220v or 12v led strip - which is better?

When buying an LED strip, pay attention to such a parameter as voltage, there are lighting products operating from a 220 Volt network and 12V/24V led strips. What is the difference between them and which option is better? Let's try to deal with this issue.

12V LED strip: pros and cons

It is often chosen for decorative interior lighting, which is due to a number of factors:

·       multiplicity of cutting - can be cut into pieces of 5 cm;

·       ease of installation - back side with adhesive backing;

·       moisture protection from IP20 to IP68 - it is permissible to use in rooms with different levels of humidity, in the open air, withstands significant atmospheric influences;

·       safety - there is practically no chance of getting an electric shock.

When installing in niches or on walls, it is necessary to purchase an aluminum profile for efficient heat dissipation. It can be installed both on flat surfaces, for example, along the perimeter of the ceiling, and for lighting decoration of various curly elements in the interior.

There are also minor downsides. Connection only through a power supply, the power of which must be correctly calculated. If you want to create sections of great length, there will be a voltage loss effect, and in order to avoid it, you need to additionally buy voltage amplifiers.

Low voltage tapes can be mono- or polychrome (RGB), and dimming effects can also be created. But to enjoy these functions, you will have to purchase controls: RGB controllers, amplifiers, dimmers. All of them are available in our company.

Features of 220V tape

The operating voltage of 220V does not at all imply the ability to connect to an AC network through an outlet, since LEDs work only with direct current. To connect to the network, you will need an adapter (diode bridge), which is sold separately.

Basically, 220V LED strips are used for exteriors - landscape design, contour lighting of buildings, since it is easier to get longer illuminated areas from them, and they are sold in bays of 100 meters. Another point is silicone protection, good sealing.

Characteristics:

·       can be cut into pieces of at least 1/0.5 meter;

·       during installation, use an aluminum profile, plugs, fastening brackets;

·       since you have to work with 220 V electricity, compliance with safety rules is required;

·       with sudden voltage surges, the diodes can burn out, so it is advisable to buy a stabilizer;

·       to obtain RGB or dimming, you need to purchase the appropriate controllers and dimmers for 220V.

Thus, for interior lighting, a 12V/24V tape is the best and cheaper option. 220V is mainly used in the exterior, as it is characterized by good tightness.