separate power supply.
Are LED strip lights waterproof?
It depends on the IP rating. IP20 bare board strips are for indoor use only. IP65 (epoxy resin) is splash-proof for humid indoor rooms. IP67 (silicone sleeve or heat shrink tube) suits rainy outdoor locations. IP68 is the highest grade, for yachts, swimming pools and similar.
How long do LED strip lights last?
Up to 50,000 hours. LED strips can convert 80% of electrical energy into light, and the small energy consumption extends their life span.
Shop LED strip lights by type
Single color LED strip lightsWhites and single colors
Flexible COB LED strip lightsChip on board
Dual white CCT dimmable LED stripsTunable white
RGB flexible LED strip lightsColor changing, 4 pads
RGBW LED strip lightsRGB plus white, 5 pads
RGB+CCT LED strip lightsRGB plus two whites, 6 pads
Addressable LED strip lightsDream color, chasing effects
AC110/220V LED strip lightsPlug into the mains
LED neon strip lightsSigns and curves
Outdoor LED strip lightsIP67 and IP68Tell us where the light goes, how long the run is and how you want to control it, and the SuperLightingLED team will match the strip, power supply, controller and connectors. 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
