What is the difference between 12v and 24v LED light strips?

You can start with the operating voltage, brightness, length and connectivity, safety, and power requirements. Here are the different performances of 12V and 24V LED light strips.

Working voltage

• 12V LED light strip: The working voltage is 12 volts. This voltage is relatively low and is more suitable for some specific application scenarios, such as small decoration and places with high low-voltage safety requirements.

For example, in some children's room decorations, since children may come into contact with the light strip, the lower 12V voltage can reduce the risk of electric shock.

• 24V LED light strip: The working voltage is 24 volts. Compared with 12V light strips, its voltage is higher. It is more suitable for occasions that require longer light strips or have higher requirements for brightness.

For example, in the decoration of large commercial places, it may be necessary to connect longer light strips. The 24V voltage can reduce the voltage drop and ensure the brightness uniformity of the light strips.

Brightness

• 12V LED Strips: Typically, 12V LED strips have relatively low brightness. This is because at the same power, the lower the voltage, the greater the current, and the greater the current will generate more heat inside the strip, affecting the LED's luminous efficiency.

For example, in a small display cabinet, using a 12V strip may provide a softer lighting effect that is not too glaring.

• 24V LED Strips: Due to the higher voltage, at the same power, the current is relatively small and the heat generated is relatively less, so 24V LED strips can often achieve higher brightness.

For example, in places such as hotel lobbies that require higher brightness lighting, 24V strips can better meet lighting needs.

Length

• 12V LED Strips: Generally speaking, 12V LED strips are relatively short in connection length. This is because as the length of the strip increases, the voltage drop becomes more obvious, resulting in a decrease in brightness at the end of the strip.

Normally, the connection length of each section of a 12V strip is generally around 5-10 meters. If you need to connect a longer distance, you may need to use an additional power supply or amplifier to increase the voltage.

• 24V LED Strips: 24V LED strips can be connected to a longer length due to their higher voltage and relatively smaller voltage drop.

Generally, each section of a 24V strip can be connected to a distance of 10-20 meters or even longer, which makes it more convenient to install in some large spaces and reduces the number of power supplies and installation costs.

Safety

• 12V LED light strip: 12V is a low voltage and relatively safe. Even if the human body comes into direct contact with it, it generally does not cause a serious risk of electric shock.

• 24V LED strip: 24V is also within the safe low voltage range, but compared to 12V, in some cases, if the human body touches a damaged strip, it may feel a slight electric shock.

Power supply

• 12V LED light strip: A special 12V DC power supply is required to drive it. This power supply is usually small and easy to install, but due to the large output current, the quality requirements of the power supply are also relatively high.

If the power supply quality is not good, problems such as voltage instability and flickering may occur, affecting the service life and lighting effect of the light strip.

• 24V LED Strips: 24V LED strips can be connected to a longer length due to their higher voltage and relatively smaller voltage drop.

Generally, each section of a 24V strip can be connected to a distance of 10-20 meters or even longer, which makes it more convenient to install in some large spaces and reduces the number of power supplies and installation costs.