So what are the different types of LED strip lights you can buy to meet your lighting needs?
We can confidently say that the market is full of high-quality LED strip lights with features you’ll never find in incandescent lights.
Generally, LED lights improve every aspect of traditional lights, including their efficiency and versatility.
And as far as LED strip lights are concerned, you’ll find single-color LEDs that emit one color or RGB LEDs that combine several colors.
We even have further types like high CRI, and high-density LED light.
Today’s article looks into the types of LED lights to help you make an informed buying decision.
Understanding LED Strip Lights
We have seen an increase in the development of LED strip lights in recent years thanks to their easy installation and energy efficiency.
Surprisingly, the LED emits light when a current passes through.
And this is possible due to the recombination of electrons in the diode with the electron holes.
We measure the LED brightness in lumens with a higher value representing a higher brightness.
Moreover, you’ll find LEDs in different color temperatures, with cool LEDs having over 4000k and warm options having 2700k-3000k.
Generally, the LED color temperature dictates the room’s ambiance and mood.
Furthermore, you’ll find LED strip lights in varying color temperatures, with single-color strips producing a specific color (green, blue, or red).
We also have RGB LEDs that combine the primary colors to produce light.
People love LED strips’ increased flexibility, allowing you to install them on irregular or curved surfaces.
Types of LED Strip Lights
(Green LED light on the wall)
The market has many LED strip lights, each with unique features and use cases.
Therefore, you must understand what each type involves to make an informed purchasing decision.
Check out the LED strip light types below:
Single-Color Strip Lights
As the name suggests, these LED strip lights produce a single light color.
For example, you’ll find LEDs dedicated to emitting blue, green, red, or white lights.
We often employ these LED strips in specific tasks to achieve a particular tone and perfect ambiance.
Fortunately, you can get these LEDs in all types of brightness with an additional feature for dimming to your desired outcome.
RGB LED Lights
(RGB LED lights)
These LED strip light combines red, green, and blue LEDs to emit various colors.
The most colorful LED strip lights you see around are RGB.
We employ these lights to create a dynamic atmosphere and for decorative purposes.
Manufacturers make these lights with controllers to adjust brightness or color.
RGBW LED Lights
(An RGBW LED strip light)
You can tell from the name that this is just an RGB LED strip with an additional white LED strip.
We incorporate the white LED to offer a dedicated white light source.
As a result, the RGBW LED acquires various color options and better color accuracy.
You can employ these LED strips when you need pure white and color lighting.
Digital LED Strip
Improved technology has seen the development of LED lights like APA102 and WS2812B.
These are digital LED strip lights that are independently addressable.
This means you can control each LED on the strip for advanced lighting animations and effects.
We recommend these LEDs in applications that display dynamic patterns.
High CRI LED Strips
CRI stands for color rending index and represents how a source renders light relative to natural light.
Therefore, high CRI lights come from LEDs with a CRI above 90, indicating their color rendering accuracy.
Applications for these LED strip lights include retail displays, art galleries, and photography.
High-Density Strip Lights
These strips present a higher LED count per unit length from the name.
As a result, they offer a more uniform and brighter light.
If your application requires intense illumination, count on high-density strip light.
Waterproof LED Lights
Finally, we have waterproof LED strip lights that we enclose in protective material to enable resistance against moisture.
Therefore, these LED strips are perfect for outdoor applications, especially in wet areas.
How To Choose The Best Type of LED Strip Lights
(LED strip light illumination)
Consider the guide below to have an easy time choosing LED strip lights.
Brightness: First, determine the brightness level you desire for your application by looking at the manufacturer’s brightness and lumen specification.
The main factor that determines the brightness requirements is the intended application.
Color temperature: The main classification based on color temperature is cool and warm lights.
The warm lights have a color temperature of 2700k-3000k, while cool ones have a temperature of 5000k-6500k.
And since color temperature determines the LED brightness, choose cool LED strip lights for higher brightness.
However, warm LED lights work best in creating a cozy atmosphere.
Color options: The RGBW or RGB LED strip lights are the best option to incorporate color-changing capabilities.
But if you need a pure and single color, count on the single-color strip lights.
Flexibility and length: Before buying an LED strip light, measure the length of the area you want to illuminate.
Remember, LED strips are mostly available in lengths of one or five meters but with room for extension.
And if you wish to install the lights in irregular spaces, your LED strips should be flexible.
Waterproofing: Waterproofing should not concern you if you want to install LED strip lights in your bedroom, office, or any indoor space.
However, it becomes a major issue when installations have to happen outside.
In such a case, buy an LED strip with an excellent Ingress Protection rating.
Reliability and Quality: The best way to guarantee a high-quality LED strip is to buy from a reliable and reputable manufacturer.
Therefore, ask for referrals or check online customer reviews on LED strips.
FAQs
Which is better, a 12v and 24v LED strip light?
Choosing between 24v and 12v LED strip lights depends purely on your project.
Generally, we find the 24v LEDs more advantageous than the 12v option, thanks to their high efficiency over extended periods.
These LEDs will also maintain high brightness for longer periods while at the same time experiencing less voltage drop.
However, we like the 12v LED strip light for their common availability, thus perfect for shorter installation projects that require a specific voltage requirement.
Why would you use LED strip lights?
The millions of people replacing traditional incandescent lights with LED strip lights aren’t fools and understand their importance.
First, although LEDs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they have a longer lifespan translating into reduced long-term costs.
Moreover, since LEDs consume less power and emit more light, you’ll pay fewer energy bills than incandescent options.
Furthermore, environmental enthusiasts are shifting to LEDs since they don’t emit poisonous substances like mercury.
How long can LED strip lights last?
LED strip lights have a longer lifespan than incandescent lights and could last an estimated 30000-50000 hours.
Surprisingly, with better LED quality and better operating conditions, the lifespan could go up.
Some of the best operating conductions include regular repair and proper heat dissipation.
Final Remarks
It would be best to consider replacing all your traditional incandescent lights with more efficient LED lights.
Fortunately, you have several worth options, including RGBW, digital, high CRI, and high-density LED lights.
We guarantee you’ll appreciate their versatility and flexibility, allowing you to install them even on irregular surfaces.