Discover the longest LED strip lights avaliable

LED strip lights have gained popularity due to their affordability and energy efficiency compared to other lighting options. They’re easy to install, available in various colors, and can be cut to any desired length. But have you ever wondered which LED strip lights are the longest?

In this article, we’ll explore different LED strip lengths and identify the longest ones available on the market. We’ll discuss factors such as power drop and the type of LED strip that influence their length. Low-voltage LED strips typically measure 5 meters, while high-voltage AC LED strips can reach up to 50 meters.

The longest LED strip lights currently available extend up to 60 meters per reel while maintaining consistent brightness without any power drop. We’ll also explore ways to make your LED strips longer and the reasons for doing so.

Keep reading if you want to learn more about LED strip lights and their lengths!

Understanding LED Strip Length

LED strip length refers to the measurement of flexible, tape or rope-like light fixtures that come in reels. These reels usually measure five meters, considered the standard size for LED strips. The 5m LED strip is widely available and can be easily cut to size due to designated cut points.

Apart from standard sizes, LED strips come in various lengths, and you can customize them to suit your needs. However, as the strip length increases, the voltage must also be increased to maintain consistent brightness throughout.

The Relationship Between Voltage and Strip Length

Voltage plays a crucial role in determining the length of an LED strip. As the strip length increases, so does the resistance to electricity flow, causing a voltage drop.

The LED strip’s voltage must be increased to ensure proper current flow and consistent brightness. When selecting an LED strip for your project, remember this relationship.

A higher voltage rating is better for a strip of the same length. For example, a 5m strip with 24V outperforms a 5m strip with 12V.

Understanding voltage drop is also essential when considering LED strip length. Voltage drop occurs when the voltage decreases along the strip due to resistive materials, causing the strip’s end to be less bright than the beginning. Choosing the right voltage for your LED strip ensures minimal voltage drop and consistent brightness throughout.

Various LED Strip Lengths

LED strips come in different lengths, from a standard 5 meters per reel to longer lengths of up to 60 meters. The length of an LED strip depends on the voltage rating and project requirements. To give you a better idea, here’s a table highlighting different LED strip lengths and their corresponding voltage ratings:

As you can see, longer LED strip lengths require higher voltage ratings to maintain consistent brightness throughout the entire length. It’s important to select the appropriate voltage rating based on the length of the LED strip to ensure optimal performance.

LED Strip Length and Constant Voltage

The length of an LED strip can significantly impact its performance, with the constant voltage rating being a determining factor in strip length.

The market’s most common LED strip length is 5 meters, typically available in two constant voltage options: 12V and 24V. The 5-meter, the 12-volt LED strip has cut marks every three LEDs and is often used for indoor lighting in areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.

In contrast, a 5-meter LED strip with a constant voltage of 24V provides similar brightness to a 12-volt strip. However, the cut marks are spaced differently, with a mark after every six LEDs.

When choosing an LED strip, it’s essential to consider the constant voltage rating, as it impacts the strip’s performance and compatibility with the power source. The table below presents some typical lengths of LED strips and their corresponding constant voltage values:

12VDC Vs. 24VDC: Which Is Better? 

You may be wondering whether a 12VDC or 24VDC LED strip is the better choice. Let’s compare both options to help you decide.

For a 5-meter LED strip, both 12V and 24V options have the same light output, but the amperage and voltage combination varies. For example, a 24W/m LED strip will draw 2.0A/m for 12V and 1.0A/m for 24V. However, this difference in amperage does not affect light output. The 24V variant is more efficient, drawing less amperage and performing better with the LED strip and power supply.

If you need to increase the length of the LED strip, the 24V option is better. By connecting two 5-meter LED strips, you can extend the length to 10 meters. A 12V LED strip will experience more voltage drop and reduced performance when connected to a longer strip, while the 24V variant can handle twice the load of the 12V strip.

In terms of flexibility in sizing, the 5-meter@12V option is preferable. However, if you have a larger installation or want to avoid voltage drop issues, the 5-meter@24V option is the way to go.

The key differences between the two options are:

What is a Constant Current LED Strip?

Constant Current LED strips are an innovative option for those who need long-lasting lighting without voltage drops. These LED strips provide a constant current, ensuring consistent brightness along the entire length of the strip. Constant current ICs on the PCB or ICs inside the LED maintain the current, preventing brightness loss due to voltage drops.

These LED strips are available in lengths ranging from 50 meters to 30 meters and from 20 meters to 15 meters per reel. They have thicker PCBs that range from 3 to 4 ounces in weight, making them more durable and long-lasting. They are also available in a variety of colors, including single color, warm white, adjustable white, RGB, RGBW, and RGBCCT.

Constant Current LED strips are highly waterproof, with an IP65/IP67 rating provided by the silicone-integrated extrusion process, making them ideal for outdoor use. They also have a high color rendering index (CRI>90) and 3-step MacAdam, resulting in more vivid and accurate color representation.

LED Strip Length Based on Constant Current

Constant current LED strips come in various lengths, and choosing the right length is crucial for ensuring uniform brightness. Here are some popular lengths available for constant current LED strips:

• 50 meters @ 48VDC Constant Current

This LED strip is suitable for large spaces that require extensive lighting. The 48VDC rating ensures that the brightness remains consistent from the beginning to the end of the strip.

• 30 meters @ 36VDC Constant Current

The 30-meter constant current LED strip requires 36VDC to provide uniform brightness throughout its length. This strip is perfect for mid-sized indoor spaces.

• 20 meters @ 24VDC Constant Current

If you need a smaller constant current LED strip, the 20-meter option with a 24VDC rating can provide uniform brightness without voltage drop issues. Although you can use 5-meter @ 24VDC constant voltage strips and connect them to create a 20-meter strip, this can lead to voltage drop issues, and adding extra wiring for each strip can make the circuit more complex.

What is an AC Driverless LED strip?

AC driverless LED strips are high-voltage LED strips that don’t require a driver to operate. Alternating currents power these strips, and the PCB has a diode rectifier. This means they don’t need a power plug, making them a convenient and easy-to-install choice for various applications.

AC driverless LED strips have a much shorter cut unit length of only 10 cm compared to standard high-voltage LED strips. This makes them ideal for applications where precise length adjustments are needed. They can also run up to 50 meters with just one plug-in, which means fewer power sources are required.

AC driverless LED strips come with additional features like high-quality PVC housing for extra safety, injection-molded end caps, and end caps that don’t require solder or glue. They also have built-in piezo resistors and safety fuses to protect against lightning, making them a safer and more reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

Features:

• Operates without the need for a driver, powered by alternating currents
• The diode rectifier on the PCB eliminates the need for a power supply plug
• Cut unit length of only 10cm, ideal for precise length adjustments
• Long run of up to 50-meters with just one plug-in reducing the need for multiple power sources
• High-grade PVC housing for added protection
• Injection-molded end caps and solder-free & glue-free end caps for easy installation
• Built-in piezo resistors and safety fuses for anti-lightning protection
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
• Quick and easy plug-and-play installation
• No wires to cut and solder, making installation hassle-free
• Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing energy costs and carbon footprint

Length Of AC Driverless LED strips

Length is an important factor to consider when it comes to LED strips. Driverless LED strips can be an excellent choice if you want to install long LED strips with AC power. These LED strips come in a single 50-meter length, and you can choose between 110V, 120V, 230V, and 240V voltages.

The 50-meter AC LED strip with power ratings of 110V and 120V can operate without a driver. The only difference between the two is the power rating, but they perform almost the same. However, the 120V LED strip requires less power than the 110V LED strip to emit the same amount of light.

On the other hand, the 230V and 240V versions of the 50-meter driverless AC LED strip are more efficient than the 110V and 120V versions. Due to the long length, these strips are a better choice as they are more effective at mitigating voltage drop issues. As the voltage increases, these strips consume less electricity, making them more efficient.

These LED strips are great for applications where long strips are needed. You can cover up to 50 meters with a single strip, so you don’t have to worry about cutting the strip into pieces or wiring it in line. Additionally, these high-voltage strips emit even, smooth light, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

The Longest LED Strip Lights

The length of available LED strip lights varies based on the manufacturer and type of LED strip. However, the longest LED strip lights can generally be up to 50 meters long. As stated in a previous section, this length is available in driverless AC LED strips with various voltage choices. Longer lengths of constant voltage and constant current LED strips are also available, but they usually top out at around 10-20 meters.

60 meters@48V Constant Current

The longest LED strip on the market is 60 meters long at 48V. These extremely lengthy LED strips provide a steady current in the PCB, ensuring that the light output is consistent from one end to the other. Also, these strips prevent voltage drop from being a problem. You can use them indoors and outdoors, and there are various options. These strips are available with a waterproof classification of IP65 or IP67. Features unique to 48V LED strips that are 60 meters in length are as follows:

Features:

The 60 meters@48V constant current LED strip has several features that make it an excellent choice for various applications. These include:

• High Efficiency: This LED strip has a high efficiency of up to 90%, which means it can provide bright and consistent lighting while using less energy.
• Easy Installation: The LED strip has an adhesive backing that makes installation quick and easy. The strip can be cut to the desired length and attached to any surface.
• Wide Range of Colors: The LED strip is available in a wide range of colors, including warm white, cool white, RGB, and RGBW, allowing you to choose the perfect color for your lighting project.

Variants Available:

The 60 meters@48V constant current LED strip is available in different variants, depending on your lighting needs. These include:

• Dimmable LED Strip: This variant allows you to adjust the brightness of the LED strip to create the perfect ambience.
• High CRI LED Strip: This variant is designed to provide a high color rendering index, so it can accurately reproduce colors and make objects appear more vibrant and natural.
• UV LED Strip: This variant emits ultraviolet light and is ideal for creating special lighting effects or for use in industrial applications.

Available IP Ratings:

The 60 meters@48V constant current LED strip is available in different IP ratings, which determine the level of protection that the strip has against dust and water. These ratings include:

• IP20: This rating means that the LED strip is protected against solid objects greater than 12.5mm in size but is not waterproof.
• IP65: This rating means the LED strip is protected against dust and water jets from any direction, making it suitable for outdoor use.
• IP67: This rating means that the LED strip is fully protected against dust and can be immersed in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a short period, making it ideal for use in wet environments.

The 60 meters@48V constant current LED strip is an excellent choice for large-scale lighting projects that require a consistent and stable current across the full length of the strip. It can provide bright and reliable lighting for a wide range of uses due to its high efficiency, ease of installation, and wide range of colors and variants available. Furthermore, the IP ratings offered make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it an all-around lighting solution.

How Does Voltage Drop Affect LED Strip Lengths?

Voltage drop is a common issue with LED strip lights. It refers to the loss of voltage between the power source and the LEDs, mainly caused by the resistance of the wire and the current flowing through it.

Calculating voltage drop is simple: 

Voltage Drop = Current x Resistance. 

As current flows through the LED strip’s DC circuit, the voltage gradually decreases due to increasing resistance. The higher the resistance, the more significant the voltage drop.

As you extend the LED strip, resistance increases, causing a more considerable voltage drop. This can result in uneven brightness along the strip. The power drop limits the LED strip’s length.

To resolve this issue, increase the power rate as the LED strip lengthens. When the voltage increases, the current decreases and the voltage drop is reduced. This allows for longer LED strips without a noticeable power drop.

Keep in mind that the LED strip length also depends on its thickness and materials. Thicker strips made of higher-quality materials can handle more power and have less voltage drop.

How to Extend LED Strip Running Length:

1. Reduce Power Consumption: LED strip power consumption is determined by voltage and current. Reducing either factor lowers power consumption. Choose LED strips with lower wattage for longer runs. Dimmers or timers can also decrease power consumption and extend the lifespan of the LED strip.
2. Use Higher Output Voltage: A higher output voltage reduces voltage drop and lengthens LED strip runs. Increasing the voltage level lowers the current flow, resulting in less power consumption and voltage drop. Ensure your LED strip can handle the higher voltage level.
3. Use Thicker and Wider PCBs: Thicker, wider PCBs accommodate more copper, reducing circuit resistance and voltage drop. This leads to longer runs and more even lighting. Thicker PCBs also help dissipate heat, extending LED strip lifespan.

Benefits of Long-Run LED Strips:

• Easy installation and cost savings: Long-run LED strips eliminate the need for multiple connections and parallel wiring, making installation quick and cost-effective.
• Consistent brightness: Long-run LED strips don’t suffer from voltage drop issues, ensuring consistent brightness throughout the strip.
• Longer lifespan: Requiring less maintenance and power consumption, long-run LED strips have a longer lifespan than shorter ones.
• Energy efficiency: Long-run LED strips require less current to produce the same amount of light, lowering energy consumption and electricity bills.
• Design flexibility: In various lengths and colors, long-run LED strips can be used in commercial, residential, and industrial projects.

In conclusion:

The 48V constant current LED strips can reach up to 60 meters in length. These strips are perfect for large-area lighting projects where ease of installation and uniform illumination are essential. To increase the run length of LED strips, you should consider factors such as voltage drop, power consumption, and PCB thickness. By reducing their power consumption, increasing their output voltage, and choosing thicker and wider PCBs, you can significantly extend the length of your LED strips. The LED strip market offers various voltage, constant current, and driverless AC strips with various lengths and IP ratings. To achieve the best performance and longest lifespan from your LED strip, it’s important to select the right one for your application.