1. The choice of high-voltage and low-voltage light strips
The two have different application scenarios.
(1) High-voltage light strips
Can be directly connected to a 220V power supply without a transformer, so there is no need to consider the placement of the transformer. It is cheap, has high brightness, and has no voltage drop.
However, when the high-voltage light strip is directly connected to a 220V power supply, there will be flicker when recording with a mobile phone. You can install a constant current transformer to prevent flicker, but you need to reserve a place for the transformer. I personally do not recommend it because flicker is invisible to the naked eye, cannot be directly viewed, and is not used as the main lighting, so you don't have to worry about it.
It is recommended to install high-voltage light strips in places that cannot be touched by the human body, such as ceilings.
(2) Low-voltage light strips
Transformed into 24V or 12V low voltage through a transformer, there is no flicker, the cutting distance is small, and some single lamp beads can be cut.
However, a transformer needs to be placed, and there is a voltage drop. If it exceeds 10m, transformers need to be installed at both ends, otherwise the brightness at the beginning and end will be inconsistent.
Low-voltage light strips are suitable for installation anywhere. It is recommended to choose 12V for wardrobes and 24V for ceilings.
2. Choice between SMD light strips and COB light strips
These are the two most commonly used LED light strips for home decoration.
(1) SMD light strips
The LED chips are directly mounted on the substrate of the light strip for packaging. It is a common type of LED light strip. SMD light strips have the characteristics of flexibility, thinness, power saving, and long life.
SMD light strips are bare boards, relatively soft, and have adhesive backing. They need to be pasted in aluminum lamp troughs to be straight and not deformed.
SMD bare board light strips are low in price and high in brightness, making them the best choice.
Some SMD light strips also have transparent soft glue, which makes the light beads less likely to be squeezed and damaged, but the price is much higher and there is no need to do so because they cannot be touched after installation. It is more cost-effective to buy bare boards.
(2) COB light strips
COB light strips use denser light beads, and a layer of opaque silicone is added to the surface of the light beads. The light is very uniform and soft, and the light beads cannot be seen. It does not need to be placed in an aluminum groove during installation. It will become soft and easy to straighten when powered on.
COB light strips have low brightness and high prices. They are generally not recommended and are only recommended for surface-mounted light strips.
3. Choice of lamp beads
Choose 2835 type and 120 beads. That is, the length of the lamp beads is 2.8mm, the width is 3.5mm, and there are 120 lamp beads per meter. The brightness uniformity of the reflected light is sufficient.
Choose 10W or 12W per meter for the power. Choose 12W for a living room area greater than 30 square meters.
The color temperature is consistent with the main light. Generally, warm white light of about 4000K can be selected. The color rendering index Ra is greater than 90%.
4. Purchase summary
In general, SMD bare board light strips, 2835 lamp beads, and 120 beads are the most cost-effective and effective choices.
Choose high-voltage light strips for ceilings, and low-voltage light strips for wardrobes, bedside background walls, etc.
