What is the difference between 12 & 24 volt LED strip
What is the difference between 12 & 24 volt LED strip?
This article will explain the fundamental differences between 12 & 24 volt LED strip and which one may be preferable for your application. LED strip part number used in this example: LS12HB-120 & LS24HB-120. (120 LEDS per metre)
1. Cut points:
The cut points on 12 volt LED strip (all depending on the spec) are usually but not always, less spaced apart, meaning more accuracy in made to measure lengths.
Example of a 12 volt LED strip below with cut points every - 25mm
Example of a 24 volt LED strip below with cut points every - 50mm
As you can see from the examples above, the cut point length on the 24 volt strip is double than that of the 12 volt strip (25mm vs 50mm). This is because the cut points on the 12 volt LED strip are every three LEDS and on the 24 volt strip, every six LEDS.
2. Current capacity:
A 24 volt LED strip application will draw 50% less current than that of an identical 12 volt equivalent.
For example - Our 12 & 24 volt LED strips above are both rated at 14.4 w/m.
If purchasing five metres, they will require 5 x 14.4w = 72w of power. (we always recommend adding 20% on to the size of the power supply to avoid any voltage drop)
Using OHMS Law....
I = P/V = 72/12 = 6 AMPS
I = P/V = 72/24 = 3 AMPS
In summary, as you can see, 12 volt LED strip uses double the current than that of a 24 volt equivalent.
What does this mean in practice?
For example, our single colour LED strip controller (part number RU-SC-001) has a maximum current output of 12A.
Using 12 volt strip you can run 2 x 5 metre lengths (2 x 6A = 12A)
Using 24 volt strip you can run 4 x 5 metre lengths from the same controller (4 x 3A = 12A) double the amount of the 12 volt equivalent.
3. Brightness:
The brightness of an LED strip is measured in lumens, both 12 & 24 volt LED strips in this example, using warm white (3000k) have the same lumen output of 1573 l/m - The voltage supply makes no difference.
4. Run lengths:
If the distance in between the power supply, controller or LED strip is of any considerable length, then voltage drop may be encountered, this may be the case if you choose to group your power supplies and controllers in one location and then feed your LED strip lights with longer length connecting cables.
To get lower voltage drop, you can either lower the resistance or lower the current. In this example, the resistance cannot be lowered as the 12 & 24 volt strip both use two ounce copper supply tracks in the strip with equal resistance, and the supply cable will be a similar size.
The current however, may be lowered by using the 24 volt LED strip as this requires half the amount of current than that of the 12 volt equivalent therefore, the lower current will help reduce voltage drop across longer run lengths.
In summary - Pros & cons of 12 & 24 volt LED strip:
12 volt pros:
1. Reduced distance between cut points - all depending on the 12v spec of LED strip.
2. Can be used as interior vehicle lighting without needing a power supply.
12 volt cons:
1. Higher current - more controllers required than for an equivalent 24 volt system.
2. More susceptible to voltage drop.
24 volt pros:
1. Lower current - Less controllers required than that of an equivalent 12 volt system.
2. More suited to longer run lengths due to less voltage drop.
24 volt cons:
1. Greater distance between cut points.
2. Cannot be used as interior vehicle lighting without a transformer.
In general the difference between 12 & 24 volt LED strip is very little but hopefully the article above has answered any technical questions you may have had.