HOW TO CHOOSE BEST LED STRIPS

The LED strips are an exceptional product characterized by low cost and long life. Compared to traditional light bulbs, they have higher brightness, and this allows solutions to be created lighting and design details. There are various models: first of all, we must distinguish the uses and applications we want to achieve. Here is a guide to help us choose the best-LED strips, based on the main differences, characteristics and lighting needs.
DECORATIVE LIGHTS STRIPS

LED strips: differences and characteristics

On the market we find many types of LED strips, the differences consist in the degree of IP protection, in the power, in the color, in the number of LEDs. All features to be carefully evaluated before each purchase.

LED strips and IP protection degree

To find out if they are suitable for an internal or external application we are going to see the protection level of our LED strips.
The ' IP (International Protection) indicates to us if our LED strips are fairly protected from water, dust or accidental contact with objects and external agents. In the case of lighting an indoor environment, such as installation in the kitchen, living room, and bedroom or under any shelf, the advice is to choose LED strips with IP00 or IP20. For outdoor lighting, for example in the garden, therefore with possible contacts with water and deteriorating agents, we choose highly protected silicone strips, ie IP65 or IP66. If we want completely waterproof strips, ideal for aquariums, swimming pools and environments with long contact with water, we take IP68 with total protection.

LED strips and color differences

If the strip is installed inside or outside the house, other factors must be taken into consideration. One of the first elements of difference between LED strips that must be evaluated is the color of light. Which one to choose then between white and red led strips? This obviously depends on the taste and the light output that you want to obtain. Let us also remember that the white LED strips are divided into warm white and cold white; while the RGB LED strips through a remote control can vary in intensity and color.

The dimensions of the led strips

The LED strips are usually sold in reels with a length of 5 meters, which can be cut to suit your needs, in a very simple way: on the surface of the strip, in fact, the cut marks are shown. What varies is the width of the LED strip which can be, for example, 8, 10 or 12 mm. The thickness is very low between 2.5 mm and 44 mm.

LED and SMD strips

Among the various LEDs on the market, there is mainly to distinguish 3 types based on the reference chip: SMD 3528, SMD 5050 and SMD 5630.
The LED strips, equipped with a single chip, SMD 3528 are the cheapest for both the price at the time of purchase and for power consumption. However, these do not guarantee high brightness and therefore we recommend them as a secondary light to be applied under small signs or as decorative lights.
The SMD 5050 LED strips differ from the first as they are equipped with 3 luminescent chips and thanks to this they are 3 times brighter. On average they cost about 40% more, and you can buy them in a single color or RGB format. The RGB strips are very interesting because, with a special remote control, it is possible to change the color of the LEDs or have them play with color. As a value for money, they are the best and most sold on the market. Ideal both as decorative lights and as main lights thanks to the light power of the 3 integrated chips.
The most powerful are the SMD 5630s which, having a single high brightness chip, can be 2 times brighter than the 5050 led strips. The high quality of these strips, however, requires a greater cost, in fact, the latter result in a purchase price doubled compared to 5050. They are recommended for the main rooms and for those who need to light large rooms.

12V or 24V led strips?

The voltage of the LED strips can be 12V or 24V. The difference lies in the fact that the 12V is the most common on the market and in common use, while the 24V is used in professional environments precisely to facilitate the installation work. We recommend 12V because they are much cheaper than the last ones.

Number of LEDs

Another thing to note when buying LED strips is the number of LEDs per meter. This number can be 30, 60 or 120. The ones we recommend are the 60 LED strips, as they are good value for money and give optimal lighting. The 30 led strips are recommended for secondary uses such as decorations, the lighting of cabinets and shelves. As for the 120 LEDs, we must consider that the purchase price is higher and consume twice the 60 LEDs. They are used by those who want to achieve maximum illumination in large spaces and structures.

Based on all these features and differences that distinguish the LED strips, at the time of purchase we must remember that, in addition to considering the number of LEDs per meter, we must also bring into play the type of LED chip, the IP protection we require and the voltage. Therefore there are no better-LED strips than others, all factors that must be evaluated based on the type of use and lighting needs we have.

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