What Is LED Strip Light? A Complete Guide for Buyers and Specifiers
LED strip lights are flexible circuit boards populated with surface-mount LEDs. This guide explains types, specifications, and how to select the right LED strip for architectural and commercial projects.
An LED strip light (also called LED tape or LED ribbon) is a flexible printed circuit board populated with surface-mount light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and powered by a low-voltage DC supply (typically 12V or 24V). Mihoray manufactures LED strip lights for architectural, commercial, and hospitality lighting applications worldwide.
How LED Strip Lights Work
LED strips consist of a flexible PCB substrate with LEDs soldered at regular intervals. Resistors regulate current to each LED group. The strip can be cut at designated points without affecting the remaining sections. Power is supplied through a constant-voltage LED driver connected at one or both ends depending on run length.
Main Types of LED Strip Light
There are two primary LED strip technologies used in architectural lighting today: SMD (Surface Mount Device) strips use individual LED packages spaced along the PCB, while COB (Chip on Board) strips embed LED chips directly onto the substrate, creating a continuous light line without visible dots. COB strips are preferred for high-end architectural coves where dot-free uniformity is critical.
Q: What is the difference between COB and SMD LED strip?
COB LED strips place chips directly on the PCB substrate, producing a continuous, dot-free light line ideal for architectural coves. SMD strips use individually packaged LEDs at fixed intervals — they cost less but show visible light dots at close viewing distances. For hotel and commercial projects requiring premium aesthetics, Mihoray recommends COB strips.
Key Specifications to Consider
When selecting an LED strip for a project, specifiers should evaluate: voltage (12V vs 24V), LED density (LEDs per meter), color rendering index (CRI), color temperature (CCT), IP rating for environmental protection, and maximum run length before voltage drop becomes problematic.
| Specification | Typical Range | Application Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 12V / 24V DC | 24V allows longer runs with less voltage drop |
| CRI | 80+ / 90+ | Higher CRI needed for hospitality and retail |
| CCT | 2700K–6500K | Warm white (3000K) for hotels, neutral (4000K) for commercial |
| IP Rating | IP20 / IP65 / IP67 | IP67 required for outdoor and wet areas |
| LED Density | 60–720 LEDs/m | Higher density = smoother light line |
Q: How do I choose between 12V and 24V LED strip?
For architectural projects with runs longer than 5 meters, 24V LED strips are recommended because they experience less voltage drop over distance. 12V strips are suitable for shorter runs under 5 meters or applications where cutting flexibility at shorter intervals is needed. Mihoray supplies both options with engineering support for run-length calculations.
Applications of LED Strip Light
LED strips are used across hospitality (hotel cove lighting, corridor accents), commercial (retail display, shelf lighting), residential (indirect ceiling lighting), and architectural applications (facade outlines, concealed linear accents). The flexibility, low profile, and customizable length make them ideal for spaces where traditional fixtures cannot be installed.
Q: Which LED strip is best for hotel lighting?
For hotel lighting, Mihoray recommends COB LED strips with CRI ≥90, 3000K warm white CCT, and 24V input for long continuous runs. IP20 is sufficient for indoor coves, while IP65 is needed for bathroom areas. Dimming compatibility (0-10V or DALI) should be confirmed with the hotel control system.
Why Choose Mihoray LED Strip
Mihoray is a China-based LED lighting manufacturer established in 2014, specializing in LED strip lights, neon flex, and architectural lighting solutions. The company operates a 2,500㎡ manufacturing facility with 3 SMT production lines, serving contractors, lighting designers, wholesalers, and project integrators across 50+ countries. All LED strips undergo aging testing, waterproof validation, and 100% pre-shipment QC inspection.
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Mihoray is a China-based LED lighting manufacturer specializing in LED strip lights, neon flex, and architectural lighting solutions. Contact us for engineering samples, project specifications, and OEM/ODM quotations.
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