12V LED strip lights vs 24V LED strip lights

Difference between 12V and 24V LED strip lights

Also known as LED tape Strips, Flexible LED Strips, or LED Strip Lights, LED tape is a flexible circuit board with integrated light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

The LED strip lights up in various voltages, lengths, colour temperatures, lumen outputs, number of feet, and beam angles. Some LED light strips are coated with gel or silicone to achieve IP65 protection class. This makes it suitable for outdoor use, is resistant to moisture, dirt and sediment and is made by connecting several minimal pruning circles. The minimum cutting unit is called a stepwise cut. As long as the LED density is the same, the trim unit length for the 12 V LED strip is typically half the length of the 24V LED strip. For an RGB strip light with a 60 LED/metre density, the cutting increment is 51 mm for the 12V version and 4 inches for the 24V version.

When looking for LED strip lights, our decision is based on various specifications and details including length, intensity, and colour. These are some main deciding factors but there are many other aspects of a product that further customize LED strip lights and what they will need while installing them. For instance, a choice between 12V LED strip lights VS 24V LED strip lights could change the products required for your project.  

When purchasing the best strip light for your project, you need to consider the voltage required. It is because of numerous applications required to run off a specific power supply. The most popular LED strip lights are 24V LED strip lights. It is because they are versatile performers and are well suited to office and home environments. They need 24V power supply units and can maintain high brightness at the time of a slight voltage drop.   

As it depends on the LED type, current flow on light strips, and the number of LEDs, 24V LED strip lights likely to have maximum run as compared to 12V strip lights. It is because the higher voltage transmits more power. All strips come with a maximum run that is the length of an uninterrupted strip which can be powered without undergoing voltage drop. Voltage drop occurs when the energy supplied is decreased as current flows through the wire. When the strip is very long, the reduced energy across the strip will decrease its intensity at the end. 

As they handle more power, 24V LED strip lights likely have brighter LEDs, a single-row configuration of many LED lights, or dual-row LED configuration. In such circumstances, the maximum run can be the same as the 12V LED strip. But keep in mind that 24V LED strip lights are more powerful with higher LED intensities and more LEDs. A similar 12V LED strip light would have a shorter maximum run.  

Power supply options

Whether it is a 12V professional power supply or a 12V power adaptor, 12V power supply has more options on the market as compared to 24V power sources and it is also easier to find. The power supply capacity always needs to be greater than the LED strip power consumption to avoid overheating and extend the lifespan of the power supply. The power supply comes in different versions eg. Modular Power Supplies, Flat Power Supplies, Waterproof Hermetic Power Supplies, Desktop Power Supplies and all of them for both 12V and 24V versions can be found and purchased at Future House Store.

Cutting increment

Each LED strip light is made by joining or linking a plurality of the smallest cuttable circuit units. The minimum cuttable unit is called as cutting increment. When the LED density is similar, the length of cutting increment for a 12V LED strip light is usually half to that of 24V LED strip light. For instance, RGB strip light with a density of 60 meters, the cutting increment is 4 inches for 24V version and 2 inches for 12V version. Each LED strip has cutting points but they vary of the LED strip, some of the strips can be cut every 6 LEDs, some of them every 3 LEDs, some of them every LED. You can see the cutting point on the left image. Make sure to cut the strip only in the cutting points, if you don't then you will damage the connections and your strip will not light up. If in doubt, please check the LED strip instructions or contact the seller.  

Which one is right for a longer run installation?

When looking for 12V LED strip lights and power supplies, it is suggested that these can be used for smaller installations like in cars or other applications where a 12V battery is needed. For a vehicle like a car, where a small strip light of the only 2m is required, the 12V voltage drop would not be noticeable. However, if you need longer runs for your project, you need to know that voltage drop becomes more prominent than it would be with a 24V LED light strip. So it is worthwhile to consult a professional who can assist you in determining what type of wire you need.  

Which LED strip light has high luminous efficiency?

Among these two forms of low voltage LED strips, the 24v LED strip light has higher luminous efficiency as compared to 12V LED strip light. Generally, the LED strip light circuit contains resistance and evolves heat. The heat generated is part of the waste energy. When the two strips have the same power, the strip that wastes low power has high luminous efficiency because additional energy is used to emit light. 

Is 24V LED strip light brighter than 12V LED strip light?

Whether you are using 12 V LED light strip or 24V LED strip light, there is no obvious difference in brightness. However, because of the voltage drop, a 24-volt LED light strip performs at higher efficiency with similar brightness.  

Let's suppose we lose 2V while installation of a tape. With a 24V strip, it will not be affected greatly with a drop of brightness being minimal. When it comes to 12V strip light losing a similar 2V, it will result in a higher percentage of loss, especially of the longer runs are installed. That’s why we concentrate on the importance of referring to a professional if you want to install more than 10 m of the strip light. 

Advantages of 12V LED strip light 

It is a great choice on 120 or 60 diode tapes as it provides a regular cut increment as compared to its 24V alternative. 

Disadvantages of 12V LED strip lights

The 12V strip light limits you to a length of 5 to 6 meters dependent on wattage.

Advantages of 24V LED strip light 

With 24V LED strip light, you are capable of longer run without undergoing a voltage drop. The voltage slowly drops when it moves through the LED strip. The further it moves, the more it drops. It can end up by causing one side of the strip to be brighter than the other end. With the use of a high voltage LED strip, it can run a longer length without experiencing a voltage drop.  

Disadvantages of 24V LED strip lights

The cut increment increases as compared to the 12V substitute. This is not a big price to pay when you keep in mind the benefits of longer run lengths on one continuous run.  

Conclusion

In short, the use of a 12V LED strip is advisable for small installations like in vehicles or other applications where a 12V battery is needed. For bigger projects such as office and home installations, you should consider 24V LED strip lights.