There are a few differences among these different voltages with varying benefits and tradeoffs. Brightness, performance and CRI are the same for all versions. It really just depends on how you would like to control your lights, how long you want to run them in series (in one straight line, powered by one end), and how short you want the cut marks to be. One note is that all of our dimmers and remote controls work with 12V and 24V versions.

12V Input Version

Benefits: If you are powering the lights using a constant voltage 12V power system or battery such as some vehicle, solar, marine, or machine applications, we would recommend this strip in 12V for you. If you have very specific lengths you need to meet when you install the strip, the 12V version has cut marks every 1”, making the strip easy to cut to a perfect length.

Tradeoff: Due to voltage drop, the voltage diminishes along the strip much faster than in 24V, limiting the maximum run length in series before there is a noticeable difference in brightness. The 12V version has a maximum run in series (in one straight line, powered by one end) of 16ft, so if you need a longer run and cannot run in parallel, you may want the 24V version.

24V Input Version

Benefits: The 24V version is perfect for most clients. With a maximum run length in series of 42 ft and cut marks every 2”, the 24V input version will allow you to run the lights a little longer than the 12V version and also be able to use a lower amperage power supply. Example: Some 12V 100W power supplies are larger and bulkier in 12V than in 24V outputs.

Tradeoff: The 12V version allows you to be more precise due to its short cut segments of 1\". Thus it is also the go to choice for portable scenarios due to its compatibility with out 12V battery packs.

The length of LED strip lights of your project will determine the size of the power supply you need. View our Power Supply chart to find the exact LED power supply you need

Color rendering index (CRI) measures how colors are correctly rendered under a light source in comparison to natural sunlight. The index is measured on a 0-100 scale with 100 being a perfect rating of color accuracy, meaning the colors appear as they naturally would under unadulterated daylight. The bottom line: the higher the CRI, the higher quality is the light source.

95 - 100 → Phenomenal color rendering. Colors appear as they should, subtle tones pop out and are accented. All skin tones look beautiful and art comes alive as backsplashes and paint show their beautiful, full saturation.

90 - 95 →  Great color rendering! Colors pop out, look vibrant and are easily distinguishable. Noticeably great lighting starts at a CRI of 90.

80 - 90 →  Good color rendering. Though most colors will render well, you may not see items as fully saturated as you would like, but most people will not notice.

60 - 75 →  Poor color rendering. Items and colors look desaturated, dull, toneless, and at times unidentifiable (cannot see the difference between black and navy-colored socks).

The color of light can be quantified by referring to its color temperature. White light is measured in Kelvins (K). Most white lights fall in a spectrum between 1800K and 6200K. When dropping below 3000K, the light becomes noticeably warmer. On the other end of the spectrum, the lights become cooler and emit a blue-ish tint as they rise above 6500K.

It is important that you choose a color temperature that compliments the style, mood, or intention of your space. We recommend using warmer tones for accent or ambient lighting while using cooler tones in high-traffic, industrial or task-specific areas. Speak to one of our lighting experts if you need guidance.

Our lights have been rigorously tested and have an expected lifespan of 50,000 hours before dropping to 70% luminosity. This means that if you were to use your lights 12 hours a day, every day, the lights would be expected to last longer than 10 years. Even after that time has elapsed, the lights will maintain a brightness of 70%. Higher-output strips require a heat sink to reach the expected lifespan and beyond.

his is a quantifiable amount of light produced by an LED strip or other light-producing product, as seen by the human eye. In other words, this is one way we can measure how much light is produced. When comparing LED strip lights, you want to compare the lumen output as well as the CRI, watts/foot, warranty, and bin selection.

Yes, we offer an IP65-rated version of the UltraBright™ Architectural Series. That option comes with a silicone sleeve that encapsulates the LED strip light. It can be used indoors as well in areas that may be wet and damp..

12V version: Maximum continuous string of lighting in series: 16 ft 5 in

24V version: Maximum continuous string of lighting in series: 42 ft 2 in

Longer connections are possible in parallel with the correct power unit.

As these lights operate on low voltage, you first need to purchase a 12V or 24V power supply depending on your setup. The type of power supply may vary, depending on if you want to be able to control or dim your lights with a dimming system. We recommend using our solderless grip connectors to make connections after cutting the strip to length if needed. If you are familiar with soldering, you can go ahead and do so to make more permanent connections, but please test your expertise on a small segment of strip before committing to solder your entire project.

The 3M double sided adhesive that is found on the back of the LED strip allows you to install them in most locations. Be sure to thoroughly clean the surface to remove all dust and particulate matter before mounting the strip. Certain surfaces may require you to take additional measures to secure the strips lights into place. Feel free to call us with any questions.

Yes, our LED strip lights are made to be cut to your desired length. Using sharp scissors, you can cut this strip every 1” for the 12V and 2” for the 24V. You’ll see the cut marks printed on the surface of the strip.

3014 SMD (Surface Mounted Diode) represents the size of the LED chips on the strip. A 3014 SMD chip measures at 3.0mm x 1.4mm. Click here for more information on LED chip sizes.

UL is an acronym for the Underwriters Laboratories. They are an independent product safety certification organization. A good summary used by UL is, \"a not-for-profit organization dedicated to public safety.\" This means you can install these LEDs in commercial spaces, industrial applications, and in your home with peace of mind.