LED strips: types, uses, and how to choose the best one | The ultimate guide

The popularity of LED strips has grown exponentially due to their ability to combine energy efficiency, installation flexibility, and advanced control capabilities. This technical article provides a comprehensive overview of LED strips, analyzing their operating principles, construction features, performance parameters, and professional installation procedures.

Anatomy of an LED strip: components and construction

To fully understand the operation and potential of an LED strip, it is essential to examine its internal structure and constituent components.

Substrate and flexible printed circuit

The core of an LED strip is the flexible printed circuit (FPC), typically made of polyimide material or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) with a thickness ranging from 0.1mm to 0.3mm. This substrate hosts copper conductive traces, usually 1–2 oz thick (35–70μm), which distribute electrical power to the LEDs.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

LEDs are the active elements of the strip. The construction characteristics of LEDs significantly impact final performance:

Current-limiting resistors

Each segment of the LED strip includes current-limiting resistors, which are essential to ensure proper LED operation and prevent overload. The resistance value is calculated based on the supply voltage, LED forward voltage drop, and desired operating current.

Protective coating and encapsulation systems

Protection of electronic components is ensured by multiple layers of protective material:

Types of LED strips: technical classification

LED strips can be classified according to various technical criteria that determine their performance characteristics and application fields.

Classification by LED technology

LED strips can be categorized by multiple parameters, one of which is the type of LED chip mounted on the strip.

SMD (surface mount device)

SMD strips represent the most common technology for general applications. LEDs are soldered directly onto the PCB surface, ensuring a low profile and excellent thermal dissipation.

COB (Chip On Board)

COB technology represents the evolution of traditional LED strips. In this configuration, multiple LED dies are mounted directly onto the substrate and covered with a single phosphor layer, creating a continuous and uniform light source.

CSP (Chip Scale Package)

CSP technology represents the cutting edge in LED integration. Chips are packaged nearly at the same size as the die itself, almost entirely eliminating traditional interconnect materials.

Classification by color configuration

A second key parameter defining an LED strip is the color of the emitted light, which can be monochromatic or multicolored.

Monochromatic LED strips

Monochromatic strips use LEDs of a single color, typically white at various color temperatures. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and determines the emitted light's hue.

RGB and RGBW LED strips

RGB strips combine red (R), green (G), and blue (B) LEDs to generate a wide color gamut through additive color mixing. RGBW strips include an additional white channel to improve white rendering and increase luminous efficiency in white mode.

Tunable white LED strips

Tunable White (or Dim-to-Warm) strips combine LEDs of different color temperatures (typically 2700K and 6500K), allowing continuous adjustment of white light from warm to cool. This technology is especially valued in applications requiring circadian rhythm adaptation.

Classification by supply voltage

Another critical factor—once the maximum strip length has been determined—is the required supply voltage.

12V LED strips

12V strips are the standard for DIY and decorative lighting. They offer the advantage of higher electrical safety and the availability of affordable power supplies.

24V LED strips

24V strips are preferred for professional installations and high-power-density applications. Higher voltage reduces voltage drop, enabling power run lengths up to 10 meters with acceptable losses.

48V and high-voltage LED strips

High-voltage strips (48V, 120V, 240V) are used in industrial and commercial applications where long runs without intermediate power points are required.

Technical and performance parameters

Evaluating an LED strip's performance requires analysis of numerous technical parameters that determine suitability for specific applications.

Electrical parameters

There are six key electrical parameters to consider:

Operating voltage (V_f)

The nominal operating voltage of the LED strip, typically 12V, 24V, or 48V for low-voltage applications, and 120V/240V for high-voltage strips.

Operating current

The current drawn by the LED strip, measured in amperes (A) or milliamperes (mA). This parameter is essential for correctly sizing the power supply and connection cables.

Electrical power

The electrical power consumed by the LED strip, calculated as voltage multiplied by current (P = V × I), expressed in watts (W) per linear meter or for the total length.

Energy efficiency (lm/W)

Energy efficiency represents the ratio of luminous flux emitted to electrical power consumed, measured in lumens per watt (lm/W). Quality LED strips typically range from 100 to 180 lm/W.

Photometric parameters

There are four main photometric parameters:

Luminous flux (lumens)

Luminous flux measures the total amount of light emitted by the source in all directions, regardless of spatial distribution. It is measured in lumens (lm) and often specified per linear meter of LED strip.

Luminous intensity (candela)

Luminous intensity describes the amount of light emitted in a specific direction, measured in candelas (cd). This parameter is especially important for LED strips with secondary optics.

Illuminance (lux)

Illuminance measures the amount of light falling on a surface, expressed in lux (lx). 1 lux equals 1 lumen per square meter. Illuminance depends on distance and angle between source and surface.

Luminous distribution

Luminous distribution describes how light is emitted into the surrounding space. Standard LED strips typically have a 120° emission angle, though secondary lenses can modify this angle.

Chromatic parameters

We can identify three key chromatic parameters:

Correlated color temperature (CCT)

CCT describes the color appearance of light emitted by a source, expressed in Kelvin (K). Lower values (2700K–3000K) correspond to warm light, medium values (3500K–4500K) to neutral light, and higher values (5000K–6500K) to cool light.

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

CRI measures a light source’s ability to faithfully reproduce object colors compared to a reference source. CRI is expressed as Ra on a scale from 0 to 100, where 100 represents perfect rendering.

Extended Color Rendering Index (R9)

Beyond standard CRI (Ra), R9 is important—it specifically measures saturated red rendering. An R9 value above 50 is generally acceptable for quality applications, while values above 90 are required for critical uses.

Reliability and lifetime parameters

Reliability and lifetime can also be quantified by specific parameters, though these must be evaluated in the context of the installation environment.

Useful lifetime (L70, L80, L90)

The useful lifetime of an LED strip is defined as the time after which luminous flux drops to a specified percentage of its initial value (typically 70%, 80%, or 90%). Quality LED strips have an L70 lifetime ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 hours.

Operating temperatures

LED strips typically operate between –20°C and +40°C for standard models and –40°C to +60°C for industrial versions. Maintaining optimal junction temperatures is crucial for performance and longevity.

Ingress Protection (IP) Rating

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating classifies an LED strip’s resistance to solid and liquid ingress. The following table shows common IP ratings:

Power and control systems

Proper power supply and control of LED strips are essential to ensure performance, reliability, and long-term durability.

LED strip power supplies

Let’s now review the types of power supplies compatible with LED strips.

Power supply types

LED strip power supplies can be classified by construction technology and operational characteristics:

Power supply sizing

Correct power supply sizing is essential for optimal operation and system longevity. The power supply rating should be calculated as:

Control systems

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controllers

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is the most common method for controlling LED strip brightness. This technique adjusts luminosity by varying the duty cycle of the control signal, keeping current constant during active pulses.

RGB and RGBW strip controllers

Color-variable strip controllers manage multiple independent channels—typically 3 for RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and 4 for RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White). Common control protocols include:

Intelligent control systems

Advanced control systems integrate features such as scheduling, occupancy sensors, daylight-responsive dimming, and integration with building automation systems (KNX, BACnet, LonWorks).

Professional installation and practical considerations

Correct LED strip installation is crucial for optimal performance, safety, and long-term durability. This section outlines procedures and technical considerations for professional installation.

Surface preparation

Before installing an LED strip, the mounting surface must be prepared to ensure both secure adhesion and long-term reliability.

Surface requirements

The installation surface must be:

• clean: free of dust, grease, moisture, and residues that could compromise adhesion
• smooth: uneven surfaces can cause pressure points and reduce adhesive effectiveness
• dry: residual moisture can impair bonding and promote corrosion
• dimensionally stable: materials with high thermal expansion can stress the LED strip

Chemical surface preparation

To maximize adhesion, it is advisable to treat the surface with:

• degreaser: isopropyl alcohol (IPA) ≥70% to remove oily residues
• primer: adhesive primers for difficult substrates (PP, PE, PTFE)
• activators: chemicals that increase the material’s surface energy

Power planning

Regarding power supply, it’s important to evaluate potential voltage drops—unless the LED strip features constant-current chips.

Voltage drop calculation

Voltage drop along the LED strip and power cables can compromise performance. To calculate voltage drop:

Power configurations

Depending on total installation length, different power configurations can be used:

Installation procedure

Let’s now examine the steps for installing an LED strip.

Cutting the LED strip

LED strips can only be cut at designated points, marked with a line and scissor symbols. Each cut point includes solder pads for electrical connection.

Connecting segments

LED strip segments can be connected using:

• clip connectors: quick, solder-free solution—ideal for temporary installations
• soldering: permanent and reliable—requires specific skills
• pre-assembled connector cables: professional solution for complex installations

Thermal management

Importance of thermal dissipation

Proper thermal management is essential to:

• maintain luminous efficiency
• ensure chromatic stability
• extend LED lifespan
• prevent premature material degradation

Aluminum profiles for heat dissipation

For high-power applications or high-temperature environments, it is advisable to use aluminum profiles specifically designed for LED strips. These profiles offer:

Maintenance and troubleshooting

A preventive maintenance program and the ability to diagnose common issues are essential for ensuring continuous LED system operation.

Preventive maintenance

It’s useful to inspect LED strips before failure occurs—a simple set of tasks requiring minimal time.

Periodic visual inspection

Perform visual inspections every 6–12 months to check:

• adhesive condition and mechanical mounting
• oxidation on contacts
• material degradation (silicone yellowing, deformations)
• surface cleanliness (dust buildup reducing efficiency)

Electrical checks

Periodic measurements with a digital multimeter to verify:

• supply voltage at strip terminals
• current draw (compare with nominal values)
• electrical continuity between segments
• insulation resistance for outdoor or wet environments

Common problem diagnosis

Let’s now review the most common issues encountered with LED strips.

LED strip does not light

Systematic troubleshooting procedure:

1. verify voltage at power supply output
2. check wiring polarity (+ and –)
3. inspect solder joints and connectors
4. test strip with a known-good power supply
5. check for short circuits.

Non-uniform or diminishing brightness

Possible causes and solutions:

RGB strip issues

Specific diagnostics for color-variable strips:

• incorrect colors: verify channel mapping on controller
• non-working channel: test channel directly with power supply
• erratic behavior: check controller-strip compatibility
• flickering: verify PWM frequency and power supply adequacy.

Advanced applications and use cases

LED strips are used across numerous sectors—from architectural lighting and signage to horticulture and healthcare.

Architectural lighting

In this context, it’s important to choose strips that are not only robust but also high-resolution.

Facade lighting

Facade lighting with LED strips requires high-quality products featuring:

• high IP rating (IP67 or higher)
• excellent chromatic stability (SDCM < 3)
• UV and weather resistance
• compatibility with DMX or DALI control systems

Accent and museum lighting

For illuminating artwork and valuable objects, LED strips must offer:

• very high CRI (CRI > 95, R9 > 90)
• negligible UV and IR emissions (< 75 μW/lm)
• adjustable color temperature (Tunable White)
• precise dimming control (0.1–100%)

Horticultural lighting

LED strips for horticulture represent a fascinating field—lighting can be used to support seed germination and plant growth.

Cultivation LEDs

Horticultural LED strips require precise spectral specifications:

Medical and healthcare applications

Another field for LlED strip use includes cleanrooms in operating theaters—where high brightness is essential during surgery—and chromotherapy rooms.

Operating room ighting

LED strips for medical environments must meet stringent requirements:

• CRI > 95 for accurate tissue assessment
• no flicker (PWM frequency > 20kHz)
• easy to clean and sterilize (IP68, smooth surfaces)
• electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) with medical devices

Light therapy

Specialized applications for treating conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) require:

• high luminous intensity (2500–10,000 lux at eye level)
• specific color temperature (5000K–6500K)
• full-spectrum daylight-like output
• no UV emissions

Future trends and technological developments

The LED strip industry continues to evolve, with emerging technologies and applications expanding their potential.

Miniaturization and micro-LEDs

The trend toward smaller LEDs (micro-LEDs < 100μm) will enable:

• densities exceeding 1000 LEDs per linear meter;
• sub-millimeter resolution for flexible displays;
• efficiencies above 200 lm/W;
• integration with flexible and stretchable substrates.

Integration with smart electronics

Next-generation LED strips will embed advanced features:

• integrated sensors (temperature, humidity, occupancy, ambient light);
• Li-Fi communication for data transmission via light;
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) to simplify installation;
• distributed AI-powered controllers for adaptive regulation.

Sustainability and circular economy

Development of more sustainable LED strips includes:

• use of recycled and recyclable materials;
• modular design for easier repair and replacement;
• reduction of critical materials (rare earths);
• improved efficiency to lower carbon footprint.