When we buying an LED strip there are many factors to consider, wattage, lumens per meter, and the type of SMD etc., but we also need consider the voltage of the LED tape. How about 12V or 24V LED strip? Same spec: 120 LEDs/m SMD3528, also the same quality components. So, what’s the difference? Which one is better? Which one to choose? What good are the two of them? this article you will find answers to all your questions!
Table of Contents
1 What is a 12V LED strip?
2 What is a 24V LED strip?
3 Can a 24V Power Supply Powering to a 12V LED Strip?
4 What are the main differences between 12V or 24V?
5 What voltage should I choose for my LED strip?
6 Summary
What is a 12V LED strip?
When it comes to 12V, this is the most popular voltage. You can easily power a 12V LED strip with batteries, a power supply, or a mains power source that outputs 12V DC. Wires can be used between the LED and the power supply – you can use cables with wires of different colors. If you want to install low-end wattage LED Strip, 12V tape will be perfect for you.
What is a 24V LED strip?
24V is second most popular voltage. LED tape in the 24V version carries the current required for its higher wattage way better than 12V. All high-wattage and high-brightness LED tapes should be 24 volts. 14.4W, 19.2W,24W – all three of them draw 24V. They may give us different shades of white: cool white, warm white, but also different colours.
Can a 24V Power Supply Powering to a 12V LED Strip?
12V LED light strips cannot be powered by 24V power supply. This kind of light is a constant voltage lamp, and 12V LED light strips need to be connected to 12V power supply. Same as 24V LED strip, should be integrated with 24V power supply.
What are the main differences between 12V or 24V?
When should you choose one over another? something you should think about it as below:
Longest run-in series: Usually, the length-limit for the first one would be 5m (this type is powered from the end) and, at the same time, a 24V may be run further than 12V.
Cut points and amperage: 12V LEDs are always somewhere in the middle. They are half the distance between cut points. 24V makes it possible to power double the number of LEDs on the same receiver.
Brightness and lifespan: When it comes to brightness, there is actually no difference between two types of LED strip lights. The voltage doesn’t determine the light output (unlike other things – quality of the LEDs and so on).
Safety, reliability and flexibility: You can choose either 12V or 24V LED tape – they are both built in a way that they draw the perfect voltage. They will give you optimum brightness and, what is more, you will be happy to use them for a very long time!
What voltage should I choose for my LED strip?
If you’re installing LED strip with a low-end wattage, then 12V tapes are ideal. For example, our 4.8W and 9.6W white LED strip lights both draw 12V. This is enough to give you full brightness along an LED strip, up to a distance of almost 6 meters from your 12V LED power supply.
We supply LED strips in standard 5m/reel, which you can cut to the length you need. Or if you prefer, we can supply your 12V LED strip lights pre-cut. Cut-points for 12V 4.8W 50mm/cut and 9.6W 25mm/cut.
Remodelled barn using 12-volt (9.6W) LED tape
Swimming pool using 24-volt (19.2W) LED tape
Coving lighting using 12-volt (4.8W) LED tape
Higher-wattage LED tapes, such as our 14.4W, 19.2W or 24W white strip lights, need the power of a 24V driver.
Again, these higher-wattage tapes are supplied in standard 5m reels but we can supply them pre-cut to the nearest cut-point. Cut-points on 14.4W 24V LED lights are at 100mm intervals; the cut-points on 19.2W and 24W tapes are every 50mm.
Summary
At Essenled, we have over 10 years of experience designing and constructing high-specification LED Strip – and we only supply commercial grade products manufactured using premium components. So if you buy your LED strip lights from Essenled – whether you choose 12V or 24V LED tape – you’ll know they’re built to draw the perfect voltage, and to give you optimum brightness and long life.