12v vs 24v LED Light Strips: A Simple Comparison

Many of our customers are looking to add LED Strip Lights to their home, but they often get stuck on which voltage to choose. We stock both 12 and 24 volt light strips, but which one should you choose?

Thankfully, the differences are fairly simple. In this article we’ll get you caught up to speed, so you can make the right choice for your project.

Here’s a comparison between our two most popular light strips:

Specification	12V LED Strip	24V LED Strip
Type	LED Strip	LED Strip
Function	Single colour	Single colour
Available CCTs	3000K / 4000K / 6000K	3000K / 4000K / 6000K
Voltage	12V	24V
Power / m	12W	12W
Power / 5m roll	60W	60W
Efficacy	85lm/W	85lm/W
Total light output	5100lm	5100lm
Beam angle	120°	120°
Max continuous run	5m	10m
PCB Colour	White	White
Dimmable	With optional controller / dimmable driver	With optional controller / dimmable driver
Cut intervals	50mm	100mm
LED Type	5050 SMD	5050 SMD
IP rating	IP20	IP20
Self adhesive tape	3M 300LSE	3M 300LSE
Dimension (W)	10mm	10mm
PCB weight	2.5 oz	2.5 oz
Certification	CE RoHS	CE RoHS
Estimated lifetime	30,000 hrs	30,000 hrs
Guarantee	3 years	3 years

If you’re playing spot the difference, you’ll notice that there aren’t many! The key difference is that 24v strips can be run for longer distances, but they have fewer cut intervals.

Comparing 12v vs 24v LED Strip Lights

With a general explanation out of the way, I want to provide a detailed guide for anyone who wants to fully understand the differences.

While it may seem a small topic, our LED Lights last for over 25,000 hours — so your choice will decide on the lights you have for the next 5-10 years!

What Are LED Strip Lights?

First, let’s quickly review what LED strip lights are. These are more like flexible circuit boards then traditional lighting, with LEDs (light-emitting diodes) installed onto them. The beauty being you can stick almost anywhere.

They’re used for everything from accent lighting and task lighting to decorative effects and even in some cases, primary lighting. Their flexibility, efficiency, and bright output make them a popular choice for a variety of lighting projects.

The Basics of Voltage

Voltage, measured in volts (V), is a way of describing the electrical potential difference between two points. For LED strip lights, the voltage determines how much electrical power is required to operate the lights. The two common choices are 12V and 24V.

12V LED Strip Light Pros & Cons

12v Light Strip Pros:

1. Ease of Installation: Working with 12v strip lights typically means working with shorter distances.
2. Versatility: Using shorter 12V strips are perfect for smaller, more intricate projects. With cut intervals every 50mm they can be cut into smaller segments, which is great for detailed work like under-cabinet lighting, backlighting, and accent pieces.
3. Wide Range of Products: There is a huge variety of 12V LED strip lights available on the market, making it easy to find the perfect type for your specific needs.

12v Light Strip Cons:

1. Voltage Drop: A significant downside to 12V LED strips is the voltage drop. Over longer runs, the voltage can drop, leading to dimmer lights at the far end of the strip. This can limit the length you can effectively run off a single power source.
2. Less Efficient for Long Runs: Because of the voltage drop issue, 12V strips are not as efficient for longer installations. You may need multiple power supplies or to split the strip into shorter sections.

24V LED Strip Light Pros & Cons

24v Light Strip Pros:

1. Reduced Voltage Drop: 24V LED strips have a lower voltage drop over the same length compared to 12V strips. This means the lights will remain brighter and more consistent over longer distances.
2. Better for Longer Runs: If you’re planning a long run of LED strip lights, 24V is usually the better choice. Our 24v strips can be run up to 10 meters without any loss in brightness.
3. Higher Efficiency: Generally, 24V systems are more efficient, which can mean better performance and lower energy costs over time. If you double the voltage you half the amps required, and so a 24V strip will draw half the current over the same distance.

24v Light Strip Cons:

1. Less Flexibility for Small Projects: While 24V strips are great for longer runs, they might not be as convenient for smaller, intricate projects. Their cut intervals are double the 12v at 100mm, so it’s not as easy to line them up perfectly for accent lighting.
2. Availability: Although the variety is growing, there are still fewer options available in 24V compared to 12V. This can limit your choices somewhat, depending on your needs.

Choosing the Right Voltage for Your Project

Consider the Length of the Run

If your project involves a long run of LED strips, 24V might be the way to go. The reduced voltage drop will ensure consistent brightness along the entire length. For shorter runs or more detailed work, 12V strips are usually sufficient and easier to work with.

Think About the Power Supply

The power supply is a crucial part of your LED strip setup. For longer runs, you might need a more powerful power supply, and 24V systems can offer more efficient power delivery thanks to needing lower current (Power = Voltage x Current).

Make sure to choose a power supply that matches the voltage of your LED strips and provides enough power for your entire setup.

Flexibility and Cutting Requirements

For projects where you need to cut the strip into many small sections, such as intricate accent lighting or detailed backlighting, 12V strips are usually better. They allow for more precise cutting, which is perfect for custom shapes and sizes.

Energy Efficiency

If energy efficiency is a priority, consider the overall length and usage of the strips. While both 12V and 24V systems can be efficient, 24V systems are often more efficient over longer runs. This can result in lower energy costs in the long run.

Conclusion

Both 12V and 24V LED strip lights have their own advantages and are suited to different types of projects. By considering factors such as the length of the run, power supply needs, flexibility, and energy efficiency, you can choose the right options for your project.

At LEDSave, we’re here to help you find the perfect LED strip lights and accessories for your project. Whether you’re lighting up your kitchen, creating stunning accent lighting, or planning a large-scale installation, we have the products and expertise to make your project a success.

Check out our full LED Light Strip category here.

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or for personalized advice on choosing the right LED strip lights for your needs. Happy lighting!