FAQ

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How do COB LED strips work?

COB (Chip on Board) LED strips feature an
advanced technology where the LED chips are directly mounted onto the flexible
printed circuit board (FPCB). These chips are then covered with a layer of
phosphor, which acts as a diffusion medium on the chip's surface. The compact
design of COB LEDs allows for a high density of chips, sometimes exceeding 500
chips per meter. This high density contributes to a uniform and bright light
output without the "dotting" effect often seen in traditional LED
strips.

For more detailed information, you can explore
additional sources on how COB LEDs function and their advantages in lighting
systems.

Do COB LED Strips get hot?

COB LED strips typically do not generate
excessive heat. On average, the temperature of a standard COB LED strip is
around 40°C, which is much lower compared to traditional incandescent lighting.
However, this can vary depending on factors like power output, installation
environment, and whether proper heat dissipation methods (such as heat sinks or
adequate airflow) are used.

Although COB LEDs are more energy-efficient
than other lighting options, it's still important to ensure that they are
installed correctly and that their temperature is managed to maximize
performance and longevity. Some high-power variants may produce more heat, so
it's essential to check the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific strip
you're using.

For more information on LED heat management
and temperature considerations, please refer to detailed guides and product
specifications on the subject.

How long do COB LED Strips last?

COB LED strips are known for their impressive
longevity, typically lasting around 50,000 hours under normal operating
conditions. This long lifespan is one of the major benefits of COB LED
technology, making them a cost-effective and durable lighting solution.

The actual lifespan can be influenced by
factors such as:

Operating Conditions:
Ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding excessive heat can extend their
life.

Power Usage:
Running the strips at their optimal power can help avoid premature
degradation.

Quality of the Product:
High-quality, well-made COB LED strips tend to last longer than cheaper
alternatives.

For comparison, typical incandescent bulbs
last about 1,000 hours, and standard LED lights often last around 25,000 hours,
making COB LEDs a highly reliable choice for long-term use.

Can COB LED Strips be cut?

Yes, COB LED strips can be cut at
designated cut marks along the strip. These marks are typically located at
specific intervals, allowing you to trim the strip to the exact length needed
for your project. It’s important to make cuts only at these marked points to
avoid damaging the strip or affecting its functionality.

Additionally, when cutting the strip, ensure
that you use proper tools like sharp scissors or a utility knife and take care
to avoid cutting into the LED components or circuit paths. After cutting,
connectors or soldering might be necessary to reattach the strip for continuity
if needed.

For more details on cutting and using COB LED
strips effectively, check out detailed guides on installation and customization
of LED strip lights.

Can COB LED Strips be used outdoors?

Yes, COB LED strips can be used
outdoors, but it's essential to ensure they are specifically rated for such
use. The key factor is the IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which
indicates how well the strip can resist environmental elements like dust and
water.

For outdoor installations, look for COB LED
strips with an IP65 rating or higher. An IP65-rated strip is fully
protected against dust and can withstand low-pressure water jets, making it
suitable for most outdoor environments, such as garden lighting, patios, or
architectural lighting. For harsher weather conditions, strips with ratings of IP66
or IP67 offer even better water resistance, protecting them from
powerful water jets or even brief submersion.

Always check the manufacturer's specifications
for any additional outdoor-use considerations, such as temperature tolerance or
UV protection.

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How do you Power COB LED Strips?

COB LED strips require a compatible power supply (also known as a driver) to operate.
The voltage rating of the power supply must align with the strip's voltage
requirements, such as 12V or 24V. Additionally, the power supply should be able
to support the total power consumption of the strip, typically measured in
watts per meter or foot. To ensure reliability, it's recommended to select a
power supply that can handle 20-30% more than the strip's maximum wattage. This
provides some buffer for safety and ensures the system runs efficiently without
overheating or overloading.

Make sure to also check the power supply's efficiency
rating
and its ability to handle any potential fluctuations in power
demand. For larger installations, consider options with regulated or constant
voltage features for more consistent performance.

For
further detailed guidance, always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations
for both the COB LED strips and their compatible power supplies

Can COB LED Strips be dimmed?

Yes, many COB LED strips are dimmable, but you
will need to use a compatible dimmer switch or controller that is
designed to work with the strip's voltage and dimming method. COB LED strips
commonly use various dimming technologies such as PWM (Pulse Width
Modulation)
, 0-10V, or DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting
Interface)
, and the correct controller must support the same dimming
technology to ensure proper functionality. It’s crucial to match the power
supply’s voltage to the strip and ensure the dimmer is compatible with the
specific dimming method used by the COB LED strips.

For a smooth dimming experience, be sure to
check the manufacturer's guidelines for both the dimmer and the COB LED
strip. Additionally, selecting a high-quality, reliable dimmer will help
prevent flickering and improve the lifespan of your LED strips.

Always verify compatibility between the
dimmer, controller, and COB LED strips to ensure optimal performance.

How long can a COB LED Strip be run continuously?

The maximum continuous run length of a COB LED
strip is influenced by its voltage and power consumption. Strips
with a higher voltage, such as 24V strips, can typically be run longer
than 12V strips without experiencing significant voltage drop. This is
because higher voltage strips experience less power loss over longer distances
compared to their lower voltage counterparts.

To ensure optimal performance and prevent
issues like dimming or flickering at the end of the run, it's important to
refer to the manufacturer's specifications. These will typically outline the recommended
maximum run length
for each specific COB LED strip model, taking into
account its power requirements and voltage rating.

For
installations that require longer runs, using 24V COB LED strips is
often the better choice, as they can maintain more consistent brightness over
greater distances. However, proper planning and calculations, including the use
of appropriate wire gauge and power supply capacity, are
essential to avoid voltage drop and ensure a reliable lighting setup

How do you install COB LED Strips in tight corners?

COB LED strips are designed with cutting
points
that allow you to trim them to the required length for your project.
These cut points ensure you can customize the strip without damaging the LEDs
or causing malfunction. Additionally, flexible connectors can be used to
join separate sections of the strip, making it easier to navigate around tight
corners or awkward spaces.

When bending the strip around corners, you
must do so carefully to avoid damaging the delicate components.
Alternatively, using corner connectors allows for a seamless
installation
, maintaining both the lighting uniformity and the durability
of the strip.

For best results, it’s recommended to follow
the manufacturer’s guidelines for cutting and connecting COB LED strips
to ensure proper performance and longevity.

Can COB LED Strips be repaired?

Repairing COB LED strips can be tricky due to
their design and the high density of the LED chips. Unlike traditional LED
strips, which have easily replaceable bulbs, COB strips have a continuous
surface of LEDs mounted directly onto the board. If a section fails, it's often
more practical to replace that entire segment rather than attempting a repair.
This ensures the longevity and consistent performance of the lighting.

For minor issues, like a broken connection or
faulty soldering, it might be possible to fix the strip with careful attention,
but for major failures, replacement is usually the most reliable solution.
Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to understand the best
approach for your specific COB LED strip, or seek professional assistance
for any complex repairs.

By following these steps and consulting an
expert when needed, you can ensure your COB LED strips continue to function at
their best.

Do COB LED Strips require a Heat Sink?

COB LED strips are known for their efficient
heat management, but installing them on a heat sink or aluminium
profile
can significantly improve heat dissipation, particularly in
high-power setups. This added layer of thermal management helps extend the
lifespan of the strips by preventing overheating, which is crucial in
applications where LEDs are running at full capacity for extended periods.

While COB LED strips generally perform better
than SMD strips in terms of heat distribution, integrating them with aluminium
profiles or heat sinks optimizes cooling and ensures consistent performance
over time. This approach is particularly beneficial in environments with
limited airflow or high ambient temperatures. For more details on this, check
the manufacturer’s recommendations on installation for heat-sensitive
applications.

How do you connect multiple COB LED Strips together?

Multiple COB LED strips can indeed be
connected end-to-end using solderless connectors or by soldering
wires between the strips, depending on the installation needs. Both methods
ensure a seamless integration, but solderless connectors are typically easier
to use for DIY projects, while soldering provides a more permanent connection.

When connecting multiple strips, it's
essential to verify that the power supply can handle the total power
load. This means checking that the current rating and wattage
capacity
of the power supply exceed the combined requirements of the
connected strips. Overloading the power supply can lead to inadequate
performance or potential damage to the strips. For large installations, it's
also important to calculate the voltage drop across the strips to ensure
uniform brightness along the entire length.

For optimal performance, some manufacturers
recommend breaking long runs into smaller sections to reduce strain on the
power supply. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum run
lengths
and the number of strips that can be connected together.

By ensuring the power supply is appropriately
rated and following best practices for installation, you can maximize the
performance and longevity of your COB LED strips.

Can COB LED Strips be controlled with a Smartphone (APP) or Smart Home System?

Yes, COB LED strips can be integrated
into smart home systems or controlled via smartphone apps, as long as the proper controllers and connectivity options (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) are available. For example, smart LED controllers allow users to control lighting remotely, adjust brightness, set schedules, and
change colours from a smartphone or voice assistant like Alexa or Google
Assistant.

To achieve this integration, the COB LED
strips need to be compatible with the chosen system or app. Many modern smart LED strips offer native compatibility with popular home automation systems, while others may require additional hubs or bridges. Ensure the power supply
and controller chosen are also compatible with your smart system to ensure
reliable performance.

For advanced setups, you can also explore
options that allow for automation based on triggers, such as time of day,
activity, or even voice commands. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions
for installation and compatibility details.

This provides enhanced flexibility and
convenience, making your lighting setup more dynamic and adaptable to your
needs.