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12V - 24V

LED strips, also known as LED tapes or LED lines, offer an extremely flexible and energy-efficient way to add light to almost any space. These thin, self-adhesive strips are equipped with numerous small LED lights and can be cut, bent, and stuck to size. They operate on low voltage (usually 12V or 24V) via an external LED driver, making them safe and efficient. From subtle ambient lighting to functional accents, LED strips are a popular choice for both domestic and commercial projects, thanks to their discreet design and powerful light output.

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  • Pay later within 30 days
  • Return up to 60 days later
  • Ordered before 7:00 PM, shipped the same day
  • Free shipping on orders over 49,-

Why choose 12V or 24V LED strips?

Switching to low-voltage LED strips offers various practical advantages that contribute to the efficiency, flexibility, and lifespan of your lighting solution.

  • Extremely flexible: LED strips can be easily bent and cut, making them perfect for custom lighting in niches, under cabinets, along ceilings, or in complex shapes.
  • Energy-efficient and durable: LED technology consumes significantly less energy than traditional light sources and has a long lifespan (up to 50,000 hours of use), resulting in lower energy costs and minimal maintenance needs.
  • Compact and discreet: Thanks to their slim profile, LED strips are almost invisible when turned off and can be concealed in small spaces for a sleek, modern finish.
  • Safe due to low voltage: Working with 12V or 24V makes installation safer compared to 230V mains-voltage systems.
  • Various lighting options: Available in a wide range of light colors (Kelvin), including warm white, cool white, RGB (color changing), and CCT (tunable white), as well as dimmable options for the perfect ambience.

12V versus 24V LED strips: the differences and making the right choice

Choosing between 12V and 24V LED strips is an important consideration when planning your lighting project. Both have their specific advantages and suitability for certain applications.

12V LED strips: compact and versatile for shorter runs

12V LED strips are often standard and widely used for shorter lighting runs. They are readily available and easy to install, typically with relatively small drivers.

  • Cutting points: Many 12V strips have shorter cutting intervals (often every 2.5 to 5 cm), making them ideal for precision work or installation in very small fixtures, such as under shelves or in display cases.
  • Voltage drop: For longer lengths (from about 5 meters), 12V strips can experience more voltage drop. This may result in a noticeable difference in brightness between the start and end of the strip ('voltage drop').
  • Applications: Suitable for short accent lighting, decorative lighting, or use in automotive and recreational vehicles.

24V LED strips: efficient for longer runs

24V LED strips are particularly suited for longer installations. The higher voltage ensures more efficient power transmission and minimizes voltage drop over the length of the strip.

  • Less voltage drop: The higher voltage keeps brightness more consistent over long distances, allowing you to create extended uninterrupted lines of light.
  • More efficient drivers: 24V drivers can often deliver more power within a smaller size and generally generate less heat.
  • Cutting points: Cutting intervals are often longer than with 12V strips (for example every 5 to 10 cm). This is something to consider for projects requiring very precise short lengths.
  • Applications: Ideal for main lighting, indirect lighting along ceilings, in skirting boards, or in projects where long, uniform light lines are needed.
Comparison of 12V and 24V LED strips
Feature 12V LED Strips 24V LED Strips
Voltage drop More for long lengths Less for long lengths
Cutting points Often shorter (every 2.5–5 cm) Often longer (every 5–10 cm)
Driver size Relatively smaller at lower wattage More efficient at higher wattage
Maximum length Shorter uninterrupted runs Longer uninterrupted runs
Safety Very safe (low voltage) Very safe (low voltage)

Key technical specifications for LED strips

When selecting the right LED strip, several technical aspects are important as they determine the performance and suitability for your project.

  • Luminous output (Lumens per meter): Indicates how much light a strip produces per meter. Higher lumens/meter are needed for primary lighting; lower values suffice for mood lighting.
  • Light color (Kelvin): The color temperature sets the mood. Warm white (2700K–3000K) for a cozy setting, neutral white (4000K) for functional light, and daylight white (6000K–6500K) for maximum brightness.
  • Color Rendering Index (CRI): A high CRI (80+ or 90+) means colors are rendered naturally, which is important in kitchens or showrooms.
  • IP rating (protection class): Indicates the level of protection against dust and water.
    • IP20: Not protected against water, suitable for dry indoor spaces.
    • IP44: Splash-proof, for damp indoor areas (e.g., bathrooms) or sheltered outdoor spots.
    • IP65: Jet water and dustproof, suitable for outdoor use (under cover).
    • IP67/IP68: Fully waterproof, suitable for very wet environments or even immersion.
  • Dimmability: Many LED strips are dimmable. This requires a dimmable driver and a compatible dimmer (e.g., Triac, DALI, 0-10V, or wireless dimmer).
  • Wattage per meter: The power consumption per meter of strip. Higher wattage means more light, but also more energy consumption.
  • Type of LED chips: Common chips include 2835, 5050, and COB. COB LED strips provide a seamless line of light without visible LED dots.

Installation and power supply of LED strips

Installing LED strips is flexible, but the power supply and connection require specific attention to ensure safe and long-lasting operation.

Choosing the right LED driver (power supply)

An LED driver converts 230V mains voltage to the required 12V or 24V DC. Important considerations when choosing a driver are:

  • Voltage: The driver must provide the same voltage (12V or 24V) as required by the LED strip.
  • Power: The total wattage of the LED strips must not exceed the maximum output of the driver. Allow for a safety margin of 10–20% above the total wattage of the strips. (For example, with 10 meters of LED strip at 9.6W/meter = 96W, choose a driver of at least 115W).
  • IP rating: For outdoor or damp locations, the driver must also have a suitable IP rating (e.g., IP44 or IP65).
  • Dimmable driver: If dimming is desired, a dimmable driver is essential. These are available for various dimming protocols.

Connecting and mounting LED strips

Installing and connecting LED strips is generally straightforward:

  1. Cutting the strip to size: Only cut the LED strip at the designated cutting points (often marked by a scissor symbol or copper contacts).
  2. Making connections: Connect the cut strip to the LED driver via a DC connector. For longer runs or corners, solderless connectors can be used, or the strip can be soldered.
  3. Placing the strip: Remove the protective backing from the adhesive side and stick the strip onto a clean, grease-free surface. Use aluminum profiles for a neat finish and additional heat dissipation.
  4. Connecting the driver: Connect the LED driver to the 230V mains voltage. Always switch off the power in your fuse box first!
  5. Connecting the dimmer (if applicable): Place a compatible dimmer between the 230V power supply and the driver, or between the driver and strip (depending on the dimming protocol).

Common applications for 12V and 24V LED strips

The versatility and compact size make LED strips suitable for a wide range of applications.

  • Atmospheric lighting: Behind TVs, under sofas, along ceilings (indirect lighting) for a cozy ambiance.
  • Accent lighting: In display cases, shelves, wardrobes, or behind mirrors to highlight specific elements.
  • Worktop lighting: Under kitchen cabinets, above desks or workbenches for functional lighting.
  • Outdoor lighting: Waterproof strips (IP65+) can be used along patios, in ponds (IP67/IP68), or for façade accents.
  • Recreational vehicles: 12V strips are ideal for efficient lighting in campers, caravans, and boats.

Frequently asked questions about 12V and 24V LED strips

Can I simply connect a 12V LED strip to a 24V driver?

No, this is not possible and can cause irreparable damage to the LED strip. A 12V strip must always be connected only to a 12V driver. Likewise, 24V strips should only be used with a 24V driver. Always ensure voltage compatibility.

Why do my LED strips not dim properly or why do they flicker?

Poor dimming or flickering is often caused by an incompatible dimmable driver or dimmer. Make sure the dimmable driver is suitable for the LED strips and the dimmer is compatible with the driver (e.g., Triac phase-cut). The minimum load of the dimmer may also play a role.

Can I always adjust the length of an LED strip?

LED strips can be shortened by cutting them at the designated cutting points. These are markings on the strip, usually every few centimeters. Never cut the strip between these points, as this can render the strip unusable.

How do I prevent voltage drop on long LED strips?

For long LED strips (from 5 meters for 12V, from 10 meters for 24V) there are several solutions:

  • Choose a 24V LED strip, as these naturally have less voltage drop.
  • Power the strip from both ends.
  • Use multiple smaller drivers distributed across the installation.
  • Use thicker wiring between the driver and the strip to reduce resistance.