Step 1 — Choose Your Voltage: 12V or 24V?
LED strips run on low-voltage DC power (12V or 24V) supplied by a driver (transformer). The voltage affects maximum run length, LED density and overall performance.
12V
24V
Step 2 — LED Density (LEDs per Metre)
LED density affects light output, smoothness and hotspot visibility. Higher density strips produce more even light with fewer visible dots.
| Density | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30 LEDs/m | Accent lighting, under-cabinet (hidden) | Visible dots if strip is exposed |
| 60 LEDs/m | General cove lighting, under-cabinet | Good balance of cost and quality |
| 120 LEDs/m | Retail displays, hospitality, visible strips | Very smooth output, minimal hotspots |
| 240 LEDs/m | High-end retail, art galleries, feature walls | Premium, near-seamless output |
Step 3 — CRI (Colour Rendering Index)
CRI measures how accurately colours appear under the light. For most applications, CRI 80+ is fine. For colour-critical environments, choose higher:
General residential and commercial use. Acceptable colour rendering.
Retail, hospitality, kitchens. Noticeably better colour accuracy — food and products look more appealing.
Art galleries, jewellery, high-end retail, photography studios. Near-perfect colour rendering.
Step 4 — IP Rating for Your Environment
Dry indoor use. Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, dry coves.
Splash-proof. Bathroom zones, covered outdoor areas.
Silicone-coated. Kitchens, outdoor use, areas subject to cleaning.
Fully waterproof. Outdoor ground-level, ponds, fully exposed installations.
Step 5 — Driver Sizing
Always size your driver at 80% of its maximum capacity to allow headroom and extend driver life. For example, for 10 metres of 14.4W/m strip (144W total), use a 180W driver minimum.
Driver Sizing Formula
Strip length (m) × W/m = Total watts
Total watts ÷ 0.8 = Minimum driver wattage
Example: 8m × 14.4W/m = 115.2W ÷ 0.8 = 144W driver minimum
Common Questions
What is the difference between 12V and 24V LED strip lights?
12V LED strips are suitable for shorter runs (up to 5m per driver) and are common in residential applications. 24V strips can run longer lengths (up to 10m per driver) with less voltage drop, making them better for commercial and retail use. 24V strips also tend to have more LEDs per metre, producing a smoother, more even light output.
What does CRI mean for LED strip lights?
CRI (Colour Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source renders colours compared to natural daylight (CRI 100). For general use, CRI 80+ is acceptable. For retail, hospitality, art galleries or anywhere colour accuracy matters, choose CRI 90+ or CRI 95+. Higher CRI strips typically cost more but produce noticeably better colour rendering.
Can LED strip lights be cut to length?
Yes. LED strip lights can be cut at marked cutting points, which are typically every 50mm or 100mm depending on the strip type. Always cut at the marked scissors symbol — cutting elsewhere will damage the circuit. After cutting, the end can be capped or connected to another strip using a compatible connector.