COB LED Strip Features
COB LED strips use high-density chip packaging to deliver smooth and uniform illumination with minimal visible dots.
The flexible PCB design allows easy bending for various linear lighting applications.
Multiple CCT, CRI, power and IP rating options are available.
Soft light output and flexible installation make them ideal for residential, commercial and decorative lighting.
Product parameter
COB LED Strip FAQ
1. What is a COB LED strip?
COB stands for Chip on Board. A large number of LED chips are directly mounted onto the PCB to create a more continuous and uniform lighting effect.
2. Does a COB LED strip show visible light dots?
COB strips have significantly fewer visible light dots than traditional SMD strips. The final dot-free effect also depends on LED density, profile depth, diffuser and viewing distance.
3. What voltages are commonly available?
DC12V and DC24V are the most common options. 24V is generally preferred for project applications because of lower current and better voltage-drop performance.
4. What power options are commonly available?
Typical options include 5W/m, 8W/m, 10W/m, 12W/m, 14W/m and 15W/m.
5. What color temperatures are available?
Common options include 2200K, 2400K, 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K, 6000K and 6500K.
6. What CRI options are available?
Typical options include CRI>80, CRI>90 and CRI>95. CRI90 or higher is commonly recommended for residential, hospitality and commercial lighting.
7. What is SDCM?
SDCM indicates color consistency between LEDs. A lower SDCM value means better color consistency. SDCM<3 is commonly preferred for demanding lighting projects.
8. Can COB LED strips be cut?
Yes. Each model has designated cutting points and a minimum cutting length. The strip should always be cut according to the PCB markings.
9. What are the typical cutting lengths?
Common cutting lengths include 25mm, 33.3mm, 50mm, 62.5mm and 100mm, depending on the circuit design.
10. Can a COB strip support free cutting?
Some specially designed COB strips support very short cutting lengths or free-cut capability through dedicated PCB and circuit designs.
11. What is the maximum running length?
A standard constant-voltage COB strip commonly uses around 5 meters as a typical power-feed length. Special designs may support 10m, 15m, 20m or even longer runs.
12. Why does the end of a long LED strip become darker?
The main reason is voltage drop. Longer runs, higher current and higher PCB resistance generally result in greater voltage drop.
13. How can voltage drop be reduced?
Using 24V, thicker copper PCB, lower power, dual-end power feeding or multiple power-feed points can help reduce voltage drop.
14. Can the LED strip be powered from both ends?
Yes. Dual-end power feeding is an effective way to reduce voltage drop and improve brightness consistency over longer runs.
15. Does a COB LED strip require an aluminum profile?
An aluminum profile is recommended, especially for higher-power strips. It helps dissipate heat, reduce lumen depreciation and improve long-term reliability.
16. Can COB LED strips be dimmed?
Yes. Standard constant-voltage COB strips can be dimmed with PWM controllers and can also work with DALI, 0-10V, Triac, Zigbee, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi control systems.
17. Can COB LED strips be waterproof?
Yes. Common protection levels include IP20, IP54, IP65, IP67 and IP68.
18. Does waterproofing affect brightness?
It may. Silicone or other encapsulation materials can cause some optical loss, so the luminous output may differ slightly from a non-waterproof strip.
19. Does waterproofing affect color temperature?
A slight CCT shift may occur after waterproof encapsulation. For projects with strict color requirements, final waterproof product data should be used.
20. Can COB LED strips be bent?
Yes. They can be bent in the intended PCB direction, but sharp bending, twisting and repeated bending at the same point should be avoided.
21. Can wires be soldered after cutting the strip?
Yes. Wires can be soldered to the designated solder pads. Proper soldering temperature and time should be controlled to prevent PCB or LED damage.
22. What PCB widths are commonly available?
Typical widths include 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm.
23. Why is PCB copper thickness important?
Thicker copper generally reduces electrical resistance and improves current capacity, heat dissipation and voltage-drop performance.
24. What PCB copper thicknesses are commonly used?
Typical options include 1oz, 2oz, 3oz and 4oz.
25. Is there a tolerance for power and luminous flux?
Yes. Normal manufacturing tolerances apply to LED products. Power and luminous flux commonly have a certain tolerance range, often around ±10%.
26. Can different production batches have color differences?
Yes. LED BIN differences can result in slight color variations between production batches.
27. How can batch-to-batch color differences be minimized?
For larger projects, it is recommended to produce the full quantity in one batch and keep some spare strips from the same production batch.
28. What is the typical lifetime of a COB LED strip?
Under proper installation, suitable operating power and good thermal management, a high-quality COB strip may achieve a design lifetime of approximately 30,000–50,000 hours or more.
29. Why does a COB LED strip become warm during operation?
Part of the electrical energy is converted into heat during LED operation. Higher-power strips generally generate more heat and therefore require better thermal management.
30. What specifications can be customized?
Common customization options include PCB width, CCT, CRI, power, brightness, cutting length, copper thickness, IP rating, cable length, connection type and finished strip length.