Collection: Extra Long COB Strip

Running 10, 20 or even 50 metres of unbroken LED light from a single connection point is where most suppliers fall short — and where ATOM LED delivers. Our extra long COB LED strip range covers continuous run lengths that eliminate mid-run joins, reduce failure points, and produce a clean, dot-free light line across large-scale residential and commercial projects in 2026.

The ATOM LED range includes 20m single-feed runs on 24V, 30m single-feed runs on 48V, and 50m dual-feed runs on 48V — all with FreeCut technology that lets you cut at any point without voiding the 5-year warranty. Every COB strip ships from UK stock with CRI90+ colour rendering and free UK delivery.

Extra Long COB Strip  ·  20m / 30m / 50m Continuous Runs  ·  24V & 48V  ·  FreeCut at Any Point  ·  CRI90+  ·  5-Year Warranty  ·  Free UK Delivery

On this page:

1. How far can you run extra long COB LED strip from one feed?
2. Why does voltage matter for long run LED strip installations?
3. What is voltage drop and how does it affect long COB strip runs?
4. How do ATOM LED continuous run lengths compare to other UK suppliers?
5. Which projects need extra long COB LED strip?
6. How should you wire extra long COB strip across multiple zones?
7. How do you install a 20m or 30m single-feed COB strip run?
8. What driver wattage do you need for long run LED strip?
9. Can you dim extra long COB LED strip over 20 metres?
10. What colour temperatures are available in extra long COB strip?
11. Do long COB strip runs need aluminium profiles?
12. Why choose ATOM LED for extra long COB strip projects?
13. Frequently asked questions about extra long COB LED strip

Quick decision summary:

• Under 20m from one feed point: Use 24V single colour COB strip — the most cost-effective option for kitchens, bedrooms, and standard commercial fit-outs.
• 20m–30m from one feed point: Use 48V single colour COB strip — voltage drop halved compared to 24V at the same wattage, giving you consistent brightness across the full run.
• 30m–50m total run: Use 48V dual feed — power injected from both ends to maintain uniform output across large commercial or architectural spans.
• Multiple zones from one driver: Wire in parallel, not series — parallel wiring keeps each zone independent and avoids compounding voltage drop.

Who this is for:

• Electrical contractors: Specifying long continuous runs for commercial fit-outs, retail, hospitality, or large residential projects where mid-run joins create warranty and maintenance risk.
• Interior designers and architects: Designing unbroken cove lighting, perimeter lighting, or feature walls where visible joins or brightness variation would compromise the finished result.
• Advanced DIY installers: Tackling open-plan living spaces, home cinemas, or garden structures where standard 5m reels require multiple soldered connections.

Who this is NOT for:

• Short accent runs under 5m: Standard 5m COB strip reels are more practical and cost less per project — browse all COB LED strip options for shorter lengths.
• Colour-changing requirements: For RGBW or addressable colour effects, see RGBW COB strip or addressable digital RGB COB strip — maximum single-feed runs differ on colour-changing products.
• Outdoor or wet-zone applications: Long runs exposed to weather or moisture need IP67/IP68 rated strip — see outdoor COB LED strip for weatherproof options.

Common buying mistakes to avoid:

• Assuming all LED strip runs the same distance: Most UK suppliers cap single-feed runs at 5m or 10m. Buying multiple 5m reels and joining them in series compounds voltage drop and creates weak points that fail first.
• Ignoring voltage drop on long runs: A 20m run on 12V strip will lose approximately 30–40% brightness at the far end. Choosing 24V or 48V is not optional on runs above 10m — it is a technical requirement.
• Wiring zones in series instead of parallel: Series wiring forces all current through a single path, multiplying voltage drop with every metre. Parallel wiring feeds each zone independently from the driver.
• Undersizing the driver: A driver loaded above 80% of its rated capacity runs hot, shortens its lifespan, and may trigger thermal shutdown. Always calculate total strip wattage and add a 20% headroom buffer.

How far can you run extra long COB LED strip from a single feed point?

ATOM LED extra long COB strip supports 20m single-feed runs on 24V and 30m single-feed runs on 48V from one connection point, with no visible brightness variation across the full length. For runs up to 50m, 48V dual-feed wiring — powering from both ends — maintains consistent output across the entire span, making it one of the longest continuous COB runs available from any UK supplier in 2026.

The maximum single-feed distance is determined by the combination of voltage, wattage per metre, and copper conductor thickness within the strip. Higher voltage means lower current draw for the same wattage, which reduces resistive losses across long distances. This is basic electrical engineering, but it has a direct and visible effect on the light output at the far end of any run.

These figures assume ATOM LED COB strip with the correct constant voltage driver. Other manufacturers using thinner copper substrates or lower-specification LEDs will typically achieve significantly shorter maximum runs before brightness falls below acceptable thresholds. In 2026, most competitors in the UK market cap their maximum single-feed COB strip run at 5m to 10m.

• 20m on 24V single colour: Suitable for most residential projects, including open-plan living areas, long hallway runs, and full-perimeter bedroom cove lighting from a single connection point.
• 30m on 48V single colour: Covers large commercial spaces such as restaurant dining areas, hotel corridors, retail display runs, and open-plan offices without a single mid-run join.
• 50m on 48V dual feed: Designed for the longest architectural and commercial lighting runs — conference centres, atriums, gallery spaces, and exterior facade lighting where a continuous light line is non-negotiable.

Why does voltage matter for long run LED strip installations?

Voltage directly controls how far LED strip can run before brightness drops to unacceptable levels. Higher voltage systems draw less current for the same wattage output, which reduces resistive losses in the copper conductors. For long run LED strip, 48V carries current at half the loss rate of 24V over the same distance and wattage, making it the preferred choice for any continuous run above 15–20 metres.

To understand this, consider a 10W per metre strip running 20m — that is 200W total. On 24V, the current draw is approximately 8.3A. On 48V, the same 200W draws approximately 4.2A. Since voltage drop is proportional to current, halving the current halves the voltage loss across the conductors. The result is measurably more consistent brightness at the far end of the run.

• 24V systems: Practical for runs up to 20m on ATOM LED strip, which uses heavier copper substrates than the industry standard. Most 24V strip from other UK suppliers begins to show noticeable dimming beyond 8–10m.
• 48V systems: The 2026 standard for professional and commercial long-run installations. 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 — giving significantly reduced shock risk under dry conditions while supporting much longer cable runs.
• 12V systems: Not recommended for any run above 5m. Voltage drop on 12V strip becomes visible to the eye within 3–4 metres on higher-wattage products. Extra long COB strip projects should avoid 12V entirely.

On commercial projects in 2026, specifying 48V for any run above 15m is increasingly standard practice among UK electrical contractors. The driver cost difference between 24V and 48V is typically under £10–£15 for equivalent wattage ratings, and the installation time saved by eliminating mid-run power injection points more than offsets this.

What is voltage drop and how does it affect long COB strip runs?

Voltage drop is the gradual reduction in electrical potential along the length of an LED strip's copper conductors, caused by the resistance of the copper itself. On long COB strip runs, voltage drop manifests as visible brightness reduction towards the far end — the strip appears dimmer the further it gets from the driver. ATOM LED minimises this through heavier copper substrates and higher voltage options, but understanding the physics helps you specify the right product.

Every conductor has resistance. The longer the conductor, the higher the total resistance and the greater the voltage lost before power reaches the LEDs at the far end. This is not a product defect — it is a physical property of copper wiring that applies to every LED strip from every manufacturer. The question is how far you can run before the drop becomes visible.

The human eye can typically detect brightness differences above approximately 10–15% in a continuous light line viewed at an angle. Below that threshold, the variation blends into the environment. ATOM LED engineers its extra long COB strip to stay within this imperceptible range at the published maximum run lengths.

• Heavier copper substrates: ATOM LED uses wider and thicker copper conductor tracks than many competitors, reducing resistance per metre and extending the practical run length before visible drop occurs.
• Consistent LED binning: Every COB strip reel uses LEDs from the same production bin, ensuring uniform colour temperature and forward voltage across the full run — variations in LED quality would compound the effect of voltage drop.
• Dual-feed technique: For the longest runs, powering from both ends effectively halves the maximum conductor distance that current must travel, cutting voltage drop significantly compared to single-end feed.

How do ATOM LED continuous run lengths compare to other UK suppliers?

Most UK LED strip suppliers in 2026 limit their maximum single-feed COB strip run to 5m or 10m. ATOM LED offers 20m on 24V and 30m on 48V from a single connection — approximately two to six times the maximum run of the nearest competitors. This directly reduces the number of joins, connectors, and potential failure points in any long-run installation.

The difference comes down to manufacturing specification. Longer run lengths require heavier copper conductor tracks, tighter LED binning tolerances, and rigorous quality control across the full reel length. Most suppliers import standard-specification strip designed for the global market at 5m reel lengths, where voltage drop is not a practical concern. ATOM LED specifies strip engineered specifically for extended continuous runs.

On a practical level, if you need to light a 25m hotel corridor with a single continuous light line, a supplier offering 5m maximum runs forces you into five soldered joins or five connector blocks. Each join is a potential point of failure, a potential point of colour temperature shift, and a potential point of visible brightness step. With ATOM LED 48V strip, you feed from one end and cover 30m unbroken.

• Fewer failure points: Every solder joint or connector in a long-run installation adds resistance and creates a weak point. Reducing a 30m run from six joins to zero joins significantly improves long-term reliability.
• Faster installation: An electrician spending 15–20 minutes per soldered joint across six joints adds nearly two hours of labour to a single corridor. Eliminating those joins pays for the higher specification of the strip itself.
• FreeCut advantage: ATOM LED FreeCut technology means you can cut the strip at any point along its length — not just at fixed intervals — without voiding the 5-year warranty. This matters on projects where the final run length does not align with pre-set cut marks.

Which projects need extra long COB LED strip?

Extra long COB LED strip is specified wherever a continuous, join-free light line must span more than 10 metres. Typical 2026 applications include commercial retail displays, hotel corridor lighting, restaurant perimeter coves, open-plan office ambient lighting, large residential living areas, stairwell handrail lighting, and architectural facade features. Any project where a visible join or brightness step would be unacceptable benefits from extended run capability.

The dot-free output of COB strip — where individual LED chips are invisible and the light line appears as a solid, unbroken glow — makes it the preferred technology for exposed or semi-exposed linear lighting. But that continuous light effect only works if the strip itself runs continuously. A join every 5m breaks the illusion and creates a maintenance liability.

Commercial applications

• Retail display lighting: Shop floor perimeter lighting, display case illumination, and shelf lighting where brand presentation depends on consistent, unbroken light quality across 15–40m runs.
• Hospitality fit-outs: Hotel corridors, bar counters, restaurant ceiling coves, and reception desks where the lighting contributes directly to the guest experience and must remain consistent and failure-free.
• Office ambient lighting: Open-plan workspace perimeter and cove lighting where 2026 building regulations increasingly reference uniform illuminance — long continuous runs deliver this more effectively than joined segments.
• Architectural features: Building facades, stairwell handrails, atrium lighting, and gallery wall washing where the architect or designer has specified an unbroken light line as a core design element.

Residential applications

• Open-plan kitchen-living spaces: Full perimeter cove lighting in rooms where the total run may exceed 15–20m, and where a visible brightness step between joined reels would be noticeable in a low-lit evening setting.
• Home cinema and media rooms: Ambient backlighting around screen walls, ceiling perimeters, and floor-level coves where the lighting is a focal feature and any inconsistency is immediately visible.
• Staircase and hallway lighting: Continuous handrail or stringer lighting running the full height of a multi-storey stairwell — typically 12–25m of unbroken strip fed from a single point.

For LED neon flex applications where you need a similar continuous effect with a shaped profile, ATOM LED offers complementary long-run options. If the installation is outdoors or in a wet environment, check the IP67 neon flex range for weather-rated alternatives.

How should you wire extra long COB strip across multiple zones?

Always wire multiple zones in parallel, never in series. Parallel wiring connects each strip zone independently back to the driver, so voltage drop in one zone does not compound into the next. Series wiring chains zones end to end, forcing all current through a single conductor path — this multiplies voltage drop with every additional metre and is the single most common cause of uneven brightness in multi-zone long-run installations.

On a practical level, parallel wiring means running separate positive and negative cables from the driver output terminals to the start of each strip zone. Each zone draws current independently, so a 10m zone and a 15m zone connected in parallel to the same driver will both perform within their individual voltage drop specifications — neither zone affects the other.

• Parallel wiring (recommended): Each zone connects directly to the driver. Voltage drop is calculated per zone independently. If one zone is cut or disconnected, the remaining zones continue to operate normally.
• Series wiring (not recommended for long runs): Zones are daisy-chained. Current passes through each zone sequentially. A 10m + 15m + 10m series chain produces voltage drop equivalent to a 35m single run, even if each zone is within its individual limit.

For installations with three or more zones, use a junction box near the driver and run individual cable pairs to each zone. This adds slightly more cable cost but eliminates the compounding voltage drop that series wiring creates. On commercial projects, this approach also makes future maintenance and zone replacement significantly easier.

For detailed guidance on cable sizing and driver selection for multi-zone installations, contact the ATOM LED technical team on 01952 370028 or email operations@atomled.co.uk — the team can review your layout drawings and recommend the correct wiring topology for your project.

Browse the full range of LED drivers and transformers and COB strip accessories including connectors and junction components designed for multi-zone parallel wiring.

How do you install a 20m or 30m single-feed COB strip run?

Installing a long single-feed COB strip run follows the same core process as any LED strip installation, but with additional attention to driver sizing, heat management over the full length, and secure mechanical fixing across the extended distance. The process below covers a typical 20m or 30m continuous run using ATOM LED COB strip on an aluminium profile, powered by a correctly rated constant voltage driver.

1. Step 1 — Measure and plan the full run: Measure the exact length of the installation path, including any corners or transitions. Mark the start and end points and identify where the driver will be located. Keep the cable run between the driver and the strip start as short as practical — ideally under 5m — to minimise cable voltage drop before the strip even begins. Factor in the strip's wattage per metre multiplied by the total length to calculate the minimum driver wattage required.
2. Step 2 — Select and mount the aluminium profile: For any run above 10m, mounting on an aluminium profile is strongly recommended. The profile acts as a heatsink, drawing heat away from the LED chips and extending their rated lifespan. Surface-mount, recessed, and corner profiles are available depending on the installation. Secure the profile along the full run length using the appropriate fixings for the substrate — plasterboard, timber, or masonry.
3. Step 3 — Apply the COB strip to the profile: Peel back the 3M adhesive backing in 1–2m sections and press the strip firmly into the profile channel. Do not stretch or twist the strip during application. Work from the feed end towards the far end, maintaining consistent alignment. Never power the strip while it is still coiled on the reel — heat builds up rapidly in coiled strip and will damage the adhesive bond and potentially create a fire risk.
4. Step 4 — Connect the strip to the driver: Use appropriately rated cable (typically 1.0mm or 1.5mm twin for 24V, 0.75mm or 1.0mm for 48V — confirm with your project specifications). Connect the positive and negative from the strip start to the driver output terminals. If the run is a dual-feed installation, connect an additional cable pair from the driver to the far end of the strip. Ensure all connections are mechanically secure and insulated — use ferrules and terminal connectors rather than twist-and-tape joints on commercial projects.
5. Step 5 — Power on and test the full run: Switch on the driver and visually inspect the entire length of the strip for consistent brightness. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the strip start and at the far end — the difference should fall within the acceptable range for the voltage and length combination. Check that no sections of the strip are lifting from the profile, and that the colour temperature appears consistent across the full run.
6. Step 6 — Install the diffuser cover: Clip or slide the profile's diffuser cover into place across the full length. The diffuser blends the COB light output into a uniform glow and protects the LEDs from dust and physical contact. On LED strip profiles with click-fit diffusers, work from one end to the other, pressing firmly at each clip point.
7. Step 7 — Final check and clean-up: Run the strip for 30 minutes and re-check for any hot spots, flickering, or colour inconsistency. Verify that the driver is not running above 80% of its rated load — check the driver temperature after 30 minutes of continuous operation. Secure any exposed cable runs, label the driver, and complete any required electrical certification paperwork.

Do not mount COB strip directly onto bare metal surfaces without insulation between the strip and the metal — the exposed copper tracks on the rear of the strip can short-circuit against conductive surfaces. Aluminium profiles include an anodised or powder-coated finish that provides this insulation layer.

What driver wattage do you need for long run LED strip?

Calculate the total strip wattage by multiplying the wattage per metre by the total run length, then add a minimum 20% headroom. A 20m run of 10W/m strip draws 200W — the minimum recommended driver is 240W. Running a driver at or above its rated maximum shortens its lifespan, generates excess heat, and may trigger thermal protection shutdown on warmer days or in enclosed ceiling voids.

The 20% headroom rule is not arbitrary. LED drivers generate heat proportional to their load, and their electrolytic capacitors degrade faster at higher temperatures. A driver running at 80% load in a ventilated space will typically last 40,000–60,000 hours. The same driver at 95% load in an enclosed void may last 15,000–25,000 hours — a difference of several years in real-world terms.

For dual-feed installations, you can either use a single high-wattage driver with cable runs to both ends, or use two separate drivers — one at each end. The two-driver approach is often simpler on very long runs because it shortens the cable distances and simplifies the wiring layout.

• Single colour strip: Requires a constant voltage driver matched to the strip voltage (24V or 48V). For dimming, use a TRIAC dimmable LED driver paired with a trailing-edge dimmer switch.
• RGBW or colour-changing strip: Requires a non-dimmable constant voltage driver feeding an LED controller. Never use a dimmable driver with RGB or RGBW strip — it causes flicker, colour shift, and premature failure.
• Driver placement: Mount the driver in a ventilated, accessible location. Ceiling voids without airflow reduce driver lifespan significantly. If the driver must go in a void, specify a driver rated for higher ambient temperatures.

Browse 24V LED drivers and 48V LED drivers sized for long-run installations, all in stock and available with free UK delivery.

Can you dim extra long COB LED strip over 20 metres?

Yes. Extra long COB LED strip can be dimmed across its full run length using either a TRIAC dimmable driver with a trailing-edge wall dimmer, or a constant voltage driver paired with a PWM signal controller. Both methods maintain consistent dimming performance from start to end of the strip, provided the driver and dimmer are correctly matched and the strip is wired in parallel on multi-zone installations.

The most common dimming setup for 2026 residential and hospitality projects is a trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer controlling a TRIAC dimmable driver. This approach uses standard wall plates that electricians are familiar with and integrates with most home automation systems. Leading-edge dimmers cause flicker on most LED drivers and should be avoided — the trailing-edge upgrade typically costs approximately £15.

• TRIAC dimming (mains-side): The dimmer sits between the mains supply and the driver input. The driver converts the dimmed mains signal into a proportionally reduced DC output. Works well on single-colour strip up to the driver's maximum rated wattage.
• PWM dimming (low-voltage side): A PWM controller sits between the driver output and the strip input. The driver runs at full output, and the controller rapidly switches the strip on and off at high frequency to reduce perceived brightness. Preferred for very long runs where maintaining a stable DC voltage to the strip is critical.
• DALI and 0–10V dimming: Used on commercial projects where the lighting is integrated into a building management system. Requires DALI or 0–10V compatible drivers — available within the ATOM LED LED power supply range.

On dimmed long runs, voltage drop can become slightly more noticeable at very low dim levels (below 10%), because the absolute voltage difference represents a larger proportion of the reduced output voltage. In practice, this is rarely visible on runs within ATOM LED's published maximum lengths, but it is worth testing the full dimming range during commissioning on any run above 20m.

What colour temperatures are available in extra long COB strip?

ATOM LED extra long COB strip is available in warm white (2700K–3000K), natural white (4000K), and cool white (6500K), all with CRI90+ colour rendering. Warm white is the most popular choice for residential and hospitality projects in 2026, natural white suits retail and office environments, and cool white is used in industrial, warehouse, and task lighting applications where high-contrast visibility matters more than ambience.

• Warm white (2700K–3000K): Produces a soft, relaxed tone similar to traditional incandescent lighting. The standard choice for living rooms, bedrooms, restaurants, hotel rooms, and any space designed for comfort. CRI90+ ensures skin tones and furnishing colours render accurately.
• Natural white (3500K–4000K): A balanced, neutral tone that works in kitchens, bathrooms, retail displays, and offices. Neither warm enough to feel dim nor cool enough to feel clinical. Increasingly popular in 2026 open-plan kitchen-living spaces where one colour temperature must serve multiple functions.
• Cool white (5000K–6500K): A bright, crisp tone with high visual contrast. Used in workshops, garages, commercial kitchens, warehouses, and task-focused environments. Not typically recommended for residential living spaces as it can feel harsh in evening use.

All ATOM LED extra long COB strip uses CRI90+ LEDs as standard — this means colours appear approximately 90% as accurate as they would under natural daylight. Lower CRI products (CRI80 or below) can make reds look dull and skin tones appear washed out, which matters in retail, hospitality, and any residential space where appearance quality affects the experience.

Do long COB strip runs need aluminium profiles?

For runs above 10 metres, aluminium profiles are strongly recommended rather than optional. The profile serves as a continuous heatsink across the full length of the strip, drawing heat away from the LED chips and keeping operating temperatures within the range that supports the full rated lifespan. Without a profile, long COB strip runs generate cumulative heat that accelerates adhesive failure, lumen depreciation, and in severe cases, premature LED chip failure.

On a 2m kitchen cabinet run, the adhesive backing and the surface beneath provide adequate heat dissipation. On a 20m continuous run, the thermal load across that full length is significant — each metre generates heat, and without a continuous metal heatsink, the mid-section of a long run can reach temperatures 15–25°C higher than the ends.

• Surface-mount profiles: The simplest option — the profile sits on top of the mounting surface. Suitable for cove lighting, under-cabinet, and any installation where the profile will be partially concealed.
• Recessed profiles: Set into a routed channel in timber, plasterboard, or a purpose-made recess. Produces a flush finish where the diffuser sits level with the surrounding surface — the professional standard for 2026 architectural lighting.
• Corner profiles: 45-degree angled profiles designed for cove junctions and display case corners. Direct light at the precise angle needed rather than relying on reflected bounce.

Browse the full LED strip silicone profiles range for flexible profile options or the standard aluminium LED strip profiles for rigid installations.

Never mount extra long COB strip directly onto bare metal surfaces such as steel beams, aluminium window frames, or galvanised bracket work without an insulating barrier. The exposed copper conductor tracks on the rear of the strip will short-circuit against any conductive surface, potentially damaging the strip, the driver, or both.

Why choose ATOM LED for extra long COB strip projects?

ATOM LED is one of a small number of UK suppliers in 2026 that manufactures and stocks COB strip engineered specifically for continuous runs of 20m, 30m, and 50m. The combination of extended run lengths, FreeCut technology, CRI90+ output, a 5-year warranty, and a UK-based technical support team that has physically installed these products sets ATOM LED apart from suppliers reselling standard-specification imported strip at shorter maximum run lengths.

• 20m single feed on 24V, 30m on 48V, 50m dual feed on 48V: Published maximum run lengths that are backed by tested voltage drop data, not theoretical calculations. These are the distances at which brightness variation remains imperceptible to the human eye under normal viewing conditions.
• FreeCut technology: Cut the strip at any point along its length to suit your exact installation measurement. No fixed cut marks, no wasted material, and the 5-year warranty remains fully valid regardless of where you cut.
• CRI90+ across the full range: Every extra long COB strip product ships with CRI90+ colour rendering. This is not an upgrade or a premium option — it is the standard specification across the ATOM LED COB range.
• 5-year warranty on all COB DC voltage strip: Covers manufacturing defects, LED chip failure, and premature lumen depreciation under normal operating conditions. ATOM LED does not void the warranty on cut strips, which is unusual in the UK market.
• UK stock, free UK delivery: All products ship from the ATOM LED warehouse in Telford, Shropshire. No dropshipping, no 3–6 week lead times from overseas factories. Most orders placed before 2pm on working days dispatch the same day.
• Technical support from people who install strip: The ATOM LED technical team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm on 01952 370028 or at operations@atomled.co.uk. They can review installation drawings, recommend driver specifications, advise on wiring topology, and troubleshoot voltage drop calculations for your specific project.

Frequently asked questions about extra long COB LED strip

Below are the questions the ATOM LED technical team answers most frequently from contractors, designers, and advanced DIY installers working on long-run COB strip projects. Every answer reflects real installation experience and current product specifications as of March 2026.

1. What is the longest single-feed COB LED strip run available in the UK?

• ATOM LED offers 30m single-feed on 48V single colour COB strip — one of the longest single-feed COB runs available from any UK supplier in 2026.
• For 24V, the maximum single feed is 20m — approximately double to quadruple the maximum offered by most UK competitors.
• For runs up to 50m, 48V dual-feed wiring is recommended — power is injected from both ends to maintain uniform brightness.

2. Can I join multiple 5m reels to make a long run instead?

• Technically yes, but it is not recommended for runs above 10m. Each join adds resistance, creates a mechanical weak point, and risks colour temperature or brightness variation at the junction.
• Series-joined reels compound voltage drop — a chain of four 5m reels wired in series produces far more drop than a single 20m continuous reel.
• ATOM LED extra long COB strip is manufactured as a continuous reel specifically to eliminate these join-related issues.

3. What does FreeCut mean on extra long COB strip?

• FreeCut means you can cut the strip at any point along its length — not just at fixed intervals every 25mm, 50mm, or 100mm.
• The 5-year warranty remains valid regardless of where you make the cut.
• This is particularly useful on long-run projects where the installation length rarely aligns exactly with pre-set cut marks.

4. Is 48V safe to install in a domestic property?

• 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 classification means significantly reduced shock risk under dry conditions — it does not mean zero risk. Wet or damp conditions change the safety profile.
• For domestic installations, 48V is widely used in 2026 for LED lighting, particularly where run lengths exceed 15m and voltage drop on 24V becomes a limiting factor.

5. How do I calculate the driver size for a 20m COB strip run?

• Multiply wattage per metre by total run length — for example, 10W/m x 20m = 200W total strip load.
• Add 20% headroom — 200W x 1.2 = 240W minimum driver rating.
• Always round up to the next available driver size — in this example, a 250W or 300W driver is the correct specification.

6. Can I run extra long COB strip without an aluminium profile?

• On runs under 5m with low-wattage strip (under 8W/m), adhesive mounting to timber or plasterboard is adequate.
• On runs above 10m, an aluminium profile is strongly recommended — it acts as a continuous heatsink and prevents heat accumulation that shortens LED lifespan.
• Never mount COB strip on bare metal without insulation — the exposed copper tracks on the rear will short-circuit against conductive surfaces.

7. What happens if I wire long COB strip zones in series?

• Series wiring forces all current through a single conductor path, and voltage drop compounds with each additional zone.
• A 10m + 15m + 10m series chain produces voltage drop equivalent to a 35m single-end-fed run — likely exceeding acceptable brightness variation thresholds.
• Always wire multiple zones in parallel — each zone connects independently to the driver, keeping voltage drop isolated to each individual run.

8. Does voltage drop affect colour temperature on long runs?

• On high-quality COB strip with consistent LED binning, the colour temperature shift from voltage drop is minimal — typically under 50K variation across the published maximum run length.
• On lower-specification strip with inconsistent LED binning, voltage drop can cause a noticeable warm shift at the far end as LEDs receive less than their rated forward voltage.
• ATOM LED uses single-bin LED sourcing across each reel to minimise colour variation, even under reduced voltage conditions at the far end of a long run.

9. Can extra long COB strip be used outdoors?

• Standard extra long COB strip is rated IP20 — suitable for dry indoor environments only.
• For outdoor use, IP67 or IP68 rated strip is required — note that IP65 is surface-splash only and is not suitable for UK outdoor conditions or bathroom wet zones under BS7671.
• Browse the outdoor COB LED strip range for weatherproof options with extended run capabilities.

10. What cable size should I use between the driver and the strip?

• For 24V systems, 1.0mm or 1.5mm twin cable is typically adequate for cable runs under 10m between the driver and the strip start point.
• For 48V systems, 0.75mm or 1.0mm twin cable is usually sufficient for the same cable distances, because the lower current draw reduces resistive losses in the cable.
• On very long cable runs (driver more than 10m from the strip start), increase cable size by one step to compensate for voltage drop in the supply cable itself — this is separate from the voltage drop within the strip.

11. How does dual-feed wiring work on a 50m run?

• Dual feed means powering the strip from both ends simultaneously — the driver (or two drivers) supplies current to the start and the finish of the strip.
• This effectively halves the maximum distance that current must travel through the strip's conductors, cutting voltage drop to approximately the same level as a 25m single-feed run.
• For 50m dual-feed installations, two separate 300W+ drivers — one at each end — is often the simplest and most reliable wiring approach.

12. Will the strip overheat on a 30m continuous run?

• Not when mounted on an aluminium profile. The profile provides continuous heat dissipation across the full length of the strip, keeping junction temperatures within the LED manufacturer's rated limits.
• Never power COB strip while it is coiled on the reel — heat cannot dissipate from the inner turns, and temperatures rise rapidly. This applies to all lengths, including short test runs.
• For enclosed installations (coffered ceilings, closed coves), ensure adequate airflow around the profile to prevent heat accumulation in the void.

13. Do I need a special controller for dimming long-run single colour strip?

• No. Single colour extra long COB strip dims using a standard trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer paired with a TRIAC dimmable constant voltage driver. Leading-edge dimmers frequently cause flicker and should be avoided — the trailing-edge fix costs approximately £15.
• For PWM dimming or smart home integration, a dedicated LED controller between the driver and the strip provides fine control and compatibility with protocols such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi.
• RGBW strip requires a non-dimmable constant voltage driver feeding a dedicated RGBW controller — never use a dimmable driver with RGBW strip.

14. What warranty covers extra long COB strip from ATOM LED?

• All ATOM LED COB strip on DC voltage carries a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects, LED chip failure, and premature lumen depreciation under normal operating conditions.
• FreeCut strips remain covered regardless of where they have been cut — ATOM LED does not void the warranty on modified strips, which is unusual among UK LED suppliers.
• Warranty claims are handled directly by ATOM LED from the Telford, Shropshire warehouse — no overseas returns, no third-party claim processes.

15. Can I get technical advice before ordering for a large project?

• Yes. Call the ATOM LED technical team on 01952 370028 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) or email operations@atomled.co.uk with your project details.
• The team can review installation drawings, recommend products, calculate driver wattages, and advise on wiring topology for any long-run installation.
• For commercial and architectural projects, ATOM LED can provide specification sheets and technical data for contractor and client approval.

16. How quickly can ATOM LED deliver extra long COB strip?

• All extra long COB strip is held in UK stock at the ATOM LED warehouse in Telford, Shropshire — no dropshipping, no factory lead times.
• Orders placed before 2pm on working days typically dispatch the same day with free UK delivery as standard.
• For large commercial orders requiring specific quantities, contact the team to confirm stock availability and arrange delivery scheduling.

Ready to specify extra long COB LED strip for your project? Browse the full range below, or contact the ATOM LED technical team for tailored advice on run lengths, driver sizing, and wiring layout. Call 01952 370028 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm), email operations@atomled.co.uk, or browse the complete LED strip lights range. All orders include free UK delivery, ship from UK stock, and are backed by a 5-year warranty.

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