FAQs about COB LED Strips – 2025

COB LED light strips have always been popular in the lighting industry. Because of the COB light strips are high-density and uniform in lighting. These light strips can be used in a variety of applications, from indoor lighting to outdoor lighting. If you are currently considering buying COB LED light strips. Then in this article, we will fully answer all your questions about COB light strips. This will help you better understand COB light strips, so you can better choose them. About the COB strip, pls read What is the COB LED Strip? Ultimate Guide

What is a COB LED Strips?

As we know, COB LED strip (Chip on Board) is a LED strip technology that uses integrated LED chips directly attached to the substrate. Compared with traditional SMD (surface mount) LED light strips. COB light strips combine multiple LED chips on the same surface to form a tightly arranged light source. This is why COB can provide a very uniform lighting effect. And avoid the “light spot” phenomenon that may occur in traditional LED light strips.

The main advantages of COB technology are high light efficiency, good heat dissipation. And can effectively reduce light decay, providing more consistent and comfortable lighting effects. Moreover, the price is also favorable, and the styles are also varied. It is currently one of the best-selling lighting products for indoor and outdoor use.

What is the Voltage of COB LED Strip Lights?

COB light strips usually have two common voltage versions, 12V and 24V, which are also the two most popular voltages. Of course, you also need to choose the voltage according to your specific needs:

12V Voltage COB LED Strip Lights:

12V is suitable for shorter installation distances and lower power lighting needs. The 12V light strips have a larger current and are suitable for short-distance or small-area applications. Such as home decoration, local lighting, etc.

24V voltage COB LED Strip Lights:

There is no special demand, we would recommend 24V because it is suitable for longer distance installation, can reduce current load, and has stronger stability. It is more suitable for larger ranges or lighting that requires higher brightness, such as commercial environments, display cabinets, etc.

Another thing to note is that when you choose the voltage. It is very important to ensure that the voltage of the power supply is consistent with the voltage of the light strip. Otherwise it may cause damage to the LED light strip or power supply overload.

Does COB LED Strip Lights Support Dimming?

Yes, all our COB LED light strips support dimming. You just need to use the right dimmer to operate it.

There are usually several dimming methods: 0-10V dimming, PWM dimming (pulse width modulation), you need to choose according to your installation scenario.

However, not all COB LED strip support dimming, so you need to check the product description when purchasing to make sure that the power supply and LED strip support the dimming function.

What is the Normal Color Temperature of COB LED Strips?

COB LED strips have a variety of color temperatures to choose from, and they also support custom color temperatures. Here are some common color temperature ranges: warm white (2700K-3000K), neutral white (4000K-4500K), and cool white (5000K-6500K). The choice of these color temperatures is usually determined by the lighting needs and the purpose of the environment.

Can COB LED Strips be made into RGB and RGBW?

Normal COB light strips are generally monochromatic (such as warm white or cold white). Now COB can be made into dual-color, RGB and RGBW color temperatures. Now COB light strips have achieved multi-color lighting effects.

RGB COB LED strips contain red, green and blue LED chips, while RGBWCOB light strips add a white LED chip on the basis of RGB. This enables RGB and RGBW COB light strips to achieve multiple color adjustments and higher color reproduction. More information COB RGBW, you can check What is the COB LED Strip RGB+W?

However, RGB and RGBW COB light strips are more expensive than traditional monochromatic COB light strips, and usually require special controllers and power supplies to support their functions.

Can COB Strip Be Cut? Does It Support Random Cutting?

COB light strips, like traditional SMD light strips, have standard cutting points on them. The LED chips of COB light strips are densely arranged, and the cutting position is relatively strict. And different voltages have different cutting distances. If you cut it randomly, it may affect the electrical connection of the light strip, causing some LEDs to not work or damage the light strip. If you need to cut the COB LED strip, pls check Can you Cut COB LED Strip Lights?

Now we also have a COB light strip designed for random cutting, you can cut it at will. This random cutting COB light strip is most suitable for projects with profile installation, so that you can cut it at will according to the length of the profile, and you will not waste COB light strips.

The regular length is generally 5m/reel, in order to support customers. We provide COB LED strips that are specially designed to be cut into the required size. You just need to tell us the length you want to customize, and we can adjust the length according to the project requirements.

How to Choose a Power Supply for COB LED Strip?

COB LED light strips usually use low-voltage power supplies, and the most common configurations are 12V and 24V (such as 12V power supply with 12V light strips, 24V power supply with 24V light strips). In addition, the appropriate power supply power needs to be selected according to the power requirements of the light strip. Generally, the power supply power should be slightly higher than the actual power requirement of the light strip to prevent overload.

For example, it is important to calculate the total wattage required by multiplying the wattage per meter of light strip by the length you plan to use. For example, if you are using a 12V COB light strip with a power of 10W/m and the installation length is 5 meters, the total power requirement is 50W (10W × 5 meters).

At this time, a power supply of at least 60W should be selected to provide sufficient power margin. Choosing a stable power supply can not only extend the service life of the light strip, but also avoid performance problems caused by unstable voltage.

How Bright is the COB LED Strip?

COB LEDs use a higher density of LED chips on the strip, resulting in a more uniform light output. As a result, COB LED strips are known for their superior brightness. The brightness of COB LED strips is usually measured in lumens, and the exact lumen output depends on the type of COB strip and its wattage rating.

Typically, COB LED strips produce 100 to 120 lumens per watt. For example, a 10W COB LED strip produces 1,000 lumens, which is enough to provide ambient lighting in most spaces.

Are COB LED strips waterproof? Can they be used outdoors?

Yes, COB light strips can be waterproof and can be used outdoors. Usually, waterproof COB light strips are coated with waterproof glue or use a special waterproof shell to achieve waterproof effect. Common waterproof grades include IP65, IP67, etc. These light strips can effectively prevent water droplets, rain, etc. from entering the interior and are suitable for outdoor or humid environments.

It is worth noting that you should choose the right waterproof COB light strip according to the outdoor installation site. Waterproof COB light strips are very suitable for outdoor lighting, garden lands

Will COB LED Strip Lights Get Hot?

COB light strips do not have LED lamp beads, they are directly mounted, and the heat they generate is also within the normal range. The thermal management of COB light strips is an issue that requires special attention during design. If the light strip is used at high power or for a long time, it may heat up too high, affecting the life and performance of the LED.

If you are worried that the COB LED light strip is too hot, we generally recommend using an aluminum substrate or heat sink to help dissipate heat. In addition, good ventilation should be ensured during installation to avoid using COB light strips in an overheated environment. Some high-quality COB light strips will use additional heat dissipation design to improve heat dissipation efficiency and reduce overheating.

How Long Can a COB Light Strips Last?

COB light strips usually have a long service life, generally up to 50,000 hours or more, or even longer. Much longer than traditional incandescent or fluorescent lamps.

This life mainly depends on the quality of the light strip, working conditions, heat dissipation, power quality and other factors. Under normal use, COB light strips can provide continuous and stable lighting.

However, the use environment (such as temperature, humidity, etc.) and power quality will affect its actual life. If the light strip is well cooled and properly powered, its service life will be greatly extended.

Can COB LED Strips Be Put into Aluminum Profiles?

Yes, COB LED strips can be placed inside aluminum profiles. We strongly recommend doing so for both heat dissipation and appearance.

The biggest advantage of placing COB light strips inside LED profiles is improved heat dissipation and enhanced appearance of the lighting installation. The aluminum profile acts as a heat sink, absorbing and dissipating the heat from the LEDs, helping to maintain optimal performance and extend the life of the strips.

Using aluminum profiles can also give your COB LED installation a professional and sophisticated look. In addition, these profiles protect the LEDs, making them ideal for applications where the strips could be physically damaged.

Conclusion

By comprehensively answering the most frequently asked questions about COB LED strips, we have covered the essential considerations to help you make an informed decision. Whether you are interested in dimming capabilities, waterproof options, or cutting the strips to fit your specific needs, ESSENLED offers high-quality COB LED strips designed for a variety of applications.

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