LED strip lights are one of the most versatile and efficient lighting solutions on the market. Whether you’re designing cozy shelf lighting at home, commercial accent lighting, or large-scale architectural outlines, the right LED strip makes a huge difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing LED strips, including types, brightness, color options, installation tips, and choosing the right power supply. Let’s dive in.
1. Why Choose LED Strip Lights?
- 💡 Energy efficient – lower electricity use than halogen/incandescent
- 🔧 Easy installation – self-adhesive or mounted in aluminum profiles
- 🎨 Color control – fixed white, RGB, RGBW, tunable white
- 🔄 Flexible design – cuttable, bendable, linkable
- 🌡️ Low heat output – safe for cabinets, shelves, closets
- 🛠️ Customizable – available for indoor, outdoor, curved, or recessed uses
2. Types of LED Strip Lights
- DC Flex Strips (12V/24V) – Most common type for DIY and indoor use
- AC Plug & Play Strips – Directly plug into wall outlet, up to 150ft runs
- RGB & RGBW Strips – For mood lighting and color control
- High Output Rigid Strips – For brighter, longer-lasting performance
3. LED Density & Brightness
- Standard: 30 LEDs/m
- High-Density: 60 LEDs/m
- Premium (COB): 240–512 LEDs/m
Brightness Guide:
- Accent lighting: 100–300 lm/ft
- Task lighting: 300–600 lm/ft
- General lighting: 600+ lm/ft
4. Color Options & Temperature
- Warm White (2700–3000K) – cozy atmosphere
- Neutral White (4000K) – clean, daylight tone
- Cool White (6000–6500K) – modern, crisp
- RGB / RGBW – dynamic lighting control
- Tunable White – CCT adjustable with controller
5. Power & Wattage Guide
- Check W/m → multiply by meters → add 20% buffer
- Example: 2.4W/m × 10m = 24W → ×1.2 = 28.8W driver needed
- Match voltage: 12V strip → 12V driver
6. Waterproof Grades (IP Rating)
| IP Rating | Best For |
|---|---|
| IP20 | Indoor, dry spaces |
| IP65 | Kitchens, bathrooms, semi-outdoor |
| IP68 | Outdoor, landscape, pools |
7. Installation Checklist
- ✅ Know total length & voltage
- ✅ Use aluminum channel for heat dissipation
- ✅ Use solder or quick connectors
- ✅ Plan power injection every 5m (12V)
- ✅ Choose controller if dimming or color change needed
8. RHLITE LED Strip Categories
- Luma5 Series – 12V/24V, high and standard density
- COB Series – Seamless, 512 LEDs/m for premium look
- RGB / RGBW Strips – Full color control
- Outdoor Series – IP68 rated for exterior lighting
9. Application Scenarios
- 🛋️ Living Room – ceiling coves or TV backlight
- 🍽️ Kitchen – under-cabinet or toe-kick lighting
- 🛏️ Bedroom – soft under-bed strips
- 🚶 Stairs / Hallways – motion-activated safety light
- 🏞️ Garden – patio rails, fences, wall accents
- 🛒 Retail – shelf edge, signage highlight
10. Recommended Accessories
- 🔌 LED Drivers – 12V/24V, constant voltage
- 🧲 Aluminum Channels – for cooling and clean look
- 📱 Smart Controllers – voice/app-controlled
- 🔗 Solderless Connectors – easy linking
- 🎚️ PWM Dimmers – flicker-free brightness control
11. FAQ
Q1: Can I cut LED strips?
Yes, every few cm at marked points.
Q2: Can I dim LED strips?
Use compatible dimmers or PWM dimmable drivers.
Q3: Can I use LED strips outside?
Yes, use IP65/IP68 rated and seal connectors properly.
Q4: How long can I run a strip from one end?
5m (12V), 10m (24V). Inject power at intervals for longer runs.
Q5: What’s the difference between RGB and RGBW?
RGB = color-only. RGBW adds clean white for better color accuracy.
Q6: Do I need an aluminum channel?
Highly recommended for cooling and finished appearance.
✅ Final Tips from RHLITE
- Choose COB or high-density for seamless, bright light
- Use aluminum channel for both thermal and visual enhancement
- Always oversize your power supply by 20%
- For long runs, inject power frequently
- Match voltage exactly: 12V strip = 12V driver
Need help choosing the right product?
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.rhlite.com
RHLITE – Your Trusted LED Strip Light Manufacturer for OEM, ODM & Wholesale Projects.
