What Is The Difference Between LED Tape Light And Strip Light?
Nov 23, 2023| What is the difference between LED tape light and strip light?
LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology has revolutionized the lighting industry with its energy efficiency, long lifespan, and versatility. LED lights are now used in various applications, from residential homes to commercial spaces and even outdoor lighting. However, when it comes to LED lighting, people often confuse the terms "LED tape light" and "strip light." While both of these terms refer to LED lighting solutions, they have distinct differences in terms of their design, installation, and functionality. In this article, we will delve deeper into these differences and shed light on the key features of LED tape lights and strip lights.
Design:
LED tape lights, also known as LED ribbon lights, are thin, flexible strips that feature adhesive backing. These strips are usually made of a flexible circuit board with embedded LED chips. LED tape lights are designed to be discreet and can be easily hidden or installed in tight spaces. They are available in various lengths and can be cut to fit the desired installation area accurately.
On the other hand, strip lights are rigid LED strips that do not offer the same flexibility as LED tape lights. Strip lights consist of LED chips mounted on a rigid circuit board. Unlike LED tape lights, strip lights cannot be bent or curved. They are generally used for installations where flexibility is not required, such as under-cabinet lighting, signage, or accent lighting.
Installation:
LED tape lights are incredibly easy to install due to their flexibility and adhesive backing. The tape can be securely mounted on any clean, dry surface by simply removing the protective backing and pressing it into place. LED tape lights can be installed in various locations, including under cabinets, along staircases, or even around curved surfaces. It is important to note that LED tape lights are not designed for direct contact with water, so they should not be submerged or exposed to excessive moisture.
Strip lights, on the other hand, usually require additional mounting brackets or clips for installation. Since strip lights are rigid, they need to be fixed to a surface using screws or other fasteners. This makes them more suitable for applications where the lighting does not need to be repositioned or adjusted frequently. Strip lights also have varying degrees of water resistance, so it is essential to choose the appropriate type of strip light for the intended installation environment.
Functionality:
Both LED tape lights and strip lights offer excellent lighting options, but they differ in terms of brightness, color options, and control systems.
LED tape lights are generally available in lower brightness options compared to strip lights. They are commonly used for accent lighting or as supplementary lighting rather than the main source of illumination. LED tape lights are available in various color options, including single colors (such as warm white, cool white, red, green, blue) or RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color-changing options. They can be easily controlled using dimmers or remote control systems, offering flexibility in creating different ambient lighting effects.
Strip lights, on the other hand, are available in higher brightness options and are suitable for both primary and accent lighting purposes. They are commonly used in commercial spaces, retail displays, or outdoor applications where a more significant light output is required. Strip lights offer similar color options as LED tape lights, including single colors and RGB color-changing options. However, strip lights usually require a dedicated power supply and control system, such as an LED driver or DMX controller, for proper operation and color changing effects.
Summary:
In summary, LED tape lights and strip lights share the same LED technology, but they differ significantly in terms of design, installation, and functionality. LED tape lights are more flexible and discreet, making them suitable for installations where bending or curving is needed. They offer lower brightness options and are commonly used for accent lighting purposes. On the other hand, strip lights are rigid and require additional mounting brackets for installation. They offer higher brightness options and are commonly used for primary lighting purposes. Both LED tape lights and strip lights come in various color options and can be controlled to create different lighting effects. Understanding these differences will help you choose the appropriate LED lighting solution for your specific needs and preferences.