COB LED Strip 12V 24V 48V

Choosing the right COB LED strip starts with voltage — get this wrong and you face dim ends, flickering, or a complete rewire. Whether you need 12V for a compact shelf light, 24V for a kitchen under-cabinet run, or 48V for a 30-metre commercial corridor, ATOM LED stocks every option with CRI90+ colour accuracy and FreeCut technology as standard across the 2026 range.

This is the UK's most complete voltage-by-voltage COB strip comparison, covering 12V, 24V, and 48V options from a single supplier. Every strip ships from UK stock in Telford, Shropshire with free delivery and a 5-year warranty on all DC voltage COB products.

CRI90+ all models · FreeCut at any point · 12V / 24V / 48V · 5-year warranty · Free UK delivery · 01952 370028

Quick decision summary

• Runs under 3 metres — portable or battery applications: Choose 12V COB strip.
• Most residential kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms up to 20 metres: Choose 24V COB strip.
• Commercial runs over 15 metres, architectural features, or multi-zone installations: Choose 48V COB strip.
• Colour-changing with clean white: Choose RGBW COB strip with a dedicated controller.
• Individual pixel control and chase effects: Choose addressable digital RGB COB strip.

Who is this page for?

• Electrical contractors and interior designers specifying COB strip for residential or commercial fit-outs who need to compare voltages side by side before ordering.
• Experienced DIY installers who understand basic wiring and want to choose the right voltage for their specific run length and application.
• Architects and lighting consultants writing schedules for projects requiring long single-feed runs with consistent brightness in 2026 specifications.

Who is this page NOT for?

• Buyers who already know they need 24V only: Go directly to the 24V COB strip collection.
• Buyers who already know they need 48V only: Go directly to the 48V COB strip collection.
• Anyone looking for mains-voltage 240V AC strip: DC voltage COB strip is the professional choice for permanent hardwired installations — 240V AC strip should not be hardwired permanently in most residential applications.

Common buying mistakes to avoid

• Choosing 12V for a run over 5 metres: Voltage drop makes the far end visibly dimmer — 24V or 48V is the correct choice for anything over 5 metres.
• Buying a dimmable driver for RGBW strip: RGBW requires a non-dimmable constant voltage driver paired with a dedicated controller, not a dimmable driver.
• Mounting COB strip on bare metal: Exposed copper tracks on the strip underside will short-circuit against uninsulated conductive surfaces.
• Testing strip while still coiled on the reel: Heat builds rapidly in coiled strip, destroying adhesive and creating a fire risk.

On this page

1. What is COB LED strip and how does it differ from SMD?
2. Which voltage COB strip should you choose — 12V, 24V, or 48V?
3. How far can you run COB strip on a single feed?
4. What colour temperatures are available in COB strip?
5. What makes FreeCut COB strip different from standard strip?
6. How do you install COB LED strip lights correctly?
7. Do COB strip lights need an aluminium profile?
8. How do you dim COB LED strip lights?
9. Can COB strip be used outdoors in the UK?
10. How does voltage affect wiring and cable sizing?
11. Why choose ATOM LED for COB strip lights?
12. Frequently asked questions about COB LED strip lights

What is COB LED strip and how does it differ from SMD?

COB (Chip-on-Board) LED strip mounts individual LED chips directly onto a flexible circuit board under a continuous phosphor layer, producing completely dot-free light output. Unlike SMD strip — where individual diodes are visible as bright spots separated by dark gaps — COB creates a smooth, even line of light with no hotspots, making it the preferred technology for exposed and architectural lighting applications in 2026.

The difference is immediately visible when you power both types side by side. SMD strip uses individually packaged diodes (typically 2835, 3528, or 5050 sizes) soldered at regular intervals. At close range or through a shallow diffuser, you can see each individual LED as a distinct bright dot. COB strip eliminates this entirely because hundreds of bare chips sit under one continuous layer of phosphor, blending the light before it leaves the strip surface.

For any installation where the strip is visible — recessed shelving, glass display cases, floating ceiling coves, or aluminium LED profiles with clear covers — COB is the better choice in 2026. The dot-free output means you do not need a heavy frosted diffuser to hide individual LEDs, and the light quality at CRI90+ is suitable for retail, hospitality, kitchens, and anywhere accurate colour rendering matters.

Which voltage COB strip should you choose — 12V, 24V, or 48V?

Voltage determines maximum run length, cable sizing, and driver options. 12V suits short portable runs under 3 metres. 24V is the standard for most residential installations up to 20 metres single feed. 48V handles commercial and architectural runs up to 30 metres single feed with half the voltage drop of 24V over the same distance, making it the professional specification for large-scale projects in 2026.

Voltage is the single most important decision you make before ordering COB strip. Every other choice — driver, cable gauge, dimmer compatibility — follows from it. The table below compares the three voltages across the key criteria that matter during specification and installation.

If your total run is under 5 metres and portability matters, 12V is the practical choice. For the majority of UK residential installations — under-cabinet kitchen lighting, bedroom coves, living room shelving — 24V COB strip offers the best balance of run length, driver choice, and installer familiarity. For runs exceeding 15 metres, or any commercial project where consistent brightness over distance is non-negotiable, 48V COB strip is the correct specification.

A critical note on 48V and safety: 48V DC falls within the SELV voltage threshold under BS7671 (120V DC ripple-free maximum), provided it is supplied from a suitably isolated, safety-rated driver. SELV is a system classification requiring correct installation, not just voltage. All DC voltages carry significantly reduced shock risk under dry conditions, though no voltage carries zero risk.

How far can you run COB strip on a single feed?

Maximum single-feed distance depends entirely on voltage. ATOM LED 12V COB strip runs approximately 3 to 5 metres before visible brightness loss occurs. The 24V range supports up to 20 metres from a single feed point. The 48V range extends this to 30 metres single feed and up to 50 metres with dual feeding from both ends, making it the longest-run COB strip specification available in the UK in 2026.

Voltage drop is the physical reason run lengths differ. As current travels along the strip's copper tracks, resistance causes a gradual voltage reduction. The further from the feed point, the lower the voltage reaching the LEDs, and the dimmer they appear. At the same wattage per metre, 48V COB strip experiences voltage drop at half the rate of 24V over the same distance — this is a fundamental electrical advantage, not a marketing claim.

• 12V runs over 3 metres: Expect visible dimming at the far end in most configurations, particularly above 8W/m wattage.
• 24V runs at 10–15 metres: Brightness remains consistent with quality copper-weight PCB construction and appropriate cable sizing.
• 24V runs at 15–20 metres: Still workable single-feed with ATOM LED strip, though dual feeding from both ends improves consistency.
• 48V runs at 20–30 metres: Single feed delivers even brightness across the full run length in most installations.
• 48V dual-feed at 50 metres: Feed from both ends of a continuous run for the longest possible installation from a single driver.

For any installation involving multiple separate strip segments, always use parallel wiring back to the driver. Series wiring — connecting one strip's output to the next strip's input — multiplies voltage drop across each subsequent segment and produces unacceptable brightness variation.

What colour temperatures are available in COB strip?

ATOM LED COB strip is available in warm white (2700K–3000K), natural white (3500K–4000K), and cool white (5000K–6500K) across all three voltages. Every single-colour option is rated CRI90+ as standard, meaning illuminated colours appear within 90% accuracy of natural daylight — the minimum recommended specification for kitchens, retail displays, and hospitality environments.

Colour temperature determines the visual mood of a space. Warm white suits residential bedrooms, living rooms, and restaurant dining areas where a relaxed atmosphere matters. Natural white works well in kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices where a balance between warmth and task clarity is needed. Cool white is the specification for commercial workshops, garages, retail, and any environment where maximum visual contrast and alertness are priorities.

• 2700K warm white: Slightly amber-toned, similar to traditional incandescent bulbs — most popular for bedrooms and living rooms in 2026.
• 3000K warm white: Clean warm light without amber cast — the most specified colour temperature for UK kitchen installations.
• 4000K natural white: Neutral daylight tone — suited to offices, bathrooms, and retail where colour accuracy is essential.
• 5000K–6500K cool white: Bright, high-contrast light — garages, workshops, commercial kitchens, and display cases.

For installations requiring colour-changing capability, RGBW COB strip adds red, green, and blue channels alongside a dedicated white chip. Standard RGB strip cannot produce a clean white — it generates a cold, violet-tinged approximation. The dedicated white channel in RGBW solves this entirely, delivering both full-colour effects and genuine warm or cool white from a single strip.

What makes FreeCut COB strip different from standard strip?

ATOM LED FreeCut technology allows you to cut COB strip at any point along its length — not just at pre-marked solder pads — without voiding the 5-year warranty. Standard COB strip from other suppliers requires cuts only at designated points every 25mm to 100mm. FreeCut eliminates wastage and allows precise fitting to the exact millimetre needed for bespoke installations, profiles, and architectural details.

On a standard COB strip, each cut point corresponds to a self-contained electrical circuit on the PCB. Cut between these points and you kill the end segment permanently. With FreeCut, the circuit architecture allows a clean cut anywhere because the LED density and circuit layout are engineered to remain functional regardless of cut position.

• Zero wastage on bespoke lengths: Cut to 347mm, 891mm, or any measurement your installation demands — no rounding up to the nearest cut point.
• Warranty remains valid after cutting: The 5-year warranty applies regardless of where the strip is cut, which is unique to the ATOM LED FreeCut range in 2026.
• Faster installation on site: Fitters spend less time calculating cut positions and more time mounting and wiring.
• Better fit in aluminium profiles: Cutting to exact profile channel length means no visible gaps or overlaps at end caps.

FreeCut is available across all ATOM LED COB strip voltages — 12V, 24V, and 48V — and across all colour temperature options. Browse the full range of dot-free COB strip lights to compare specifications.

How do you install COB LED strip lights correctly?

Correct installation requires measuring and planning the full run, preparing a clean mounting surface, fitting an aluminium profile for heat dissipation, wiring in parallel back to the driver, cutting to length with FreeCut technology, and testing before final fixing. Following these steps in order prevents the most common installation failures — voltage drop, overheating, adhesive failure, and short circuits — that account for the majority of warranty claims industry-wide.

1. Measure and plan the complete run: Measure every section of the installation and note where the driver will be located. Calculate total wattage by multiplying the strip wattage per metre by total length, then add a 20% overhead to the driver capacity. Plan the wiring route from driver to strip before cutting anything.
2. Prepare the mounting surface: The surface must be clean, dry, and free of dust or grease. Wipe with isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry fully. Never mount COB strip directly onto bare metal without insulation — exposed copper tracks on the strip underside will short-circuit against a conductive surface.
3. Fit the aluminium profile: Screw or adhesive-bond the aluminium profile to the mounting surface before inserting the strip. Use mounting clips at 300mm intervals for horizontal runs and every 200mm on vertical or ceiling-mounted runs. The profile acts as a heat sink, drawing heat away from the LED chips and extending strip lifespan.
4. Cut the strip to exact length: ATOM LED FreeCut COB strip can be cut at any point without voiding the warranty. Use sharp scissors or a craft knife for a clean edge. On standard strip from other suppliers, cut only at marked solder pads.
5. Wire each segment in parallel back to the driver: Run independent cables from the driver to each strip segment. Do not wire strips in series — series wiring multiplies voltage drop and causes the furthest strip to run visibly dimmer. Use solderless COB connectors or solder joints at each connection point.
6. Connect the driver: Match the driver voltage exactly to the strip voltage — a 24V strip on a 48V driver will burn out immediately. Size the driver at a minimum 20% above total strip wattage. For dimming installations, use a TRIAC-dimmable driver with a trailing-edge dimmer.
7. Test before final fixing: Power on the strip temporarily and walk the full length checking for even brightness, flickering, or colour variation at every connection point. Never power COB strip while it is still coiled on the reel — heat builds rapidly in coiled strip and creates a fire risk.

For complete installation supplies including connectors, extension cables, end caps, and mounting clips, browse the ATOM LED accessories range.

Do COB strip lights need an aluminium profile?

An aluminium profile is recommended for any COB strip running above approximately 10W per metre. The profile serves as a heat sink, conducting heat away from the LED chips and into the surrounding air, which extends strip lifespan from a typical 30,000 hours to up to 50,000 hours in well-ventilated installations. For lower-wattage decorative runs at 5 to 8W/m, mounting on a clean, dry wooden or plaster surface is acceptable.

Heat is the primary enemy of LED lifespan. COB strip produces moderate heat spread across its entire surface area — less concentrated than SMD strip but still enough to cause premature phosphor degradation and adhesive failure if not managed. An aluminium profile draws that heat away efficiently and provides a rigid, straight mounting channel that improves the finished appearance of any installation.

• Above 10W/m: Aluminium profile is essential — without it, expect reduced lifespan and potential adhesive delamination within 12 to 18 months.
• 5–10W/m: Profile is recommended but not critical for lifespan — mounting on wood, plaster, or MDF is acceptable for residential installations.
• Below 5W/m: Profile is optional — typically used for aesthetic reasons rather than thermal management at this wattage.

ATOM LED offers a wide range of aluminium strip profiles including surface-mount, recessed, corner, and pendant options. For installations using silicone-body diffusers instead of traditional aluminium channels, browse the silicone profile collection.

How do you dim COB LED strip lights?

Single-colour COB strip dims using a trailing-edge wall dimmer paired with a TRIAC-dimmable constant voltage driver. Leading-edge dimmers — common in older UK homes — frequently cause visible flicker and should be replaced with a trailing-edge unit, which typically costs approximately fifteen pounds. RGBW COB strip must be dimmed via a dedicated RGB or RGBW controller connected to a non-dimmable constant voltage driver — never through a wall dimmer.

Dimming failures account for a significant proportion of COB strip complaints reported on UK forums and trade groups. In nearly every case, the cause is one of three mismatches: wrong dimmer type, wrong driver type, or attempting to dim RGBW strip through a wall dimmer instead of a controller.

• Single-colour COB strip (correct method): Trailing-edge dimmer plus TRIAC-dimmable driver — smooth dimming from 100% down to approximately 5% on most combinations.
• Single-colour COB strip (incorrect method): Leading-edge dimmer — causes flicker, buzzing, and limited dimming range on most LED drivers.
• RGBW COB strip (correct method): Non-dimmable constant voltage driver feeding a dedicated RGBW controller — the controller handles both colour mixing and brightness.
• RGBW COB strip (incorrect method): Dimmable driver — causes flicker, colour shift, and premature driver failure.

For controller options compatible with ATOM LED RGBW strip, browse the LED controllers collection which includes MiBoxer wireless controllers and hardwired panel options from Skydance and Ltech.

Can COB strip be used outdoors in the UK?

Yes, provided you select the correct IP rating for your specific outdoor application. IP67 COB strip handles most UK garden and patio installations where rain, frost, and ground-level moisture are present. IP68 is required for areas exposed to standing water, ponds, fountains, or fully buried ground-level runs. IP65 is not suitable for UK outdoor conditions — it protects against surface splashes only and does not meet BS7671 requirements for exposed outdoor installations.

The UK climate presents specific challenges that many overseas-sourced IP rating guides do not account for. Prolonged damp conditions, frost-thaw cycles, and horizontal driving rain mean that IP65 — often marketed as "outdoor rated" — provides inadequate protection for any installation exposed to the elements. This is a common and expensive mistake.

• IP20 (no protection): Indoor dry locations only — shelving, coves, profile-mounted interior runs.
• IP65 (surface splash): Indoor areas with occasional moisture — bathroom mirrors (Zone 2+ only), covered interior canopy lighting. Not suitable for UK outdoor use.
• IP67 (temporary immersion): Outdoor garden paths, decking perimeters, covered patios, bathroom Zone 1 areas. Suitable for most UK outdoor applications.
• IP68 (continuous submersion): Pond lighting, fountain features, ground-level burial, fully exposed rooftop installations.

Browse the full outdoor COB strip collection for IP67 and IP68 rated options across all voltages and colour temperatures.

How does voltage affect wiring and cable sizing?

Higher voltage means lower current for the same wattage, which allows thinner cables, reduces copper costs, and produces less heat in the wiring. A 48V system draws half the current of 24V at identical wattage per metre, which means the cable cross-section can be reduced or the same cable can support longer runs without exceeding safe temperature ratings. For installers working on large commercial projects in 2026, 48V significantly reduces both material costs and installation time.

The relationship is defined by Ohm's Law: Power (W) = Voltage (V) x Current (A). At 48V, a 10W/m strip draws approximately 0.21A per metre. The same 10W/m at 24V draws approximately 0.42A per metre — exactly double. This difference compounds over distance and has practical consequences for cable sizing, connector ratings, and driver selection.

• 12V at 10W/m: Draws approximately 0.83A per metre — requires heavier gauge cable even for short runs and limits practical distance to under 5 metres.
• 24V at 10W/m: Draws approximately 0.42A per metre — standard 0.75mm² twin cable is adequate for most residential runs up to approximately 15 metres.
• 48V at 10W/m: Draws approximately 0.21A per metre — 0.5mm² cable is sufficient for most runs, and 0.75mm² cable can support runs well beyond 20 metres.

For every installation, select the driver wattage to exceed total strip wattage by a minimum of 20%. A driver running consistently above 80% capacity generates excess heat and shortens its operational lifespan. Browse the full range of LED drivers and transformers including dedicated 24V drivers and 48V drivers.

Why choose ATOM LED for COB strip lights?

ATOM LED is a UK-based LED specialist stocking every COB strip voltage, colour temperature, and IP rating from a single warehouse in Telford, Shropshire. Every order ships with free UK delivery, a 5-year warranty on all DC voltage COB products, and technical support from an experienced team available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 01952 370028 or at operations@atomled.co.uk.

• FreeCut technology across all COB strip: Cut at any point without voiding the warranty — unique to the ATOM LED range in 2026.
• CRI90+ on every COB model: Colour accuracy meets or exceeds the specification required for retail, hospitality, and residential kitchens.
• 20m single feed on 24V: Longer single-feed runs than most UK competitors offer at this voltage.
• 30m single feed on 48V: One of the longest single-feed specifications available in the UK market.
• 50m dual feed on 48V: Feed from both ends for the longest possible continuous installation.
• UK stock — not dropshipped: Products ship from the ATOM LED warehouse, not from an overseas third party.
• 5-year warranty (COB DC voltage): Covers manufacturing defects and premature LED failure under normal use conditions.
• Free UK delivery on every order: No minimum spend required.

Call the ATOM LED technical team on 01952 370028 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm) or email operations@atomled.co.uk for specification advice, project quotes, or help choosing the right voltage, colour temperature, and IP rating for your installation.

Browse all COB LED strip lights | Shop dot-free COB strip | Shop COB strip accessories

Frequently asked questions about COB LED strip lights

1. What does COB stand for in LED strip lighting?

• COB stands for Chip-on-Board. The LED chips are mounted directly onto the flexible circuit board without individual plastic housings, creating a continuous phosphor layer that produces dot-free, uniform light output across the full strip length.

2. Are COB LED strip lights brighter than SMD strip?

• Brightness depends on LED density and wattage per metre, not the technology alone. High-density COB strip at 840 LEDs/m can match or exceed typical SMD 5050 output. The key COB advantage is light uniformity — consistent brightness with no visible dots — rather than raw lumen output.

3. Can you cut COB LED strip to any length?

• With ATOM LED FreeCut COB strip, yes. You can cut at any point along the strip without voiding the 5-year warranty. Standard COB strip from other suppliers typically requires cutting only at marked solder pads every 25mm to 100mm.

4. Do COB strip lights need a heat sink or aluminium profile?

• An aluminium profile is recommended for any COB strip running above approximately 10W per metre. The profile acts as a heat sink, extending strip lifespan to up to 50,000 hours. For lower-wattage decorative runs at 5 to 8W/m, mounting on clean, dry wood or plaster is acceptable. Never mount on bare metal without insulation.

5. What is the maximum run length for COB LED strip?

• Maximum run depends on voltage. ATOM LED 24V COB strip supports up to 20 metres single feed. The 48V range extends to 30 metres single feed and 50 metres dual feed. 12V COB strip is limited to approximately 3 to 5 metres before visible voltage drop occurs.

6. Can COB strip lights be used outdoors in the UK?

• Yes, with the correct IP rating. IP67 is suitable for most outdoor garden and patio applications. IP68 is required for areas exposed to standing water or full burial. IP65 is not suitable for UK outdoor conditions — it protects against surface splashes only and does not meet BS7671 requirements for exposed outdoor use.

7. Do you need a special dimmer for COB LED strip?

• Single-colour COB strip works with trailing-edge dimmers paired with a TRIAC-dimmable driver. Leading-edge dimmers common in older UK homes cause flicker — replacing with trailing-edge typically costs approximately fifteen pounds. RGBW strip must be dimmed via a dedicated controller and non-dimmable driver, not a wall dimmer.

8. What is the difference between 24V and 48V COB strip?

• The primary difference is voltage drop over distance. At the same wattage, 48V COB strip experiences voltage drop at half the rate of 24V over the same cable length. This means 48V maintains even brightness on longer runs, supports single-feed distances up to 30 metres versus 20 for 24V, and allows thinner cabling.

9. Is 48V COB strip safe to install?

• 48V DC falls within the SELV voltage threshold under BS7671 (120V DC ripple-free maximum), provided it is supplied from a suitably isolated, safety-rated driver. SELV is a system classification requiring correct installation, not simply a property of the voltage. All DC strip carries significantly reduced shock risk under dry conditions, though no voltage carries zero risk.

10. Can you connect multiple COB strips to one driver?

• Yes, provided the driver's total wattage rating exceeds the combined strip wattage by at least 20%. Wire each strip segment back to the driver independently using parallel wiring. Do not wire in series — series wiring multiplies voltage drop and causes uneven brightness.

11. What CRI rating do ATOM LED COB strips have?

• All ATOM LED COB strip lights are rated CRI90+ as standard. Illuminated colours appear within 90% accuracy of natural daylight. CRI90+ is the minimum specification recommended for kitchens, retail, hospitality, and any space where accurate colour perception matters in 2026.

12. How long do COB LED strip lights last?

• Typical lifespan is 30,000 to 50,000 hours depending on thermal management. Mounting in an aluminium profile, running the driver at no more than 80% capacity, and ensuring ventilation all contribute to reaching the upper range. ATOM LED backs all DC voltage COB strip with a 5-year warranty.

13. What accessories do you need for a COB strip installation?

• A typical installation requires a matched-voltage driver, connectors, mounting profile, and optionally a dimmer or controller. ATOM LED stocks solderless connectors, extension cables, profile end caps, and mounting clips. For RGBW installations, add a dedicated RGB or RGBW controller.

14. Does ATOM LED offer free delivery on COB strip lights?

• Yes, free UK delivery on every order with no minimum spend. All COB strip ships from UK stock at the ATOM LED warehouse in Telford, Shropshire. Orders placed before 2pm on weekdays typically dispatch the same day. Call 01952 370028 for delivery queries.

15. Can COB strip produce RGB colour effects?

• Yes, ATOM LED stocks RGBW COB strip that produces full-colour effects plus clean white. Standard RGB cannot produce clean white — it generates a cold, violet-tinged white instead. RGBW solves this with a dedicated white channel. For pixel-level control and chase effects, choose addressable digital RGB COB strip with an SPI controller.

16. What warranty does ATOM LED offer on COB strip?

• All COB LED strip running on DC voltage carries a 5-year warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and premature LED failure under normal use. A 7-year warranty on the upcoming 2026 premium line will extend coverage further. FreeCut does not void the warranty — cutting at any point is covered.

Related Collections

• full LED strip lights collection
• 24V single colour COB strip
• 48V single colour COB strip
• dot-free COB strip in 24V and 48V
• voltage-matched LED drivers
• aluminium heat-sink profiles
• COB strip connectors and cables
• UK LED strip installation guide
• UK LED strip installation guide

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

UK LED specialist, Telford, Shropshire  ·  01952 370028  ·  Free UK delivery