COB LED Strip Tape: The Future of Seamless Lighting

The lighting industry is experiencing a revolutionary transformation, and at the forefront of this change is COB (Chip on Board) LED strip technology. Gone are the days of unsightly LED chips creating spotty, uneven illumination. COB LED strips represent a quantum leap forward, offering seamless, professional-grade lighting that's reshaping how we illuminate our spaces.

What Makes COB LED Strips Different?

Traditional SMD (Surface Mount Device) LED strips have long been the standard, but they come with inherent limitations. The individual LED chips are visible, creating a "dotted" appearance that can look disjointed and unprofessional. COB technology changes this entirely by mounting multiple LED chips directly onto a single board, creating a continuous, uniform line of light.

The difference is striking - imagine upgrading from an old portable TV to a high-definition widescreen display. That's the visual impact COB strips deliver compared to their SMD predecessors.

Key Features That Set COB Apart

Exceptional LED Density: With an impressive 480 LEDs per meter, COB strips deliver unparalleled brightness and uniformity. This high density ensures there are no dark spots or visible individual LEDs, creating that coveted seamless appearance.

Superior Light Quality: Achieving a CRI (Colour Rendering Index) of 90, COB strips reproduce colors more accurately than standard LED tapes. This high CRI makes them ideal for applications where color accuracy matters, from retail displays to kitchen task lighting.

Energy Efficiency: Operating at 15W per meter while producing between 1650-2000 lumens (depending on color temperature), COB strips deliver up to 133 lumens per watt—twice as efficient as many competing products.

Flexible Installation: Cut points every 50mm provide exceptional flexibility for custom installations, while the 140-degree beam angle ensures wide, even light distribution.

Color Temperature Options for Every Application

COB LED strips are available in multiple color temperatures to suit different environments:

• Extra Warm White (2700K): Perfect for creating cozy, intimate atmospheres in living spaces
• Warm White (3000K): Ideal for general residential lighting with a welcoming feel
• Cool White (4000K): Excellent for task lighting and modern commercial spaces
• Daylight (6000K): Provides crisp, energizing light for workspaces and detailed tasks

Professional Applications and Installation

The versatility of COB LED strips makes them suitable for numerous applications:

• Under-cabinet kitchen lighting for shadow-free food preparation
• Cove lighting for architectural accent illumination
• Retail displays where accurate color representation is crucial
• Exhibition spaces requiring uniform, professional lighting
• Hospitality environments where ambiance is key

Installation is straightforward thanks to the self-adhesive TESA 4965 backing, though professional installation is recommended for complex projects. The strips can be supplied with standard 150mm input tails or custom soldered connections for specific applications.

Understanding IP Ratings for Different Environments

COB LED strips are available in multiple IP (Ingress Protection) ratings to suit various installation environments. IP20 strips are designed for indoor use in dry locations, making them perfect for under-cabinet lighting, cove lighting, and general interior applications where moisture isn't a concern. The IP20 version doesn't have any coating which improves heat dissipation as the strip has more airflow. It can be used effectively within aluminium profile rails, which add a further touch of class to a lighting design.

For areas with occasional moisture exposure, IP65 rated strips offer protection against dust and water jets, making them suitable for bathrooms, covered outdoor areas, and commercial kitchens. Should you install IP65 strips in kitchens? If the strips are near a sink or close to a kettle, then yes and IP65 rated strip would be recommended as the sealed coating will provide protection against moisture and will ultimately last longer.

The highest protection level, IP68, provides complete waterproof protection, allowing for full submersion and making these strips ideal for outdoor installations, ponds, swimming pool lighting, marine applications, and any environment where complete moisture protection is essential.

Choosing the correct IP rating ensures your COB LED strips will perform reliably in their intended environment while maintaining their 50,000-hour lifespan.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Power: 15W per meter
• Voltage: 24V DC - allows for longer runs without 'volt drop'
• Lifespan: 50,000 hours with a 3-year guarantee
• Environmental Protection: Available in IP20, IP65, or IP68 ratings
• Operating Temperature: Up to 60°C
• Certifications: RoHS, CE, and FCC approved

The Future is Here

Industry experts predicted in 2019 that COB technology would become the standard once manufacturers caught up and cleared old stock. That prediction is now reality. COB LED strips offer superior brightness, improved light quality, and higher efficiency compared to traditional alternatives.

For designers, architects, and homeowners seeking professional-quality lighting with minimal effort, COB LED strips represent the perfect solution. They deliver the seamless, high-quality illumination that modern spaces demand while offering the flexibility and efficiency that make them practical for any project.

The transition from SMD to COB technology isn't just an upgrade—it's a complete reimagining of what LED strip lighting can achieve. With their dot-free appearance, superior color rendering, and exceptional efficiency, COB LED strips are setting new standards for the entire lighting industry.

Whether you're illuminating a single kitchen cabinet or designing lighting for a large commercial space, COB LED strips provide the technology and performance to make your vision a reality.

General COB Tape Questions & Answers

Q1: What's the main difference between COB LED strips and traditional SMD LED strips?

A: The primary difference lies in the technology and appearance. COB (Chip on Board) LED strips mount multiple LED chips directly onto a single board, creating a seamless, continuous line of light without visible individual LEDs. Traditional SMD strips show individual LED chips, creating a "dotted" appearance with potential hot spots and shadows. COB strips deliver uniform illumination that looks more like fluorescent lighting, while SMD strips can appear harsh and spotty. Additionally, COB strips typically offer better heat management and higher efficiency.

Q2: How do I choose the right color temperature for my COB LED strips?

A: Color temperature selection depends on your application and desired atmosphere. Extra warm white (2700K) creates a cozy, intimate feel perfect for bedrooms and living areas. Warm white (3000K) offers a welcoming ambiance ideal for general residential lighting. Cool white (4000K) provides balanced, neutral light excellent for kitchens and offices. Daylight (6000K) delivers crisp, energizing light best for workspaces and detailed tasks. Consider the room's purpose and the mood you want to create when selecting your color temperature.

Q3: What IP rating do I need for my COB LED strip installation?

A: IP rating selection depends on your installation environment. Choose IP20 for dry indoor locations like under-cabinet lighting and cove lighting. Select IP65 for areas with occasional moisture exposure such as bathrooms, covered patios, or commercial kitchens. Opt for IP68 for complete waterproof protection needed in outdoor installations, swimming pool areas, or marine environments. Using the correct IP rating ensures your strips perform reliably and maintain their 50,000-hour lifespan in their intended environment.

Q4: How much power supply do I need for my COB LED strip installation?

A: COB LED strips consume 15W per meter at 24V DC. Calculate your total wattage by multiplying the strip length by 15W. For example, a 5-meter installation requires 75W (5m × 15W). You don't have to choose a power supply with additional capacity, if your run is for 75W, a good quality 75W LED driver will work perfectly, although 75W is an odd wattage for an LED driver, so you'll most likely need to use 90W or 100W depending if you want it to be dimmable. Also ensure your power supply matches the 24V DC requirement of the strips.

Q5: Can COB LED strips be dimmed and cut to custom lengths?

A: Yes, COB LED strips offer excellent flexibility for custom installations. They can be cut every 50mm (shorter cut points than many traditional strips), allowing precise length customization for your project. All COB LED strips are dimmable when paired with compatible dimmable LED drivers and LED compatible dimmer switches or controllers. They can be controlled via remote control, wall dimmer switches, or integrated with smart home systems such as Lightwave for complete brightness and color temperature control. This flexibility makes them suitable for both simple installations and complex lighting designs.