48V Neon Flex

48V neon flex exists for one reason: distance. Where 24V maxes out at 10–15 metres per feed and starts dimming, 48V carries full brightness to 20 metres on standard profiles and up to 50 metres on dual-feed configurations — without a single parallel junction in between. That makes it the only practical voltage for building facades, long commercial bar runs, architectural linear ceilings, and outdoor perimeter lighting where the cable route from driver to strip stretches further than 24V physics will allow. ATOM LED stocks 29 products in the 48V neon flex range, from IP67 garden profiles to IP68 fully submersible architectural lengths.

Prices start from £19.50 per metre for single-colour IP67 profiles. Every product ships with free UK delivery on all Mainland UK orders in 2–3 working days from the ATOM LED warehouse in Telford, Shropshire. The 48V range includes warm white (3000K), natural white (4000K), cool white (6000K), and RGB in profile sizes from 6x12mm decking mini to 16x16mm top-bend and 10x20mm architectural. Technical support is available on 01952 370028, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

48V DC · 6x12mm to 16x16mm profiles · IP67 / IP68 · CRI90+ single colour · 20–50m max single feed · Commercial & architectural grade · Free UK delivery

Jump to:

1. What is 48V LED neon flex and why choose it over 24V?
2. Where is 48V neon flex the right specification?
3. What is the maximum continuous run for 48V neon flex?
4. How does voltage drop at 48V compare to 24V and 12V?
5. Is 48V LED neon flex classified as SELV under BS7671?
6. What driver does 48V neon flex need and why are they larger?
7. Can 48V neon flex be dimmed?
8. How do you install 48V neon flex on a commercial project?
9. Which IP rating should you specify for 48V outdoor installations?
10. How long does 48V neon flex last in commercial environments?
11. What are the most common questions about 48V LED neon flex?
12. Why choose ATOM LED for 48V neon flex?

Quick decision summary: If your project has continuous runs over 15 metres — building facades, long commercial interiors, architectural ceiling lines, or outdoor perimeters — 48V is the correct voltage. If your runs are under 15 metres and you need cheap, widely available drivers with wall-dimmer compatibility, 24V single-colour neon flex is more practical. If you need plug-and-play mains power with no driver for runs over 20 metres, 220V/240V AC neon flex covers that use case.

Who 48V neon flex is for:

• Commercial fit-out contractors installing linear lighting on building facades, shop fronts, and commercial exteriors where runs of 20–50 metres are standard.
• Architectural lighting designers specifying continuous cove, coffer, or ceiling-line lighting in hotels, restaurants, offices, and public buildings where unbroken light lines matter.
• Outdoor landscape contractors wiring long-run perimeter lighting around car parks, sports facilities, and commercial grounds where fewer feed points mean less cable and lower installation cost.
• Electrical engineers designing lighting systems for high-wattage commercial applications where the thermal advantage of 48V (lower I²R losses) extends driver and LED lifespan.
• Sign manufacturers building large-format illuminated signage, channel letters, and building-mounted brand displays over 15 metres total length.

Who 48V neon flex is NOT for:

• Residential kitchens and bathrooms with runs under 10 metres. 24V neon flex is cheaper per metre, has more drivers available at UK wholesalers, and dims more easily via standard trailing-edge wall dimmers. The 48V premium is wasted on short runs.
• Campervan, marine, or automotive projects. These use 12V DC systems. Use 12V single-colour neon flex.
• Budget-sensitive projects where driver cost matters. 48V drivers cost approximately £10–£20 more than equivalent 24V drivers and have a narrower selection at UK wholesale counters.

What is 48V LED neon flex and why choose it over 24V?

48V LED neon flex is a flexible silicone-encased LED strip that operates on 48V DC, delivering the longest continuous run lengths available in the DC neon flex market — up to 20 metres per single feed on standard profiles and up to 50 metres on dual-feed products. The fundamental advantage over 24V is voltage drop: at the same wattage per metre, 48V draws half the current of 24V, and since voltage drop is proportional to current, 48V exhibits approximately half the voltage drop over the same distance.

• The physics: A 10W/m neon flex at 24V draws 0.42A per metre. The same product at 48V draws 0.21A per metre. Over a 20-metre run, the 24V strip accumulates approximately 4× the resistive loss of the 48V strip. At 24V, a 20m run would show clearly visible dimming at the far end. At 48V, a 20m run shows negligible brightness difference between near and far ends.
• Thermal advantage: Resistive heat in the conductor is proportional to I² (current squared). At half the current, 48V generates approximately one quarter the conductor heat of 24V at the same power output. This means the neon flex runs cooler, the silicone degrades more slowly, and the LED junction temperature stays closer to its optimal range — all of which translate to longer operational lifespan.
• Trade-off — driver size and cost: 48V drivers are physically larger than 24V drivers of equivalent wattage because they require different transformer ratios and output filtering. They also cost approximately £10–£20 more. For a single 6m kitchen run, that premium buys nothing. For a 30m commercial facade, it saves multiple feed points, metres of cable, and hours of installation labour.
• Trade-off — dimming: TRIAC dimmable 48V drivers are less common than 24V equivalents. Most 48V dimming is done via 0–10V, DALI, or PWM control between the driver and strip, rather than via a wall-plate trailing-edge dimmer. This suits commercial installations with building management systems (BMS) but is less convenient for residential single-room dimming.

Where is 48V neon flex the right specification?

48V neon flex is the right specification wherever continuous run lengths exceed 15 metres, wherever thermal management in enclosed profiles is critical, or wherever the project is commercial or architectural in nature and benefits from DALI, 0–10V, or BMS-integrated dimming. In the UK in 2026, the four largest application categories for 48V neon flex are building facades, long-run commercial interiors, architectural linear lighting, and outdoor perimeter installations.

• Building facades and exteriors: A typical UK high-street shopfront is 5–8 metres wide. A building facade may be 30–80 metres in perimeter. At 24V, a 40m perimeter requires a minimum of 3–4 parallel feed points. At 48V, two feed points (one from each end) cover the same distance with even brightness. Fewer feed points means fewer cable penetrations through the building envelope, fewer junction boxes, and lower installation cost.
• Long commercial interiors: Hotel corridors, office ceiling coves, and retail aisle perimeters regularly run 20–40 metres per zone. 48V handles these runs on a single feed. The Mean Well HLG-480H-48 (480W at 48V) powers 40 metres of 12W/m neon flex in a single driver — that is one driver, one cable run, one feed point for a 40-metre corridor.
• Architectural linear lighting: Architects specifying unbroken light lines across atriums, staircases, and public foyers need continuous illumination without visible brightness variation. 48V is the standard voltage for architectural linear lighting in the UK commercial sector — it delivers the flattest brightness curve across the longest distance.
• Outdoor perimeter lighting: Car park boundaries, sports facility perimeters, commercial grounds, and hospitality terrace outlines. IP68-rated 48V neon flex handles these runs with fewer drivers and fewer cable trenches than 24V equivalent. See outdoor LED neon flex for weatherproof options.
• Decking installations: 48V decking neon flex (6x12mm IP67) runs around large commercial deck perimeters — 20+ metre terraces at restaurants, hotels, and event venues — on a single feed. Browse neon flex decking lights for this range.

What is the maximum continuous run for 48V neon flex?

ATOM LED 48V single-colour neon flex supports up to 20 metres on a standard single-end feed and up to 50 metres on dual-feed (power from both ends) products. RGB variants support approximately 15 metres single feed. These are the longest continuous run lengths available from any DC neon flex voltage — 220V/240V AC exceeds them only because AC mains does not experience DC-style voltage drop, though AC brings its own limitations around flicker and installation legality.

• Dual-feed explained: Power the neon flex strip from both ends simultaneously. The voltage drop works inward from each end, meeting in the middle where it cancels out. A 40m strip with dual-feed behaves electrically like two 20m strips powered from each end — no visible brightness variation across the full length.
• Driver sizing for long runs: A 30m run at 12W/m draws 360W. Apply the 1.2 safety factor: 432W minimum driver. The Mean Well HLG-480H-48 (480W, IP67, 48V output) is the standard choice for this application — one driver, one run, no parallel wiring complexity.
• Cable sizing for 48V long runs: Even at 48V, cable resistance matters on 30m+ runs. Use 1.5mm² cable for runs up to 20m and 2.5mm² for 20–50m. The cable cost increase is negligible compared to the installation labour savings of eliminating parallel feed points.

How does voltage drop at 48V compare to 24V and 12V?

At the same wattage per metre, 48V neon flex experiences approximately half the voltage drop of 24V and one quarter that of 12V over the same distance. This is because voltage drop is proportional to current, and higher voltage systems draw proportionally less current for the same power output. The practical result is that 48V maintains even brightness over distances that would cause visible dimming at 24V.

• Why this matters commercially: In a tender for a 30m commercial facade, a 24V specification requires a minimum of 3 parallel feed points with 3 separate cable runs from the driver. A 48V specification covers the same 30m in one run with one cable. The cable, conduit, and labour savings on a typical commercial facade are £200–£500 depending on access difficulty.
• The 5% rule: Industry best practice limits voltage drop to 5% of the supply voltage. At 12V, 5% is just 0.6V — exceeded within 4–5m. At 24V, 5% is 1.2V — reached at approximately 12–15m. At 48V, 5% is 2.4V — not reached until approximately 25–30m on typical cable gauges. This is why 48V dominates commercial linear lighting specifications in 2026.
• Conductor cross-section compensation: If 48V is not available or not specified, the alternative is to increase cable cross-section at lower voltages. Using 2.5mm² cable at 24V achieves similar drop performance to 1.0mm² at 48V — but the cable costs more, weighs more, and is harder to terminate in small connector blocks. 48V with standard cable is the more elegant solution.

Is 48V LED neon flex classified as SELV under BS7671?

48V DC falls within the SELV voltage threshold under BS7671 (which permits up to 120V DC ripple-free for SELV classification), provided the 48V supply is derived from a suitably isolated, safety-rated driver. SELV classification means significantly reduced shock risk under normal dry conditions — it does not mean zero shock risk. Wet conditions, non-isolated power supplies, or incorrectly specified drivers can change the risk profile entirely.

• The correct statement: "48V DC falls within the SELV voltage threshold under BS7671, provided it is supplied from a suitably isolated, safety-rated driver." This is the technically accurate position. Any claim that "48V is SELV" without qualification is misleading — SELV is a system classification requiring correct supply design, not just a voltage number.
• What SELV means practically: SELV circuits present significantly reduced shock risk under dry conditions. The low voltage means that under normal circumstances, current flow through the human body is below the threshold that causes muscular contraction or cardiac effects. However, 48V DC can produce a perceptible tingle, particularly through wet or broken skin. It is not inherently harmless.
• Part P implications: The low-voltage wiring between a 48V driver and the neon flex strip does not require Part P notification under current BS7671 guidance, provided the driver is suitably isolated. The mains supply to the driver (230V AC) is notifiable and must be installed by a qualified electrician or competent person.
• IP rating interaction: In wet environments (outdoor, bathroom), the IP rating of the neon flex provides the primary protection barrier. Even at SELV voltages, water provides a conduction path that reduces the body's effective resistance. This is why IP67 minimum is specified for any outdoor 48V installation in the UK, regardless of the SELV classification.

What driver does 48V neon flex need and why are they larger?

48V neon flex requires a 48V DC constant-voltage LED driver rated at minimum 1.2 times the total wattage of the strip. These drivers are physically larger than 24V equivalents because the higher output voltage requires different transformer winding ratios, larger output capacitors, and thicker insulation layers to maintain safety isolation. For commercial installations, the Mean Well HLG series at 48V is the industry standard in the UK — available from 40W to 600W in IP67 housings.

• Sizing formula: Total watts = (watts per metre x total metres) x 1.2 safety factor. Example: 25m of 12W/m neon flex = 300W x 1.2 = 360W minimum driver. The Mean Well HLG-480H-48 (480W) provides adequate headroom and costs approximately £85–£110 depending on supplier.
• Physical size comparison: A Mean Well HLG-150H-24 (150W, 24V) measures 230 x 68 x 39mm. The equivalent HLG-150H-48 (150W, 48V) measures the same dimensions — at lower wattages, size is comparable. At 480W, the HLG-480H-48 measures 280 x 144 x 68mm and weighs 3.4kg. Planning driver mounting location early in the project prevents access problems later.
• Driver location for commercial projects: Mount drivers in ventilated plant rooms, accessible ceiling voids, or IP67-rated outdoor enclosures. Large 48V drivers generate significant heat — a 480W driver at 92% efficiency dissipates approximately 38W as heat. Ensure minimum 50mm clearance around all sides for natural convection.
• DALI and 0–10V dimming drivers: Most commercial 48V dimming uses DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) or 0–10V analogue control, not TRIAC. Mean Well's HLG-C series and PWM-C series accept DALI, 0–10V, and PWM dimming inputs. These integrate with building management systems (BMS) for scheduled dimming, daylight harvesting, and occupancy-based control.
• RGB/RGBW at 48V: As with all voltages, RGB and RGBW neon flex at 48V must use a non-dimmable constant-voltage driver paired with a dedicated RGB controller. Dimmable drivers cause flicker, colour shift, and premature controller failure on multi-channel products. Use an Ltech LED controller or Skydance controller for 48V RGB dimming.

Browse 48V LED drivers at ATOM LED.

Can 48V neon flex be dimmed?

Yes — 48V neon flex dims smoothly, but the dimming method differs from 24V residential installations. Most 48V dimming uses 0–10V analogue control, DALI protocol, or a PWM controller wired between the driver and the strip. TRIAC trailing-edge wall dimmers — the standard for 24V residential — have very limited compatibility at 48V because few manufacturers produce TRIAC dimmable 48V drivers. This is the key dimming trade-off when choosing 48V over 24V.

• 0–10V dimming: The driver has a pair of 0–10V input terminals. A 0–10V signal from a wall-mounted potentiometer, BMS system, or lighting control panel adjusts output from 100% (10V signal) to approximately 1% (0V signal). This is the most common dimming method for commercial 48V installations in the UK. Simple potentiometers cost £5–£15; BMS integration adds project-level complexity and cost.
• DALI dimming: DALI-compatible 48V drivers accept digital commands over a 2-wire DALI bus. Each driver can be individually addressed, allowing per-zone dimming control from a central DALI controller. DALI is the standard for UK commercial lighting installations under BS EN 62386. Mean Well's LCM-40DA and HLG-C series support DALI.
• PWM dimming between driver and strip: A PWM controller (such as those in the ATOM LED controller range) wires between the driver output and the neon flex input. It modulates the 48V DC signal at high frequency to reduce perceived brightness. This provides smooth dimming without requiring a dimmable driver.
• Why TRIAC is difficult at 48V: TRIAC dimmers operate on the mains side (230V AC) and require the driver to interpret the phase-cut signal. At 48V, the internal driver architecture differs from 24V designs, and fewer manufacturers have developed TRIAC-compatible 48V models. If wall-plate TRIAC dimming is a hard requirement, 24V is the safer specification.
• In-wall box sizing: 48V drivers that do accept TRIAC dimming are typically longer and deeper than 24V equivalents. Standard UK back boxes (35mm deep) may not accommodate them. Specify 47mm deep back boxes or surface-mounted driver enclosures for 48V installations requiring concealed drivers.

How do you install 48V neon flex on a commercial project?

Commercial 48V neon flex installation follows the same core steps as 24V but with additional considerations for longer cable runs, larger drivers, and commercial wiring standards. The mains supply to the driver must be installed by a qualified electrician. The low-voltage 48V DC section between driver and strip is SELV (when correctly specified) and does not require Part P notification, but on commercial projects it should be installed by a competent person in accordance with the project specification and BS5266 where applicable.

1. Step 1 — Design the lighting layout and feed points. Map the full neon flex run on the architectural drawing. Identify driver location, cable routes, and feed points. For runs up to 20m, single-end feed is adequate. For 20–50m runs, specify dual-end feed with power injected from both ends. Mark all cable penetrations through fire-rated walls and floors — these require fire-rated grommets or intumescent sealant under Building Regulations Part B.
2. Step 2 — Size and install the 48V driver. Calculate total wattage: (W/m x total metres) x 1.2. For outdoor or plant-room installations, use IP67-rated drivers (Mean Well HLG series). Mount with minimum 50mm clearance on all sides for heat dissipation. Wire the 230V AC mains supply via MCB and RCD protection per BS7671. This is a qualified-electrician task.
3. Step 3 — Run the 48V DC cable from driver to strip. Use 1.5mm² cable for runs up to 20m and 2.5mm² for 20–50m. Route through conduit or trunking per the project specification. Label cables clearly: "48V DC SELV" to distinguish from mains wiring. Maintain separation from mains cables as required by BS7671 — SELV circuits must not share conduit or trunking with mains cables unless the conduit is rated for the highest voltage present.
4. Step 4 — Measure and cut the neon flex to length. Cut at the marked intervals on the silicone sheath. Apply silicone end caps immediately to maintain the IP rating. For large projects, pre-cut all sections to the drawing dimensions on a clean bench before site installation — this is faster and produces cleaner cuts than on-site cutting from scaffolding or access platforms.
5. Step 5 — Make the electrical connections. Strip 10mm of silicone to expose the copper pads. Solder with lead-free solder (RoHS compliance on commercial projects) or use manufacturer-supplied solderless connectors. Observe polarity. For dual-feed installations, connect both the start and end of the neon flex to the driver's 48V output using separate cable runs.
6. Step 6 — Test before final mounting. Power on and verify even illumination across the full length. Measure voltage at both the near end and far end of the strip with a multimeter — the difference should be less than 5% (2.4V) of the 48V supply. If the drop exceeds 5%, increase cable cross-section or add a mid-point feed. Never test the neon flex while coiled — heat concentration creates a fire risk and damages the adhesive.
7. Step 7 — Mount the neon flex. Install into aluminium profiles for architectural-quality finishes and heat management, or use stainless steel mounting clips at 150mm intervals for exposed runs. Do not mount onto bare metal without insulation — bare metal contact shorts the LED strip through the aluminium-backed PCB. For outdoor facade installations, secure the profile to the substrate with marine-grade stainless steel fixings (A4 grade for coastal locations).
8. Step 8 — Commission and document. Seal all connections with RTV silicone and heat shrink. Run the system for a minimum 2-hour burn-in test. Record driver output voltage, strip end-to-end voltage, ambient temperature, and surface temperature of the neon flex at 3 points along the run. Provide the client with an O&M manual including driver model, strip part numbers, wiring schematic, and warranty documentation.

Which IP rating should you specify for 48V outdoor installations?

For 48V outdoor installations in the UK, specify IP67 as the minimum for sheltered exterior locations (soffits, covered walkways, building overhangs) and IP68 for fully exposed locations, ground-level runs, or any application where the neon flex may sit in standing water. IP65 is not suitable for any UK outdoor application — it provides surface-splash protection only and will fail under sustained rainfall, frost cycling, and standing water within 12–24 months.

• IP67 — sheltered exterior and garden: Building facades under soffits, covered terrace outlines, garden pergola runs, wall-mounted accent lighting above 1 metre height. Rated for temporary immersion to 1m for 30 minutes — handles all UK weather conditions including heavy downpours and frost.
• IP68 — fully exposed and ground-level: Ground-level decking runs, drainage channel lighting, pond perimeters, fountain installations, car park kerb lighting, and any location where the neon flex is below ground level or sits in water collection zones. Continuous submersion rated.
• Driver IP rating must match: An IP68 neon flex connected to an IP20 indoor driver via an exposed cable run creates a weak link. The driver, cables, and connectors must all meet the minimum IP rating for the installation environment. For fully outdoor 48V installations, use IP67 drivers (Mean Well HLG series) with IP68-rated cable glands and junction boxes.
• Coastal and industrial environments: Salt spray and industrial pollutants accelerate corrosion of copper connections and aluminium mounting hardware. Use tinned copper cable terminations, stainless steel mounting clips (A4 marine grade), and apply dielectric grease to all electrical connections. IP68 neon flex is recommended for coastal locations even where IP67 would technically suffice — the thicker silicone sheath provides additional UV and chemical resistance.

How long does 48V neon flex last in commercial environments?

ATOM LED 48V neon flex is rated for 50,000 hours to L70 — approximately 17 years at 8 hours daily use or 11 years at 12 hours daily use, the latter being typical for commercial retail and hospitality environments. The thermal advantage of 48V (lower I²R conductor heat compared to 24V) means 48V neon flex typically runs 5–10°C cooler than 24V equivalents at the same wattage, which directly extends LED junction lifespan.

• Commercial duty cycle: Retail and hospitality installations typically run 10–14 hours per day, 6–7 days per week. At 12 hours daily, 50,000 hours to L70 equates to approximately 11.4 years. At 14 hours daily (including extended weekend trading), it is approximately 9.8 years. Both are well beyond the typical commercial refit cycle of 5–7 years.
• Driver replacement cycle: In commercial settings, the driver is the component most likely to require replacement. Mean Well HLG-series drivers at 48V are rated for 50,000 hours at full load in a 75°C case temperature environment. In a well-ventilated plant room at 25°C ambient, expected life exceeds 80,000 hours — nearly double the LED strip lifespan.
• Warranty: ATOM LED provides up to 4 years warranty. Product-specific warranty periods vary — check each product page for exact cover. Commercial projects may require extended warranty or maintenance contracts; contact sales@atomled.co.uk for project-specific warranty discussions.
• End-of-life planning: At L70 (70% original output), most commercial installations are still visually acceptable. However, some sectors (retail, hospitality) refit before L70 for aesthetic reasons. When budgeting, assume a 10-year replacement cycle for 48V neon flex in typical UK commercial environments running 12+ hours per day.

What are the most common questions about 48V LED neon flex?

Commercial buyers and installers most frequently ask about BS7671 SELV qualification, maximum continuous run lengths on dual-feed configurations, Mean Well HLG driver sizing, DALI control integration, and the cost case for choosing 48V over 24V on façade installations. The 14 detailed answers below cover the questions ATOM LED's Telford team is asked most often in 2026.

1. Is 48V neon flex safe to handle during installation?

• 48V DC falls within the SELV threshold under BS7671 when supplied from a suitably isolated driver, meaning significantly reduced shock risk under dry conditions.
• You may feel a slight tingle if you touch exposed conductors with wet hands. This is within the SELV safety parameters but is a reminder to disconnect power before making connections.
• Always power off the driver before making or breaking any electrical connection on the 48V circuit.

2. Can I mix 48V and 24V neon flex on the same project?

• Yes, but each voltage must have its own dedicated driver. 48V neon flex cannot be connected to a 24V driver (it will not produce full brightness) and 24V neon flex must not be connected to a 48V driver (it will overdrive and destroy the LEDs).
• On mixed-voltage projects, label all cables clearly with voltage to prevent cross-connection during installation or future maintenance.

3. What cable size should I use for 48V neon flex?

• Use 1.0mm² for runs up to 10m, 1.5mm² for 10–20m, and 2.5mm² for 20–50m.
• These recommendations assume a maximum 5% voltage drop (2.4V at 48V). For high-wattage strips (15W/m or above), increase cable cross-section by one step.
• Always route SELV 48V cables separately from mains cables per BS7671 requirements.

4. Does 48V neon flex cost more than 24V?

• Yes — 48V neon flex is typically £5–£15 per metre more expensive than 24V equivalent profiles. ATOM LED 48V products start from £19.50/m compared to £9.95/m for 24V.
• However, total installed cost for runs over 15m is often lower at 48V because you need fewer feed points, less cable, fewer junction boxes, and less labour.
• For short runs under 10m, 24V is more cost-effective on both product and driver.

5. Can I use a 48V driver for 48V COB LED strip as well as neon flex?

• Yes — any 48V DC constant-voltage driver powers both 48V neon flex and 48V COB LED strip. The driver does not distinguish between the two products; it supplies 48V DC to whatever load is connected.
• Ensure the driver is rated for the total combined wattage (with 1.2x safety factor) of all connected products.
• Browse 48V COB LED strip for the COB alternative to neon flex.

6. How many metres of 48V neon flex can a single driver power?

• This depends on the driver wattage and the strip wattage per metre. Divide the driver's rated output by the strip's W/m, then divide by 1.2 (safety factor).
• Example: 480W driver ÷ 12W/m ÷ 1.2 = 33 metres maximum on a single driver.
• For runs beyond the driver's capacity, add a second driver at a mid-point — do not daisy-chain from a single undersized driver.

7. Is 48V neon flex suitable for residential projects?

• It is technically suitable but rarely the most practical choice for typical residential installations. 24V offers cheaper drivers, wider dimmer compatibility, and lower per-metre cost — advantages that matter in a 5m kitchen run but are irrelevant on a 30m commercial facade.
• The exception is large residential properties with runs over 15m — swimming pool perimeters, long driveway borders, or whole-house architectural cove lighting — where 48V eliminates multiple feed points.

8. What is dual-feed and when do I need it?

• Dual-feed means powering the neon flex from both ends simultaneously, so voltage drop works inward from each end and cancels at the midpoint.
• Use dual-feed for any single strip run over 20 metres. A 40m strip with dual-feed behaves like two 20m strips — each half receives full voltage at its feed end.
• Dual-feed requires two cable runs from the driver to the strip (one to each end), so plan cable routing accordingly.

9. Can 48V neon flex be used for DALI-controlled installations?

• Yes — use a DALI-compatible 48V driver (Mean Well LCM-DA series or HLG-C DALI variant). The DALI bus connects to the driver's control input, and the driver adjusts its 48V output accordingly.
• Each DALI-addressed driver can be individually controlled from a central DALI gateway, allowing per-zone dimming, scheduling, and daylight-linked control.
• DALI is the standard control protocol for UK commercial lighting installations under BS EN 62386.

10. Does 48V neon flex produce more light than 24V?

• Not inherently — light output depends on LED density and current per LED, not voltage. A 10W/m strip at 48V produces the same lumens as a 10W/m strip at 24V.
• The advantage of 48V is that it delivers that light output over a longer distance without brightness variation, not that it produces more light per metre.
• For maximum lumens per metre, select higher-wattage products (15W/m or 20W/m) regardless of voltage.

11. What connectors work with 48V neon flex?

• ATOM LED stocks solderless neon flex connectors designed for the specific profile sizes in the 48V range. These provide tool-free connection with spring-loaded contacts.
• For permanent commercial installations, soldered connections with lead-free solder provide the most reliable long-term bond.
• All connectors must be sealed with heat shrink and RTV silicone for IP67 and IP68 installations.

12. How do I connect 48V neon flex to a building management system?

• Use a DALI or 0–10V compatible 48V driver. The BMS sends a control signal to the driver via the DALI bus or a 0–10V analogue output.
• For more complex scenes and scheduling, use a DALI gateway (such as Tridonic or Helvar) that translates BACnet or KNX commands from the BMS into DALI signals for the LED drivers.
• This integration is standard on commercial fit-outs in the UK in 2026 and should be specified at the M&E design stage.

13. Can I use 48V neon flex for emergency lighting?

• 48V neon flex is not a classified emergency luminaire under BS5266. It can provide maintained illumination on an emergency circuit, but it must be paired with a self-contained emergency conversion kit or central battery system that provides the required 3-hour maintained output.
• For emergency lighting compliance, consult the project fire engineer and specify dedicated emergency luminaires where required by Building Regulations.

14. What is the return on investment for 48V over 24V on a 30m commercial project?

• Product cost: 30m of 48V at approximately £22/m = £660 vs 30m of 24V at approximately £12/m = £360. Product premium: £300.
• Driver cost: 1x 480W 48V driver at ~£100 vs 3x 120W 24V drivers at ~£30 each = £90. Driver saving: £10 (negligible).
• Installation cost: 48V requires 1 feed point and 1 cable run. 24V requires 3 feed points and 3 cable runs. Labour saving at approximately £50/hour, 2 hours per additional feed point: £200 saved.
• Net position: 48V costs approximately £90 more in product but saves approximately £200 in installation labour. Net saving: approximately £110 on a 30m project.

Why choose ATOM LED for 48V neon flex?

ATOM LED is one of the few UK LED suppliers to stock a dedicated 48V neon flex range — 29 products held in the Telford warehouse for same-day dispatch. Most UK competitors bundle 48V into mixed-voltage listings or do not stock it at all, leaving specifiers to import direct from overseas with 3–6 week lead times. Every ATOM LED 48V product ships with free UK delivery on all Mainland UK orders in 2–3 working days.

• Dedicated 48V range: 29 products spanning single-colour (warm white, natural white, cool white), RGB, IP67, IP68, 6x12mm decking, 10x20mm architectural, and 16x16mm top-bend profiles. All designed for commercial and architectural applications.
• UK stock, UK dispatch: No import delays. No minimum order quantities. Orders before 2pm Monday to Friday are dispatched same day from Telford.
• Technical support for commercial specifiers: Call 01952 370028 for driver sizing, voltage drop calculations, DALI integration advice, and project-specific specification support. Email sales@atomled.co.uk for written quotations and technical datasheets.
• up to 4 years warranty: Product-specific warranty covers manufacturing defects and premature LED failure. For commercial project warranty discussions, contact the technical team directly.
• Free UK delivery on all Mainland UK orders: Standard delivery in 2–3 working days. Free next day delivery on Mainland UK orders over £90 (order by 2pm, Mon–Fri).
• Designed in the UK: ATOM LED products are designed in the UK for UK electrical standards, BS7671 compliance, and British climate conditions.
• CRI90+ on all single-colour products: Colour rendering that meets the requirements of architectural and hospitality lighting specifications where accurate colour is non-negotiable.

Ready to specify? Browse the full 48V neon flex range, or call 01952 370028 for project specification support. For shorter runs, see 24V single-colour neon flex. For drivers, browse 48V LED drivers. For mains plug-and-play, see 220V/240V AC neon flex.

Last reviewed: April 2026 — ATOM LED technical team, Telford, Shropshire. Specifications current as of 2026.

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