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Which is better: 12v or 24v LED strip?
LED strip lights have become increasingly popular due to their energy-efficient, long-lasting, and versatile nature. However, when it comes to choosing the right voltage for your LED strip lights, the decision can be challenging. With 12v and 24v being the most common options available, it's crucial to understand the benefits of each to determine which one is better suited for your specific lighting needs.
Table of Contents:
The Difference between 12v and 24v LED Strip Lights
Benefits of 12v LED Strip Lights
Choosing Between 12v and 24v LED Strip Lights
The primary difference between 12v and 24v LED strip lights is the amount of power they consume and their ability to produce different levels of brightness. 12v LED strip lights operate on 12 volts of direct current, while 24v LED strip lights require 24 volts of direct current to function.
Benefits of 12v LED Strip Lights
If power consumption needs to be minimal, 12v LED strip lights are an excellent choice. They require lower voltage, which makes them perfect for use in the following applications:
- Cars
- Boats
- Other vehicles
- Trade Booths
- Displays
- Signages
Additionally, 12v LED strip lights are typically less expensive than their 24v counterparts, making them a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Benefits of 24v LED Strip Lights
Despite 24v LED strip lights requiring more power, they also offer a few distinct advantages. For instance, 24v LED strip lights are more energy-efficient than 12v LED strip lights, as they use less current and produce less heat. This makes them an ideal choice for larger installations where high brightness levels are needed, as they can handle more LEDs per circuit without overloading.
In addition, 24v LED strip lights offer greater flexibility when it comes to installation. With their ability to support longer runs of LEDs, 24v LED strip lights are better for larger spaces, where multiple LED strips need to be connected together to achieve the desired effect. For example:
- Big Rooms
- Long Run Outdoor Applications
- Tradeshow Hall or Spaces
- Kitchen Lighting (High Brightness Requirement)
- Lengthy Home Remodelling Requirements
Choosing Between 12v and 24v LED Strip Lights
When deciding which voltage to choose for your LED strip lights, there are several key factors to consider.
Power Consumption
First and foremost, it's important to consider the power supply that will be used to power the LEDs. If you already have a 12v power supply available, then it may be more cost-effective to opt for 12v LED strip lights. On the other hand, if you need to purchase a new power supply, a 24v power supply can often be more energy-efficient in the long run, even if it is more expensive upfront.
Length Of The Installation Area
Another factor to consider is the length of the LED strip run. For shorter runs, 12v LED strip lights are generally sufficient, but for longer runs, a 24v system may be necessary to avoid voltage drop and maintain consistent brightness levels.
Brightness Level Requirement
Finally, the brightness level required for your installation is also an important consideration. If you need a high level of brightness, a 24v LED strip light may be necessary to achieve the desired effect.
Choosing the right voltage for your LED strip lights is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. Both 12v and 24v LED strip lights have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the key is to choose the voltage that best meets your particular requirements.
By taking into account factors such as power consumption, installation flexibility, and brightness levels, you can make an informed decision and select the LED strip lights that are right for you. Whether you opt for 12v or 24v LED strip lights, you can enjoy the benefits of energy-efficient, long-lasting, and versatile lighting.
If you're still unsure about which voltage to choose for your LED strip lights, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our LED lighting experts for advice. They can help you assess your specific needs and we can also help you with the design with our Expert LED Lighting Design assistance.