COB LED Strip Lights: Revolutionary Seamless Illumination

Frequently Asked Questions – COB LED Strip Lights 24V & 48V

What is COB LED strip light?

COB LED strip light stands for Chip on Board LED strip. Unlike standard SMD LED strip where individual chips are spaced apart on the board, COB LED strip mounts hundreds of tiny LED chips directly onto the PCB at very high density and covers them with a continuous phosphor coating. This creates a seamless, unbroken line of light with no visible dots, hot spots or gaps — even when viewed directly or reflected off glossy surfaces. Our COB LED strip lights are available in 24V and 48V, in IP20, IP67 and IP68 ratings, across a full range of colour temperatures from 2700K warm white to 6000K cool white.

What is the difference between COB LED strip and SMD LED strip?

This is one of the most searched questions about LED strip lighting and the answer is straightforward. SMD LED strip uses individual chips soldered at intervals — typically 60, 120 or 240 LEDs per metre — leaving visible gaps that create a dotted effect, particularly on reflective surfaces. COB LED strip uses 320 to 720+ chips per metre covered with a uniform phosphor layer, producing a single continuous beam of light. Key differences:

• COB produces a completely dot-free, seamless light output — SMD can show individual dots at close range
• COB has higher chip density for more uniform, even illumination
• COB has better heat dissipation due to the direct board mounting
• COB can be used without a diffuser and still look clean and professional
• COB achieves higher CRI (Colour Rendering Index) for more accurate, natural colour rendering
• COB is better suited for exposed installations, mirror lighting, cove lighting and architectural features

For any application where the strip is visible or reflected, COB LED strip is the superior choice.

What is the maximum run length for COB LED strip?

Run length depends on the voltage of the COB LED strip you choose. This is one of the most important questions when planning any LED strip installation:

• 24V COB LED strip: up to 20 metres continuous run from one end with no voltage drop or brightness fade
• 48V COB LED strip: up to 30 metres continuous run from one end with consistent brightness across the full length

Both figures are for one-side power connection only, with no mid-point injection required. For runs beyond these lengths, either use two power feed points or upgrade to the higher voltage option. Our 48V COB LED strip is one of the longest single-feed COB LED strips available in the UK, making it the go-to choice for corridors, retail fit-outs, large architectural installations and commercial projects where an unbroken line of light needs to travel further than any standard LED strip can achieve.

What is extra long COB LED strip and who is it for?

Extra long COB LED strip refers to high-voltage COB strip designed to run much further from a single power feed point than standard LED strip. Our extra long 48V COB LED strip achieves a 30 metre continuous run from one side, powered from a single driver with one connection point. It is supplied on a 50 metre reel so you can cut to your exact project length. Extra long COB LED strip is designed for:

• Long corridor and hallway lighting in hotels, offices and residential developments
• Large retail and commercial fit-outs requiring a seamless unbroken line of light
• Architectural cove lighting and feature lighting over extended distances
• Outdoor facade lighting, decking and landscape projects with long linear runs
• Kitchen installations requiring a single continuous run without joins or power injection

If you have searched for extra long COB LED strip, 30 metre COB strip or 48V COB LED strip for long runs, this is the product you need.

Which voltage COB LED strip do I need — 24V or 48V?

Choosing between 24V and 48V COB LED strip comes down to the length of your run and the type of installation:

• Choose 24V COB LED strip if your run is up to 20 metres from one feed point, or if you are working with standard residential or commercial installations where 24V accessories, drivers and controllers are already specified.
• Choose 48V COB LED strip if your run exceeds 20 metres from one feed point, or if you are working on large commercial, architectural or outdoor installations where voltage drop, cable size and efficiency are critical considerations. At the same wattage, 48V draws half the current of 24V, meaning less heat in cables, thinner wiring and better performance over distance.

Both voltages deliver the same dot-free, high-density COB light quality. The choice is purely about run length and system design. If you are unsure, contact us at support@ukledlights.co.uk and we will advise on the best option for your project.

Does COB LED strip require a diffuser?

No. This is one of the biggest advantages of COB LED strip over standard SMD strip. Because the chips are mounted at such high density and covered with a continuous phosphor layer, the light blends within the strip itself before it even leaves the board. The result is a completely dot-free, seamless output that looks clean and professional even when viewed directly without a diffuser. This makes COB LED strip ideal for:

• Slim aluminium profiles where a deep diffuser is not practical
• Mirror and bathroom lighting where a clean, even glow is needed
• Cove and recess lighting where the strip may be partially visible
• Display and retail lighting where reflections on surfaces must be smooth

You can still use a frosted or clear diffuser with COB LED strip if you prefer, but unlike SMD strip it is not required to hide individual LED dots.

Can COB LED strip be cut to length?

Yes. Our COB LED strip lights can be cut at the marked cut points along the strip. Cut points are clearly indicated on the PCB. Always cut only at these marked points using sharp scissors or a blade — cutting between marks will damage the strip and cause that section to stop working. If you need a specific bespoke length, you can order your exact measurement and we will cut and solder pre-wired tails for you, ready to connect directly to your driver. Add your requirements in the notes section at checkout, or email support@ukledlights.co.uk for larger or more complex bespoke orders.

What power supply do I need for COB LED strip?

You need a constant voltage LED driver that matches the voltage of your COB LED strip — either 24V or 48V. To calculate the correct driver wattage:

• Step 1: Find the wattage per metre of your COB strip (e.g. 10W/m)
• Step 2: Multiply by your total run length in metres (e.g. 15m x 10W/m = 150W)
• Step 3: Add a 20% safety buffer (150W x 1.2 = 180W)
• Step 4: Select the next driver size up — in this example a 200W driver

Never run a driver at full rated capacity as this shortens its lifespan and can cause instability. We stock a full range of 24V and 48V LED drivers to pair with our COB LED strip, including dimmable Triac, 0-10V and PWM options. If you are unsure which driver to select, contact us with your strip length and wattage per metre and we will recommend the correct unit.

Can COB LED strip lights be dimmed?

Yes. Our COB LED strip lights are fully dimmable when paired with a compatible dimmable LED driver and dimmer or controller. Dimming options compatible with our COB LED strip include:

• Triac dimming: works with standard wall-mounted leading edge and trailing edge Triac dimmer switches — the most common option for residential installations
• 0-10V dimming: widely used in commercial installations for precise, stable brightness control
• PWM dimming: smooth, flicker-free dimming used with smart controllers and lighting control systems
• Push dimming: simple single-wire dimming for basic installations

Always ensure your driver is specifically rated as dimmable and is compatible with your chosen control method. A standard non-dimmable driver cannot be used with any dimmer switch or controller.

What IP rating do I need for my COB LED strip installation?

IP rating determines where your COB LED strip can safely be installed. Here is a straightforward guide:

• IP20: Dry indoor locations only — living rooms, bedrooms, offices, retail displays, kitchen cabinets away from water
• IP65: Splash-proof — suitable for bathroom Zone 2, kitchen splashbacks and covered outdoor areas
• IP67: Fully waterproof — suitable for outdoor decking, garden lighting, facade lighting and exposed exterior installations
• IP68: Submersible — suitable for pond lighting, water features and fully submerged applications

Our COB LED strip is available in IP20 and IP67 across both 24V and 48V options. For any bathroom installation, always consult a qualified electrician to confirm compliance with Part P regulations and BS 7671 wiring standards.

Can COB LED strip be used outdoors?

Yes, provided you select the correct IP-rated version. Our IP67 COB LED strip is fully waterproof and suitable for permanent outdoor installation including garden lighting, decking, building facades, pergolas, pathways and landscape features. Our 48V IP67 COB LED strip is particularly popular for large outdoor installations due to its 30 metre continuous run capability, allowing long uninterrupted runs along building perimeters, driveways and commercial exteriors from a single power feed point. Always use a driver with an appropriate IP rating for its installation location, and ensure all cable connections and entry points are properly sealed and weatherproofed.

Can COB LED strip be used in a bathroom?

Yes, with the correct IP rating. For bathroom use you need a minimum of IP65 COB LED strip, which is splash-proof and safe for use in Zone 2 bathroom areas such as mirror lighting, pelmet lighting and under-cabinet areas. For zones closer to water sources such as directly above a bath or shower, a higher IP rating and professional installation by a qualified electrician is required. Always check compliance with Part P electrical regulations before installing any LED strip in a bathroom.

Can COB LED strip be installed in an aluminium profile?

Yes. Our COB LED strip lights are designed to fit neatly into standard aluminium LED profiles. Aluminium profiles serve two important purposes: they act as a heat sink to draw heat away from the strip, extending its lifespan, and they provide a clean, professional finish that protects the strip and conceals the backing. Because COB LED strip is already dot-free, a clear diffuser can be used for a crisp, defined light output, or a frosted diffuser for a softer, more diffused effect. Either works well with COB strip — unlike SMD strip which almost always requires a frosted diffuser to mask individual dots.

Can I power multiple COB LED strip runs from one driver?

Yes. You can connect multiple COB LED strip runs to a single driver provided the combined wattage of all strips does not exceed 80% of the driver's rated output. Always wire strips in parallel — never in series — to ensure each strip receives the correct supply voltage. Use a wiring distribution block for clean, professional connections rather than splicing cables. Position the driver as centrally as possible relative to all strip runs to keep output cables equal in length and minimise voltage drop. For advice on powering a multi-zone COB installation, contact us with your strip lengths, wattage per metre and voltage and we will recommend the correct driver and wiring configuration.

What colour temperatures are available for COB LED strip?

Our COB LED strip lights are available in the following colour temperatures across both 24V and 48V options:

• 2700K warm white: soft, relaxing tone ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, hospitality and high-end residential projects
• 3000K warm white: slightly crisper warm tone popular in kitchens, retail and specification residential lighting
• 4000K natural white: clean, neutral tone suited to offices, commercial spaces and task lighting
• 6000K cool white: bright daylight tone ideal for display lighting, garages, industrial and commercial applications

If you need variable colour temperature in a single strip, we also offer tunable white COB LED strip allowing you to dial between warm and cool white from a compatible controller — ideal for hospitality, retail and residential spaces where mood and ambience need to change throughout the day.

How long do COB LED strip lights last?

Our COB LED strip lights have an expected lifespan of 50,000 hours at rated operating conditions. At an average usage of 8 hours per day, this equates to over 17 years of use. The high chip density and direct board mounting of COB technology improves heat dissipation compared to standard SMD strip, which contributes to longer component life and slower light output degradation over time. Installing COB LED strip in an aluminium profile further improves thermal management and extends lifespan by drawing heat away from the PCB more efficiently. All our COB LED strip lights come with a 3-year warranty as standard.

Do COB LED strip lights work with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home?

Yes. Our COB LED strip lights can be integrated with smart home systems including Amazon Alexa and Google Home when used with a compatible smart LED controller or smart dimmable driver. The smart controller acts as the interface between your home automation system and the COB LED strip, enabling voice control, app-based dimming, scene setting and scheduling. Contact us for advice on compatible smart controllers for your 24V or 48V COB LED strip installation.

What is the CRI of COB LED strip lights?

CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index and measures how accurately a light source renders colours compared to natural daylight. A CRI of 100 is perfect daylight. Our COB LED strip lights achieve a CRI of 90 or above, which is classified as high CRI and considered excellent for residential, retail, hospitality and display lighting where accurate colour rendering matters. High CRI COB LED strip is particularly important for applications such as retail display lighting, kitchen task lighting, artwork and merchandise illumination, and anywhere that food, fabric or product colours need to appear natural and true to life.