The Ultimate Guide to COB LED Strip Lights

If you’re searching for an efficient lighting solution for your upcoming project, COB LED strip lights deserve your attention. Thanks to their high-density LED chips, COB strips produce a consistent and flawless beam of light, ensuring that your installation achieves a top-notch, polished appearance.

The cutting-edge technology behind COB strips delivers remarkable performance, making them a fantastic option for creating an elegant and professional lighting arrangement. Let’s explore this further.

What is COB LED Strip Light?

COB, which stands for Chip on Board, refers to a technology where LED diodes are directly mounted onto the printed circuit board. A phosphor coating is subsequently applied over these LED chips, acting as an integrated diffuser. The primary benefit of this technology is that it eliminates visible spotting, even in narrow LED profiles or tight spaces, promoting a seamless and uninterrupted installation finish.

This characteristic renders our COB Continuous LED Strip Light perfect for upscale professional and commercial applications. Its superior construction and materials ensure durability and dependable performance over time.

COB VS SMD LED Strip?

COB (Chip on Board) LEDs are integrated directly into the circuit board and covered with a phosphor layer that acts as a diffuser. This design allows for a seamless and uninterrupted light output. Because COB LEDs are mounted directly on the board, there is space for more LEDs, typically achieving between 320 and 528 LEDs per metre.

In contrast, traditional LED strip lights use SMD (Surface Mounted Diode) technology, where the LED chips are mounted on top of the circuit board. This method generally accommodates a maximum of 240 LEDs per metre.

SMD LED strips are more prone to visible spotting and dark patches due to the spacing between the chips. This spotting effect can become more noticeable when the strip is installed in a shallow LED profile with a semi-clear or transparent diffuser.

On the other hand, COB LED strip lights eliminate spotting and can be used effectively without an LED profile, providing a uniform and high-quality light output.

How is COB LED Flexible Strip Manufactured?

The strips are manufactured with the same quality PCB as our other LED Flex Strip lights. Flip chip LEDs are then placed side by side down the center of the strip light, so tight that there are 512 LEDs for every Meter of strip! The strips are finished after a phosphor layer is placed over the LEDs. This helps balance out the color temperature while also acting as a protective layering for the tiny flip chip LEDs underneath.

Advantages of COB LED Flex Strips

No LED Hotspots, even in tight spaces!

One of the biggest complaints about your traditional LED flex strip is the hotspots throughout the strip. A Hotspot is the term for the brighter areas through a fixture or strip where you can clearly see where the light is coming from. Light is much more inviting and attractive when it looks like a smooth source of light, not a spotty mess.

With 5050 SMD Flex Strips the larger sized diodes are packed close enough so that at a distance the light is spread out and consistent on the surface being illuminated, but if the lights are too close to the surface or the strips themselves are visible, the hotspots are an eyesore that cannot be ignored by the human eye.

The strips 528 LEDs/M it would be pretty hard to pick out any hotspots on the COB Flex Strips. The strip illuminates a smooth, consistent light from start to finish. The uniform light has no dark spots and is much more attractive to the human eye, giving off a steady light even in the tightest of places. In fact, the only real way to see hotspots is to look at the back of the strip where it is easier to see the individually placed flip chip LEDs. The only other way you are going to see the individual diodes is if you dim the strips down to about 5% light output. This makes COB Flex Strips ideal for applications where:

• The strip itself cannot be hidden from sight.

• The surface that is being illuminated is within 2 feet of the strip light.

• Reflective surfaces like granite/glass are around.

• Those applications where you want a cool, neon effect.

Brighter Light

That’s right, these COB LED Flex strips are even brighter! At 1400 Lumens/M these are even brighter than our high-density strips! The consistent, bright light also emits at a wider angle thanks to the flip chip LEDs not being encapsulated in a plastic holder like SMD LEDs. This lets them emit some light out the sides so that they spread at 180 degrees off the strip. Wider light angle means more light for you so this is important in the long run for brightness as well!

More Flex

The flexibility of these strips is much better than other flexible strips because of the smaller diode size and even distribution of weight. The diodes are so small and tightly spaced that any point of the strip is the same as the other. The uniformity makes it easy to set up strips without having to plan around a 5050 SMD LED sticking out where you don’t need it. This added flexibility will make them easier to fit into tight areas and turn around corners in your application.

More Efficient, Less Heat

When packing so many LEDs in such a small space, efficiency can come into question. However, flip chip LEDs are superior in efficiency and heat transfer compared to other LEDs. They actually run at 14 Watts / M just like our high-density strip lights but they output 100 Lumens per Watt compared to the 75/W of the high-density strip.

They are also much better at distributing heat as they are mounted directly to the flexible PCB board. This helps them spread their heat down into the PCB rather than keeping it all locked right in the light source itself. This reduction of thermal resistance within the high-density circuit greatly improves the lifetime of the LEDs.

Types of COB LED Strips

COB (Chip on Board) LED strips are versatile lighting solutions known for their high brightness, uniform light distribution, and energy efficiency. They come in various types, each designed for specific applications and lighting needs. Below is a comprehensive overview of the different types of COB LED strips available:

1). Single-Color COB LED Strips

Single-color COB LED strips emit a consistent color, such as warm white, cool white, or any specific hue like red, blue, or green. They are commonly used in applications where uniform lighting in a single color is required.

Applications:

• Residential lighting for kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms
• Commercial lighting for offices and retail spaces
• Signage and display lighting

Features:

• Available in different color temperatures (e.g., 2700K for warm white, 6500K for cool white)
• Simple to install and operate
• Energy-efficient with consistent brightness

2). RGB COB LED Strips

RGB COB LED strips combine red, green, and blue LEDs to produce a wide range of colors. They are ideal for creating dynamic, colorful lighting effects.

Applications:

• Mood lighting for living rooms and bedrooms
• Decorative lighting for bars and clubs
• Stage and event lighting

Features:

• Can display millions of colors through color mixing
• Often controlled by remote or smart systems for easy color changes
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments

3). RGBW COB LED Strips

RGBW COB LED strips include an additional white LED along with the standard red, green, and blue LEDs, allowing for more versatile lighting that includes both colored and white light.

Applications:

• Ambient lighting for residential and commercial spaces
• Decorative lighting for events and exhibitions
• Architectural lighting for buildings and structures

Features:

• Enhanced color mixing with the ability to produce pure white light
• Flexible control options for creating both static and dynamic lighting effects
• Energy-efficient and suitable for a wide range of applications

4). Tunable White COB LED Strips

Tunable white COB LED strips allow you to adjust the color temperature from warm white to cool white, providing flexible lighting options for different settings.

Applications:

• Office and workspace lighting where different tasks require different lighting conditions
• Residential lighting for creating various atmospheres in different rooms
• Retail lighting to highlight products effectively

Features:

• Adjustable color temperature, typically ranging from 2700K to 6500K
• Allows for the creation of different lighting moods in one environment
• Ideal for spaces that need to switch between warm and cool lighting

5). High-Density COB LED Strips

High-density COB LED strips feature a greater number of LED chips per meter, providing extremely bright and uniform lighting with minimal gaps or shadowing.

Applications:

• High-intensity lighting for commercial and industrial spaces
• Backlighting for large displays and signage
• Task lighting for workspaces that require bright and even illumination

Features:

• High luminous output with excellent uniformity
• Effective for applications where high brightness is crucial
• Enhanced thermal management for longer lifespan

6). Flexible COB LED Strips

Flexible COB LED strips can be bent or shaped to fit around curves and angles, making them ideal for custom and intricate lighting designs.

Applications:

• Decorative lighting for curved architectural features and sculptures
• Custom lighting solutions for signs and artwork
• Under-cabinet and cove lighting in kitchens and bathrooms

Features:

• Can be easily shaped to fit various surfaces
• Ideal for creative and architectural lighting applications
• Available in different colors and brightness levels

7). Waterproof COB LED Strips

Waterproof COB LED strips are coated with a protective layer that makes them resistant to water and dust, making them suitable for outdoor and wet environments.

Applications:

• Outdoor lighting for gardens, patios, and landscapes
• Lighting for pools, fountains, and other water features
• Marine and boat lighting

Features:

• IP65 or higher rating for water and dust resistance
• Durable and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions
• Available in various colors and types, including RGB and single-color

8). Ultra-Thin COB LED Strips

Ultra-thin COB LED strips are designed with a very low profile, making them suitable for installations where space is limited.

Applications:

• Edge lighting for displays and signage
• Accent lighting in narrow or hidden spaces
• Custom lighting solutions for tight areas

Features:

• Extremely thin and flexible for discrete installations
• Suitable for low-clearance areas and tight spaces
• Available in various colors and brightness levels

9). Dimmable COB LED Strips

Dimmable COB LED strips allow for adjustable brightness levels, providing flexibility to set the right light intensity for any occasion.

Applications:

• Ambient lighting in residential and commercial settings
• Mood lighting for living rooms, bedrooms, and entertainment areas
• Task lighting where varying light intensities are needed

Features:

• Brightness can be adjusted via dimmer switches or remote controls
• Compatible with smart home systems for easy control
• Energy-efficient with a long lifespan

10). Cuttable COB LED Strips

Cuttable COB LED strips can be trimmed to specific lengths, making them ideal for custom installations where precise fit is crucial.

Applications:

• Custom lighting for cabinetry, shelves, and displays
• Tailored lighting solutions for intricate spaces
• Flexible use in creative lighting projects

Features:

• Easy to cut and customize to fit exact dimensions
• Simple to install with adhesive backing and connectors
• Available in various colors and brightness levels

11). High-CRI COB LED Strips

High-CRI (Color Rendering Index) COB LED strips provide excellent color accuracy, making them suitable for applications where true color representation is essential.

Applications:

• Retail lighting to showcase products in true colors
• Art galleries and museums where accurate color rendering is important
• Photography and videography lighting for natural color representation

Features:

• High CRI values, typically above 90, for true-to-life colors
• Enhances the appearance of objects and spaces
• Ideal for applications requiring accurate color depiction

12). RGBCCT COB LED Strips

RGBCCT COB LED strips integrate five types of LEDs into one strip: red, green, blue (RGB), and two types of white LEDs (warm white and cool white). This configuration allows the strip to produce a full spectrum of colors, as well as adjustable white light that can range from warm to cool temperatures. The “Chip on Board” (COB) design ensures high brightness and uniform light distribution, with no visible LED dots.

Applications of COB LED Strips

Architectural Lighting:

COB LED strips are perfect for highlighting architectural features, providing both functional and decorative lighting that enhances building aesthetics.

Retail and Display Lighting:

The high CRI and bright output make COB LED strips ideal for showcasing products in their true colors, attracting customers and enhancing the shopping experience.

Residential Lighting

From accent lighting in living rooms to task lighting in kitchens, COB LED strips offer versatile and energy-efficient solutions for home lighting needs.

Automotive Lighting

Due to their compact size and high brightness, COB LEDs are used in automotive applications, including headlights, interior lighting, and custom lighting modifications.

Industrial and Commercial Lighting

COB LED strips provide powerful illumination for warehouses, factories, and offices, improving visibility and safety while reducing energy consumption.

Entertainment and Stage Lighting

The high light output and uniformity of COB LEDs are ideal for creating dynamic lighting effects in theaters, concerts, and other entertainment venues.

How to Choose the Right COB LED Strip

Selecting the perfect COB LED strip light for your project requires considering several factors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Illumination Needs:

Brightness: Determine the desired level of illumination. High chip density (360-480 chips/meter) offers brighter light, ideal for task lighting or under-cabinet applications. Lower density (60-120 chips/meter) is suitable for accent lighting or creating a soft ambiance.

Color Temperature: Choose the color temperature that best suits the application and desired mood:

• Warm White (2700K-3000K) for a cozy atmosphere (residential settings)
• Neutral White (4000K-4500K) for balanced light (kitchens, bathrooms, workspaces)
• Cool White (5000K-6500K) for energizing light (commercial spaces, task lighting)

Installation and Maintenance

Length: Measure the area where the strip will be installed to determine the required length. Consider purchasing extra length for potential cutting and connection.

Flexibility: COB strips are generally more flexible than traditional SMD strips. If navigating tight spaces or curves is necessary, choose a narrower PCB width (2mm-5mm) for better maneuverability.

Power Supply: COB strips typically operate on 12V or 24V DC power.

12V strips are easier to work with for smaller projects due to readily available low-voltage power supplies.

24V strips are better for longer runs or high-power installations to minimize voltage drop over extended distances.