LED Strip Lighting — Selection & Usage Guide
LED strips are one of the most versatile lighting tools available today — suitable for everything from signage and display lighting to architectural and decorative applications.
This guide breaks down:
- Different LED strip types and features
- Selection criteria (voltage, brightness, IP rating, etc.)
- Application tips and accessories
💡 Why Use LED Strips?
- Flexible, cuttable, and easy to install
- Available in various colors, voltages, and brightness levels
- Can be IP-rated for outdoor use
- Compatible with dimming and control protocols (PWM, DMX, SPI)
🧱 LED Strip Structure
Each LED strip consists of:
- LED chips (e.g., 2835, 2110)
- PCB (flexible or rigid, white/black/copper)
- Resistors or IC drivers (constant voltage or constant current)
- Adhesive backing for mounting
- Optional: silicone sleeve or extrusion for IP protection
🔠 Common LED Strip Types
🔹 Constant Voltage (CV)
- Driven at fixed voltage (12V / 24V / 48V)
- Simpler wiring, compatible with most drivers
- Brightness may drop over long runs (voltage drop)
🔸 Constant Current (CC)
- Maintains consistent brightness across long lengths
- Less affected by voltage drop
- Requires compatible CC driver or IC control
🧪 LED Chip Types
| Chip Type | Size | Lumen Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2835 | 2.8×3.5mm | Medium–High | Common, efficient |
| 2216 | 2.2×1.6mm | High density | Linear effect, compact |
| 2110 | 2.1×1.0mm | Super dense | Great for dot-free effect |
| RGB | Varies | Color-mixing | Used in dynamic lighting |
| Digital | Varies | Individually addressable | DMX/SPI required |
🏗 PCB Width & Color Options
| Width (mm) | Usage |
|---|---|
| 5mm | Narrow spaces, side-view strip |
| 8mm | Standard applications |
| 10mm | Higher power strips |
| 12mm+ | High current or RGBW strips |
PCB colors:
- White – common, reflective
- Black – hidden installations
- Copper – premium heat dissipation
💧 IP Ratings
Choosing the correct IP rating ensures durability and safety in your lighting application. Below is a breakdown of general protection levels, followed by Vivalyte-specific LED strip configurations.
🔰 General Protection Levels
| IP Rating | Protection | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
IP20 | None (bare PCB) | Indoor dry areas |
IP65 | Splash-proof | Bathrooms, signage |
IP67/IP68 | Waterproof | Outdoor, wet conditions |
🏷 Vivalyte IP Strip Options
| Code | Protection Level | Description | Visual |
|---|---|---|---|
IP22 (N) | Open / Indoor Use | Basic protection, no silicone |  |
IP64 (WP) | Dustproof, Splashproof | Silicone sleeve + endcaps |  |
IP65 (WS) | Silicone Coated | Top-coated PCB |  |
IP67 (WT) | Silicone Tubing | Fully sleeved, sealed ends |  |
IP67 (WHE) | Heavy-Duty Sealing | Outdoor tough, high resistance |  |
IP68 (WE) | Fully Waterproof | Silicone extrusion with inner fill |  |
IP68 (WTS) | Ultra Sealed Tubing | Silicone tubing + silicone glue |  |
IP68 (WTU) | Rigid Waterproof | Silicone + extrusion, outdoor use | |
🧠 Tip: Choose IP64+ for any outdoor, dusty, or humid environments. IP68-rated strips are ideal for permanent outdoor installations, water features, and high-humidity areas.
⚙️ Key Specs to Consider When Choosing
Voltage
- 12V: Good for short runs or lower power applications
- 24V: Most common — better for medium-length runs
- 48V: Great for long runs with minimal voltage drop
Wattage / Brightness
- Ranges from ~4.8W/m to 20W/m+
- High lumen output strips available for task or architectural lighting
Color Options
- Single White: 2700K – 6500K
- Tunable White (CCT): Mix warm + cool
- RGB / RGBW: Full color effects
- Digital Pixel Strips: Individual LED control
🧠 Special Strip Categories
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Long Run Strip | Designed for extended runs without brightness drop |
| Constant Current Strip | Stable brightness, long lifetime, ideal for uniform lines |
| Linear Strip (2216/2110) | High density, linear glow, ideal for aluminum profiles |
| Sideview Strip | Bends sideways for edge lighting |
| RGB Digital | Individually controlled LEDs (via SPI or DMX) |
🧰 Installation Tips
- Use aluminum profiles to manage heat and get clean finishes
- Always power strips within rated length per feed
- For long runs: inject power every 5–10 meters
- Match power supply voltage exactly (12V, 24V, or 48V)
- Use PWM dimmers or DMX/SPI decoders for advanced control
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wrong voltage PSU → can damage the strip
- No heat management → reduces lifespan
- Overloading the PSU → causes flickering or failure
- Cutting strip at wrong place → makes that segment unusable
- Using indoor strips outdoors → moisture = 💀
📦 Summary Table
| Feature | Range/Option |
|---|---|
| Voltages | 12V / 24V / 48V |
| Power | 4.8W/m to 20W+/m |
| IP Rating | IP20 – IP68 |
| LED Type | 2835 / 2216 / 2110 / RGB / Digital |
| Bending | Top-bend / Side-bend |
| PCB Width | 5mm / 8mm / 10mm / 12mm+ |
| Color Options | Single, CCT, RGB, RGBW |
Vivalyte options
🔹 KING Series
- Model(s): VFN-H2835K-XXX-24
- LEDs per meter: 90 / 144 / 180
- Power consumption: 4.8 / 7.68 / 9.6 W/m
- Brightness: 1042–2044 lm/m
- Voltage: 24V DC
- CRI Options: >80 / >90
- LED Chip Type: 2835
- PCB Width: 10mm
- Available IP Ratings: IP22–IP68
🧠 When to choose: Ideal for general-purpose projects requiring medium brightness and budget flexibility.
🔹 THOR Series
- Model(s): VFN-H2835T-XXX-24
- LEDs per meter: 64–432
- Power consumption: 7.68–38.88 W/m
- Brightness: 1128–6955 lm/m
- Voltage: 24V DC
- CRI Options: >90 / >95
- LED Chip Type: 2835
- PCB Width: 10–28mm
- Available IP Ratings: IP22–IP68
🧠 When to choose: Perfect for high-output needs such as architectural lighting or areas needing strong visual impact.
🔹 ODIN Series
- Model(s): VFN-H2835O-XXX-24
- LEDs per meter: 80–288
- Power consumption: 14.4–43.2 W/m
- Brightness: 2304–6955 lm/m
- Voltage: 24V DC
- CRI Options: >90
- LED Chip Type: 2835
- PCB Width: 10–12mm
- Available IP Ratings: IP22–IP68
🧠 When to choose: Great for ultra-high brightness scenarios or where premium CRI and punch are required.
🔹 COB Series
- Model(s): VFN-FC-XXX-24(HS)
- LEDs per meter: 320 / 480 / 576
- Power consumption: 6–12 W/m
- Brightness: 540–1020 lm/m
- Voltage: 24V DC
- CRI Options: >90
- LED Chip Type: COB
- PCB Width: 5–8mm
- Available IP Ratings: IP22–IP68
🧠 When to choose: Best for dot-free lines of light, close-to-surface applications, or seamless glow in diffused profiles.
🔹 LONG RUN Series
- Model(s): VLWS-2835A-XXX-24
- LEDs per meter: 60 / 120
- Power consumption: 5.04 / 10.8 W/m
- Brightness: 431–862 lm/m
- Voltage: 24V DC
- CRI Options: >80 / >90 / >95
- LED Chip Type: 2835
- PCB Width: 10mm
- Available IP Ratings: IP22–IP68
🧠 When to choose: Optimized for long continuous runs with minimal voltage drop — signage or display applications.
🔹 2110 DENSE Series
- Model(s): VFN-2110-XXX-24
- LEDs per meter: 266–700
- Power consumption: 13.68–24 W/m
- Brightness: 1258–2185 lm/m
- Voltage: 24V DC
- CRI Options: >90 / >95
- LED Chip Type: 2110
- PCB Width: 10mm
- Available IP Ratings: IP22–IP68
🧠 When to choose: Recommended when ultra-uniform lighting is needed — perfect for backlighting, profiles, or high-end finishes.
🛠 Still Unsure?
Send us your project specs — we’ll help you select the perfect strip.
📩 Contact our technical team