High vs Low Voltage COB Strips
1. Key Differences: High & Low Voltage COB LED Strips
When choosing COB LED strips, the first decision is: Should you use high-voltage (220V) or low-voltage (12V/24V)? The difference affects not only installation but also safety and applications.
Comparison Table
| Feature | High Voltage (220V AC) | Low Voltage (12V/24V DC) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Supply | Directly plugs into mains | Requires external driver |
| Safety | Needs insulation, higher risk | Safer, low shock risk |
| Installation | Simple, long-distance use | Requires power calculations |
| Best For | Commercial/outdoor lighting | Home decor, cabinets |
| Lifespan | Affected by voltage spikes | More stable, longer-lasting |
Are High-Voltage COB Strips Safe?
✅ Yes, with precautions:
- Must be CE/ROHS certified
- Professional installation recommended
- Not ideal for damp areas (unless high IP rating)
Can Low-Voltage COB Strips Use 220V?
❌ Never! Low-voltage strips (e.g., 12V/24V) will burn out if connected directly to 220V. Always use a compatible LED driver.
2. Popular Models in the Market
High-Voltage COB Strips
- Single Color: 2835, 5730 (high brightness, general lighting)
- 288led/m,512/m
- CCT (Tunable White): 3000K-6000K (hotels, restaurants)
- RGB/RGBW: Full-color effects (commercial displays)
Low-Voltage COB Strips
- 3528/5050: Budget-friendly (home use)
- 320led/m,420led/m,480/m
- High CRI (CRI>90): Museums, retail stores
- Flexible Silicone: IP67/IP68 (outdoor/waterproof)
3. Waterproof Ratings Compared
Are All High-Voltage COB Strips Waterproof?
❌ No! Standard high-voltage strips are typically IP20 (non-waterproof). Only specialized versions (e.g., epoxy-coated) reach IP65+.
Low-Voltage COB Strip IP Ratings
- IP20: Indoor use (ceilings, cabinets)
- IP65: Dustproof + water-resistant (storefronts)
- IP67/IP68: Submersible (pools, fountains)
4. Color Options: CCT & RGB
High-Voltage COB Strips
- ✅ CCT (Tunable White): Warm-to-cool white adjustment
- ✅ RGB/RGBW: Dynamic color effects
Low-Voltage COB Strips
- ✅ RGBW: Richer colors (smart home compatible)
- ✅ High CRI (CRI>95): True color rendering
5. Buying Guide: Best for Each Application
| Application | Recommended COB Strip | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Home (cabinets, bedrooms) | Low-voltage 24V (IP20) | Safe, flicker-free |
| Commercial (hotels, malls) | High-voltage 220V (IP65 RGB) | Bright, no driver needed |
| Restaurants/Cafés | Low-voltage CCT (CRI>90) | Adjustable ambiance |
| Outdoor (steps, pools) | Low-voltage IP68 silicone | Fully waterproof |
6. Pro Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Never mix voltages! High-voltage strips need 220V; low-voltage requires a driver.
- Commercial projects: High-voltage reduces power supplies.
- Home use: Low-voltage is safer.
- Waterproof ≠ Submersible: IP65 resists rain; IP68 is for underwater use.
7. Further Reading
Need More Info?
Visit: www.kdshine.com
Or contact:
📧 E-Mail: kendymomj@gmail.com
📞 Phone/WeChat: 0086-18877561250
Final Advice
Choose COB strips based on voltage, waterproofing, and color needs. High-voltage suits commercial projects; low-voltage is ideal for precision lighting. Always verify certifications and install correctly for optimal performance!