some knowing about led strip category

Complete classification of LED flexible light strips (flexible light bands)
Based on the following criteria: lighting technology, voltage, lamp bead arrangement, density, waterproofing, luminous efficiency, and structure, they are divided into the following major categories.

1. According to lighting technology (the two largest categories)

1.1 SMD surface mount lamp strips (the 240 lamp/m you see is this type)

The lamp beads are individually soldered on the FPC flexible board, and the individual lamp beads can be seen with the naked eye.

• Single row: Lamp beads in one row, the board is narrow (5-10mm), such as 240 LED/m single row
• Double row: Two rows of lamp beads, the board is wide 10-12mm, with higher brightness, 240 lamp double row = 120 beads per row

Common densities: 30/60/120/180/240/288 beads/meter. Lamp bead models: 2835, 3528, 5050, exported products are the most.

1.2 COB flexible light strips

The chips are directly bonded to the substrate, no particles can be seen, surface light source, continuous light without light spots.

• Density: 320-640 chips/meter; short cutting unit; more expensive than SMD.
• Disadvantages: The same power has greater heat generation, more obvious voltage drop, long-distance applications are recommended to be powered at both ends.

2. According to voltage

1.1 DC 5V: USB power supply, short distance, decoration, TV backlight, not suitable for long-distance engineering.
1.2 DC 12V: Low voltage safety; more than 5 meters, voltage drop is obvious, not recommended for long-distance.
1.3 DC 24V (export preferred): Voltage drop is small, single end longest 6 meters, mainstream for European orders.
1.4 AC 220V high-voltage light strips: No transformer needed, but safety is poor, rarely used for export to Europe.

3. According to waterproof level (from low to high)

2.1 IP20 bare board: Indoor dry environment, no glue, back glue, ceiling, cabinet; cannot be exposed to water.
2.2 IP65 surface epoxy resin glue: Surface layer of epoxy resin glue, moisture-proof and splash-proof, bathroom, semi-outdoor, cannot be soaked in water.
2.3 IP67 silicone sleeve: The light strip is inserted into the silicone tube, outdoor rainproof.
2.4 IP68 encapsulated/complete tube: Can be briefly immersed, water feature, swimming pool.

The higher the waterproof level, the worse the heat dissipation, the power cannot be set too high.

4. According to lamp bead arrangement method
5. Positive light (top light): Lamp beads are facing up, the majority, ceiling, aluminum trough.
6. Side light (adhesive): Lamp beads are horizontally facing the side to emit light, thin light trough, side lighting of light box.
7. S-shaped bendable light strip: Can be Z-shaped back and forth bent, special shapes.
8. According to lighting effect
9. Monochrome (single white): Fixed color temperature, 3000K warm white / 4000K neutral / 6000K pure white, your main lighting type.
10. CCT dual color temperature: Can be cold and warm color adjustment (2700-6500K), requires dimming controller.
11. RGB: Color-changing; RGBW = RGB + white light; RGBCCT color + cold and warm white.
12. Fantasia (WS2811/WS2812): Single point addressing, flowing and racing effect, decoration type.
13. According to PCB circuit board (determining quality)
14. Ordinary thin copper FPC: Low price, high heat generation, prone to light attenuation.
15. Thick pure copper FPC (25-50 copper): High-quality model, small resistance, low temperature rise, must be selected for high-end exports.

• Common board widths: 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm.

7. According to cutting unit

• 10cm one cut (old model)
• 5cm one cut (ordinary)
• 2.5cm one cut (high density, such as 240 lamp/m)
• COB free arbitrary cut (high-end)

General main types: SMD 2835, single/double row, DC 24V, 120-240 lamp/meter, Ra ≥ 90, IP20 bare board/IP65 glue on the surface.
Seeking a particle-free light spot: Choose COB.
Minimize the use of 12V over long distances as customers are likely to report dimming in the latter part.

• Single-row 240 LED/m SMD 2835, 24V, 10mm board, 2.5cm cut, pure copper board, Ra90, 3M adhesive, this is the main SKU for high-end indoor use.