Collection: Single Colour COB LED Strip

COB LED strip lights are the most significant advance in linear LED lighting of the last decade. COB — Chip on Board — eliminates the visible dots and hotspots that define standard LED strip by packing hundreds of microscopic LED chips under a single continuous phosphor layer, producing one unbroken beam of light rather than a row of individual points. The result is a line of light that looks designed, not installed. For kitchens, coves, retail displays, architectural joinery, outdoor facades, and pool surrounds, COB is now the professional standard — and standard SMD strip is the budget alternative.

ATOM LED's single colour COB LED strip range covers the full spectrum of project requirements in one place: 24V strips running 20 metres from a single power feed, 48V strips reaching 30 metres without injection, a FreeCut 24V variant that cuts at any point along its length, and an IP68-rated version for continuous underwater use to 2 metres. All products ship free to mainland UK. Available in 2700K, 3000K, 4000K and 6000K with CRI90+ across every option. Full accessories, aluminium profiles, and compatible controllers are all available separately.

What Is COB LED Strip Light?

COB LED strip stands for Chip on Board LED strip. It is a flexible LED tape where individual LED dies are mounted directly onto the PCB (printed circuit board) at extreme density — typically 480 chips per metre — and then covered with a uniform phosphor coating that blends all the individual light points into a single continuous surface before the light even leaves the strip.

This is the fundamental architectural difference from standard SMD LED strip. In a conventional SMD strip, each LED is an individually packaged unit — a chip inside a white plastic housing, soldered onto the PCB at intervals of 4mm, 8mm or 16mm depending on density. Even at 240 LEDs per metre, each chip is visible to the eye as a discrete bright point. COB replaces all of that with a single emitting surface. The phosphor coating on a COB strip is not a diffuser placed over the chips — it is bonded directly to the chips themselves, converting blue LED output into white light as one continuous surface. The result is a strip that produces light the same way a fluorescent tube does: uniformly, with no visible point sources.

The practical consequence is that COB strip is dot-free even without a diffuser, even in shallow aluminium profiles, even when viewed at close range or reflected in glass and polished surfaces. This is not a visual trick — it is a fundamental property of how the light is produced. It is why COB LED strip has become the specification standard in premium residential, hospitality, and retail lighting, and why experienced electricians and lighting designers now specify it as the default for any visible linear lighting installation.

How COB LED Strip Technology Works

Understanding how COB works explains why it performs better than SMD in every measurable respect for visible linear applications.

In a standard SMD strip, each chip is a self-contained unit: die, phosphor conversion, and lens all packaged individually before being placed on the PCB. The gap between chips — even at high density — is occupied by PCB copper and substrate. Light emerges from discrete points with a concentrated beam angle of around 120°, which is why hotspots are visible when the strip is viewed at an angle or reflected.

In a COB strip, bare LED dies are bonded directly to the PCB substrate without individual packaging. They are placed at densities of 480 to 720+ per metre, covering the PCB surface almost completely. A single layer of phosphor-loaded silicone is then applied over the entire LED array as one continuous coating. This coating performs two functions simultaneously: it converts the blue primary output of the LEDs into white light, and it physically blends all emission points into one surface. The beam angle of the resulting surface emitter is 180°, producing a wide, even wash rather than concentrated bright spots.

Heat dissipation in COB is also superior. Because the dies are in direct contact with the PCB rather than inside a plastic package with air gaps, thermal resistance between the die junction and the PCB substrate is dramatically lower. This means the chips run cooler for a given drive current, which is the single biggest determinant of LED lifespan — lower operating temperature means more hours before lumen depreciation reaches the L70 end-of-life threshold.

COB LED Strip vs SMD LED Strip — Full Comparison

The right choice depends entirely on whether the strip is visible. If it is seen directly, reflected in a surface, or installed in a profile that does not fully hide it, COB is the correct specification. If the strip is entirely hidden behind a deep pelmet or in a completely enclosed housing where only the indirect reflected light is visible, SMD is adequate and costs less. In every other situation — and that is the majority of real installations — COB produces a noticeably better result.

COB LED Strip vs SMD 2835 and SMD 5050

Two SMD chip types are most common in competing LED strips. Here is how COB compares to each specifically:

COB vs SMD 2835: SMD 2835 is the most common chip in mid-range LED strip. At 120 LEDs/m it shows visible dots at close range. At 240 LEDs/m the dots reduce but remain visible on reflective surfaces. COB at 480 LEDs/m under phosphor is visually seamless where 2835 at any density is not. CRI on standard 2835 is typically 80. COB is 90+. On watt-for-watt brightness, COB and high-quality 2835 are comparable — COB's advantage is output uniformity and appearance, not raw lumen count.

COB vs SMD 5050: SMD 5050 is a larger, older chip format running at 60 LEDs/m typically. Dots are very clearly visible. 5050 is the standard for RGB and RGBW colour-changing strips where the discrete chip format is required for the multi-die construction. For single colour white light applications, COB is superior in every relevant metric. For colour-changing applications, RGB COB and digital pixel COB are available separately — see the Digital Pixel COB and RGBW COB collections.

The ATOM LED Single Colour COB Range

Three product lines cover every single colour COB installation from tight bespoke joinery to large outdoor commercial runs:

CRI90+ and 480 LEDs/m are standard across all four product lines. The IP67 versions use full silicone-injected construction — not a sleeve or coating — rated for sustained outdoor UK use including rain, frost, UV, and jet washing. The IP68 version is the only single colour COB strip in the range rated for continuous submersion.

What Does COB Stand For in LED Lighting?

COB stands for Chip on Board. It describes the manufacturing process where bare LED semiconductor dies are mounted directly onto the PCB substrate — the "board" — rather than being individually packaged in plastic housings first. The phrase "chip on board" specifically contrasts with SMD (Surface Mounted Device), where the chip is packaged before being placed on the board. In COB, the chip goes directly onto the board with no intermediate packaging step.

In the context of LED strip lights, COB has become the shorthand for high-density, dot-free linear LED tape — because the chip-on-board construction is what enables the high chip density and the continuous phosphor coating that produce the characteristic seamless output. You may also see the term FCOB (Flexible Chip on Board) used for the strip format specifically, to distinguish it from rigid COB modules used in downlights and spotlights.

24V vs 48V COB LED Strip — Which Should You Choose?

Voltage is the most important specification decision after colour temperature. It determines run length, cable sizing, driver options, and controller compatibility.

24V COB LED strip is the standard for most residential and small-to-mid commercial installations. The Extra Long 24V delivers 20 metres from a single power feed with consistent brightness end to end and no visible voltage drop. This covers kitchens, bathrooms, hotel rooms, restaurant dining areas, retail counters, and most stairwells without requiring mid-point power injection. 24V also gives access to the widest range of compatible controllers — all MiBoxer, Skydance, LTECH and Gledopto PWM dimmers are 24V rated — and the FreeCut variant for precision custom lengths.

48V COB LED strip is for runs exceeding 20 metres or large commercial projects where minimising the number of cable runs and injection points is a priority. The Extra Long 48V delivers 30 metres from a single feed — 50% more than 24V. At 48V, the current is half that of 24V for the same wattage (Ohm's law), which means voltage drop in both the strip PCB and the supply cables is dramatically reduced. For a 30-metre corridor, a 48V system with one driver positioned at one end is typically cleaner to install and more reliable long-term than a 24V system requiring mid-point injection or dual feeds.

If your total run is under 20 metres, choose 24V. If it exceeds 20 metres, choose 48V. If it is exactly on the boundary and you are unsure, choose 48V — the headroom in run length and voltage drop margin is worth the slightly narrower driver and controller selection.

FreeCut COB LED Strip — Cut Anywhere Along the Length

Every standard COB strip — including the Extra Long 24V and 48V — can only be cut at manufacturer-marked cut points. These marks correspond to the end of each LED group circuit. Cutting between marks breaks the circuit and renders the section from the cut to the next mark dark. If your required length falls between cut points, you are forced to choose between cutting short (leaving a dark zone) or cutting long (strip extends past your installation end).

ATOM LED FreeCut 24V COB strip eliminates this constraint entirely. It uses a different internal circuit architecture where the group circuit completion points are spaced so closely — at sub-millimetre intervals — that the strip can be cleanly cut at any point without creating a dead zone. Cut it with sharp scissors or a craft knife wherever your measurement falls. There is no minimum cut length beyond what the scissors can physically manage.

This matters in real-world professional installations:

• A kitchen fitter building under-cabinet lighting to exact unit widths — 347mm, 581mm, 912mm — where the nearest standard cut point on a regular strip misses by 15mm
• A shopfitter lighting shelf sections to precise retail fixture dimensions where each bay is a different non-standard length
• A sign-maker building channel letter illumination where each letter has its own specific length requirement
• A furniture maker routing channels into bespoke joinery where the routed length is dictated by the furniture design, not by LED cut intervals

FreeCut is available in 24V, IP20, in all four colour temperatures, with a maximum single-feed run of 10 metres. For runs over 10 metres requiring cut-anywhere capability, use two FreeCut strips from a central driver point.

IP Ratings for COB LED Strip — IP20, IP67, IP68

The most common and costly mistake in COB strip installation is using IP20 in a location that later proves damp. Kitchen cabinets above a steam oven, bathroom vanity units, covered but exposed soffits — all of these can generate enough moisture to corrode an IP20 strip within 12–18 months. If there is any ambiguity about whether a location is genuinely dry, specify IP67. The cost premium over IP20 is small. The cost of replacing a failed installation — stripping out profiles, reflasking sealant, rerunning cable — is not.

For outdoor use in the UK, IP65 is inadequate. It is splash-proof only and is not rated for sustained rain, standing water, or the freeze-thaw cycling that is routine in UK winters. IP67 is the minimum for any exposed outdoor installation.

Colour Temperature — Choosing the Right White for Your Project

Single colour COB means the colour temperature is fixed at the point of purchase. Unlike CCT (tunable white) COB which can be adjusted after installation via a controller, single colour COB is set permanently. This decision matters — getting the wrong colour temperature in an architectural installation is expensive to correct.

• 2700K Warm White — The warmest option. A rich amber-tinted white that reads as intimate and relaxing. Matches the colour of halogen lamps that most UK homes were lit with for decades — so it reads as "home" to most people instinctively. Correct for living rooms, bedrooms, master bathroom ambient lighting, hotel rooms, restaurant dining areas, wine bars, and any residential space where the primary purpose is relaxation and comfort. The most popular single colour COB temperature for residential projects.
• 3000K Warm White — Slightly brighter and crisper than 2700K while remaining solidly warm. The professional standard for premium residential kitchens — warm enough to feel domestic but bright enough for food preparation. Also the standard for hotel lobbies, boutique retail, cafe counters, and hospitality environments that need both visual warmth and adequate task light output. The best all-round choice when a single strip must serve both ambient and functional purposes.
• 4000K Natural White — A neutral daylight tone with no detectable warmth or coolness. Excellent colour rendering across all object colours. The correct specification for offices, bathroom vanity lighting (where accurate skin tone rendering matters), commercial retail where products must be seen in accurate colour, dental and medical environments, food preparation areas, and any space where task performance and visual accuracy are prioritised over ambiance. Pairs well with 2700K architectural accent lighting in layered hospitality schemes.
• 6000K Cool White — Crisp, bright, and clinical. Maximum apparent luminance due to the eye's higher sensitivity in the blue-white spectrum. The correct choice for modern industrial interiors, commercial food preparation facilities, automotive showrooms, photographic studios, and any application where maximum perceived brightness is the priority and warmth is not required. In residential settings, 6000K typically reads as cold and clinical — avoid for living spaces, bedrooms, or anywhere intended for comfort.

Practical rule: living and sleeping spaces — 2700K. Kitchens, hospitality, mixed-use spaces — 3000K. Offices, bathrooms, commercial task lighting — 4000K. Industrial, clinical, maximum-brightness commercial — 6000K. When specifying for a whole building or multi-room project and unsure, 3000K is the safest single temperature choice — warm enough for comfort, bright enough for function.

COB LED Strip Lights by Room — Room-by-Room Specification Guide

Kitchen COB LED Strip Lighting

The kitchen is the most common COB strip application in UK residential projects. Under-cabinet COB strip eliminates the dotted shadow pattern that SMD strip casts on worktops and splashbacks. Mount the strip in an aluminium recessed profile at the front of the cabinet underside — not pushed to the back — to maximise worktop illumination. Use 3000K for warmth with adequate task light output. 24V Extra Long covers all but the largest kitchen runs. For an island or peninsula lit on two sides, use two strips fed from a centrally-positioned driver. IP20 is adequate for most kitchen cabinets; specify IP67 for cabinets directly above a steam oven.

Living Room COB LED Strip Lighting

Cove lighting is the primary living room application. COB produces a smooth ceiling wash with no dots or bright spots visible at any viewing angle. Recess the strip in a plasterboard or timber cove at the perimeter of the ceiling, or behind a shadow gap detail at the wall-ceiling junction. Use 2700K for the warmest atmosphere. Dim to 30–40% for evening ambiance. A 24V Extra Long strip with a MiBoxer or Skydance WiFi controller allows Alexa or Google Home voice control — set scenes and schedules from your phone.

Bedroom COB LED Strip Lighting

Headboard backlighting and wardrobe interior lighting are the two main bedroom applications. Behind the headboard, use 2700K COB mounted horizontally in a profile at the top of the headboard panel — the ceiling wash creates a soft halo effect without direct glare into the eyes when lying down. Inside wardrobes and walk-in dressing rooms, use 4000K for accurate colour rendering when choosing clothes. Dim the headboard strip to below 10% for a sleep-friendly bedside reading alternative.

Bathroom COB LED Strip Lighting

Mirror surround lighting is the key bathroom application for COB. A dot-free source at the mirror perimeter produces even face illumination with no shadow casting — the same principle used in theatrical dressing room mirrors. Use 3000K or 4000K (4000K for more accurate skin tone rendering). Check Building Regulations bathroom zones: Zone 0 (inside the basin/shower tray) requires IP67 minimum. Zone 1 (directly above the bath or shower, up to 2.25m high) requires IP44 minimum — IP67 satisfies this. Zone 2 (60cm outside zone 1) requires IP44 minimum. Outside all zones, IP20 is permitted. For safety, specify IP67 throughout a bathroom for all COB strip installations.

Retail and Commercial COB LED Strip Lighting

Retail shelving, display cabinet interiors, counter-edge lighting, and cove lighting in commercial spaces all benefit from COB's dot-free output and CRI90+. High CRI ensures product colours are rendered accurately — critical for fashion retail, jewellery, food display, and anywhere products need to look their best under artificial light. The 48V Extra Long covers full retail shelving runs without joins or injection points. Dim to 70–80% during shop hours for energy efficiency; full brightness for promotional displays.

Outdoor and Garden COB LED Strip Lighting

IP67 COB strip handles the full range of UK outdoor conditions including rain, frost, snow, and UV. Use for external coves under roof overhangs, soffit lighting, garden wall grazing, step risers, decking edges, and pergola beams. 3000K is the most natural-looking outdoor colour temperature in garden settings. 4000K for commercial outdoor applications and architectural facades where visibility matters more than warmth. 48V for long outdoor runs on commercial buildings and large residential properties — covers 30m from a single driver with no injection points on the facade.

Pool, Spa and Water Feature COB LED Strip Lighting

The IP68 24V COB strip is rated for continuous submersion to 2 metres — the only single colour COB strip in the ATOM LED range suitable for direct water contact. Use for pool edge lighting recessed into the coping, fountain rim lighting, garden pond surround illumination, and hot tub perimeter lighting. 24V SELV is inherently safe in water contact with no shock risk even if the silicone body is damaged. The power supply must be installed outside the water in a dry, ventilated, IP67-rated enclosure. All connections near water must use IP68-rated waterproof connectors and adhesive-lined heat shrink at every joint.

COB LED Strip Installation Guide

1. Plan and measure before ordering. Sketch the complete run, note all lengths, mark where the driver will be positioned, and identify any cuts required. For FreeCut, measure to the exact millimetre. For Extra Long strips, note the nearest cut point to your required length — cut marks are at regular intervals, so your length may round to the next mark up or down by a few millimetres.
2. Choose your mounting method. For exposed or semi-exposed installations, use an aluminium LED profile: recessed for coves and under-cabinet, surface-mounted U-profile for wall-mounted runs, corner profile for 45-degree details. For completely hidden runs, self-adhesive 3M backing on the strip is sufficient — clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol before applying. For IP67/IP68 outdoor installations, use an outdoor-rated profile or mount directly with clip mounts.
3. Cut to length. Extra Long strips: cut only at marked cut points using sharp scissors or a craft knife. FreeCut: cut anywhere. After cutting IP67 or IP68 strips, always seal the cut end with the supplied end cap and silicone sealant to maintain the waterproof rating — an unsealed cut end is an open point for moisture ingress.
4. Calculate power supply size. Multiply wattage per metre by total run length. Add 20–30% headroom. Match the voltage exactly. Example: 10W/m × 20m = 200W total × 1.25 = 250W minimum driver size. Choose the next standard driver size up.
5. Connect and test before final fixing. Use solderless clip connectors for clean connections, or solder for a permanent bond. Check polarity carefully — positive to positive, negative to negative — before powering. Power on and test the full run before mounting permanently, screwing profiles down, or closing up joinery.
6. Manage heat. COB strip generates heat during operation. In aluminium profiles, the heat is conducted into the profile and surrounding structure — this is the correct method. For surface-mounted strip without a profile, ensure there is adequate airflow around the strip and never install in a completely sealed enclosure with no air circulation.
7. For outdoor installations, waterproof every joint. Use IP68-rated solderless connectors for outdoor runs. Seal every connection with adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing. Any unsealed joint in an IP67 or IP68 installation is a failure point — moisture enters at connectors and tracks along the copper, corroding the circuit far from the original entry point.

Dimming COB LED Strip — Which Method to Use

All single colour COB strip is dimmable with a compatible driver and controller. The four dimming protocols used in UK installations:

• PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) — the most widely used method. The driver switches power on and off at high frequency (1kHz+). Perceived brightness changes by adjusting the on/off ratio. Compatible with all MiBoxer, Skydance, and LTECH PWM controllers. For any space that will be filmed or photographed, ensure the PWM frequency is above 1kHz to avoid camera flicker.
• TRIAC (Leading/Trailing Edge) — mains-side dimming via a standard wall dimmer switch. Requires a TRIAC-compatible constant-voltage driver. Used in residential retrofits where a wall dimmer is already installed and the homeowner wants to keep it. ATOM LED stocks TRIAC-compatible 24V and 48V drivers. Do not use a standard TRIAC wall dimmer with a non-TRIAC driver — the result is flicker, buzzing, or early driver failure.
• 0-10V — analogue control protocol. A separate 0-10V signal wire from a compatible controller modulates the driver output. Used in commercial installations where the lighting controller is integrated into a building management system. Smooth, precise dimming across the full range. Camera-flicker-free.
• DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) — digital control protocol. Each DALI driver has an address and can be individually controlled from a DALI system controller. Used in larger commercial buildings with centralised lighting management. Allows individual dimming of each circuit, group scenes, and full BMS integration. Requires a DALI-rated driver and a DALI system controller.

The key principle: driver and dimmer must match. Check that your chosen driver explicitly states compatibility with your chosen dimming protocol. A mismatched pair will not dim correctly and may damage both components.

Power Supply Sizing for COB LED Strip

Sizing the driver correctly is the most important technical decision in any COB strip installation. An undersized driver runs at 100% load continuously, overheats, and fails early — often within 12–18 months rather than the 5–7 years a correctly sized driver should achieve.

The formula: (Wattage per metre × Run length in metres) × 1.25 = Minimum driver wattage. Always round up to the next available standard driver size.

For multiple strips fed from one driver: add all strip wattages together, then apply the same 25% headroom. Wire all strips in parallel — never in series — to ensure each strip receives the correct voltage. Use a wiring distribution block for clean parallel connections on multi-zone installations.

Common Mistakes with COB LED Strip Installations

1. Cutting between marked cut points on standard COB strip. Cuts made between cut marks break the LED group circuit. The section from the cut to the next mark goes dark. Only cut at the marked intervals on Extra Long strips. Only FreeCut can be cut anywhere.
2. Installing IP20 outdoors or in damp areas. IP20 has zero water protection. Even condensation from temperature cycling can corrode an IP20 strip. For any location that is not completely dry indoors, use IP67 minimum.
3. Running a driver at 100% rated load. No headroom means the driver runs at maximum temperature continuously. Drivers sized to 80% of rated load run cooler and last longer. Always add 20–30% headroom to your wattage calculation.
4. Mismatching voltage. Running a 24V strip from a 48V driver burns out the LEDs immediately. Running a 48V strip from a 24V driver produces very dim output or none. Voltage must match exactly every time.
5. Not sealing cut ends and joints on IP67/IP68 strips. The waterproof rating of IP67 and IP68 strip applies to the intact strip body only. Every cut end and every connector joint is an ingress point. Seal cut ends with the correct end cap and sealant. Seal every connector with IP-rated heat shrink.
6. Mismatching the dimmer and driver protocol. A TRIAC wall dimmer connected to a non-TRIAC driver causes flicker and early failure. Confirm compatibility before purchasing the driver.
7. Installing COB strip in an enclosed space with no airflow. COB generates heat. Without air circulation, the strip and driver heat soak and lifespans are dramatically reduced. Use aluminium profiles — they conduct heat away from the strip into the surrounding structure.
8. Choosing the wrong colour temperature and ordering the whole job. Order a sample before committing to a full project. Colour temperature looks different on different wall colours, in different room sizes, and at different dimming levels. 3000K in a white-painted room reads differently from 3000K against dark oak panelling.
9. Not testing before final fixing. Always power on the full run and check for even brightness end to end before screwing profiles down, replacing skirting boards, or closing up joinery. Dimming at the far end indicates a voltage drop problem that must be resolved before permanent installation.

Frequently Asked Questions About COB LED Strip Lights

What is COB LED strip light?

COB LED strip stands for Chip on Board LED strip — a flexible LED tape where hundreds of LED chips are mounted directly onto the PCB and covered with a single continuous phosphor layer, producing a seamless, dot-free line of light with no visible individual LEDs.

More detail: The defining characteristic of COB strip is that the light-emitting surface is continuous rather than a series of discrete points. Unlike SMD strip where individual packaged LED chips are spaced at intervals, COB bare dies are packed at 480+ per metre and covered with a unified phosphor coating. This means the light is produced uniformly across the entire strip surface, eliminating the dots, hotspots and dark gaps that are intrinsic to SMD construction. COB is dot-free without a diffuser, even in shallow profiles and on reflective surfaces — properties that cannot be replicated by any density of SMD chip.

Is COB LED better than regular LED strip?

Yes, for any installation where the strip is visible. COB produces a seamless, dot-free line of light. Standard LED strip produces visible dots. COB also has higher CRI (90+ vs 70–80 for most SMD), wider beam angle (180° vs 120°), better heat dissipation, and longer rated lifespan.

More detail: The comparison only favours standard LED strip in one scenario: completely hidden installations where only indirect reflected light is seen and no surface quality is visible. In every exposed or semi-exposed application — under kitchen cabinets, in coves, on mirror surrounds, in retail display, in architectural joinery — COB produces a result that standard LED strip cannot match. The additional cost of COB over standard SMD is small relative to the total cost of a lighting installation, and the quality difference is visible to any observer. Most professional electricians and lighting designers now specify COB as the default for all visible linear applications.

What does COB mean in LED lights?

COB stands for Chip on Board. It describes a manufacturing process where bare LED semiconductor dies are mounted directly onto the PCB substrate, without being individually packaged in plastic housings first. The chips are then covered with a phosphor coating as one continuous surface.

What is the difference between COB and FCOB LED strip?

FCOB stands for Flexible Chip on Board — it is the same technology as COB, but the FCOB designation specifies the flexible strip format, to distinguish it from rigid COB modules used in downlights, high-bay fixtures, and spotlights. In practice, COB LED strip and FCOB LED strip refer to the same product category. All COB strips in this collection are flexible.

Can COB LED strip be cut?

Yes. Extra Long COB strips (24V and 48V) can be cut at marked cut points. The ATOM LED FreeCut 24V COB strip can be cut at any point along its full length with no fixed intervals.

More detail: Standard COB strip has marked cut points at regular intervals — typically every 2.5cm to 10cm depending on the product. These marks show where the LED group circuit ends; cuts made between marks break the circuit and create a dead section. FreeCut uses a specialised circuit architecture that allows cutting at any millimetre without creating dead zones. For cabinet makers, shopfitters, and sign-makers working to precise measurements, FreeCut is the correct choice. After cutting, seal the cut end of IP67/IP68 strips with the supplied end cap to maintain waterproofing.

Do COB LED strips get hot?

COB strips generate some heat during operation, but significantly less than older LED technologies for the same light output. They are safe to touch and safe to use in temperature-sensitive locations when correctly installed. Installing in an aluminium profile conducts heat away from the strip efficiently and is strongly recommended for all non-hidden runs.

More detail: The operating temperature of the LED junction in a COB strip is the key metric for lifespan. COB's direct die-to-board contact means thermal resistance between the chip and the PCB is low, so junction temperatures remain manageable. The surface of a running COB strip is warm but not hot to the touch — typically 40–55°C in normal operation. This is well within safe limits for both the strip and adjacent materials including timber joinery. Do not install in completely sealed enclosures with no airflow — this is the condition most likely to cause overheating. Aluminium profiles significantly improve heat management by providing a large thermal mass for the heat to dissipate into.

Are COB LED strips safe?

Yes. All single colour COB strips in this range run on 24V or 48V SELV (Safety Extra-Low Voltage) — below the 50V AC threshold that defines safe extra-low voltage under IET Wiring Regulations BS7671. They are safe to handle, cut, connect and touch. The 240V mains connection to the driver is the only part of the system that requires care — use a qualified electrician if hardwiring to a mains circuit.

Do COB LED strips need a driver?

Yes. COB LED strip operates on 24V or 48V DC. This requires a constant-voltage LED driver (also called a transformer or power supply) to convert the 240V AC mains supply to the correct DC voltage. The driver is a separate purchase — it is not included with the strip. Size the driver at 20–30% above the total strip wattage and match the voltage exactly.

How bright are COB LED strip lights?

Typically 800–2000 lumens per metre depending on the specific product, wattage and colour temperature. As a reference point, a 10W/m COB strip producing 100 lumens per watt delivers 1000 lm/m — equivalent to a 100W incandescent bulb per metre of strip.

More detail: Lumen output varies significantly between products and should be checked against the specific product datasheet. For under-cabinet task lighting in a kitchen, 600–1000 lm/m is typically adequate. For cove ceiling illumination, 400–700 lm/m at the strip produces a pleasing wash. For retail display or any application requiring high brightness, 1200–2000 lm/m is the target range. Colour temperature also affects apparent brightness — 6000K appears brighter than 2700K at identical lumen output because the eye is more sensitive to the blue-white spectrum.

How long do COB LED strip lights last?

30,000 to 50,000 hours rated lifespan at L70 — the point at which luminous output has dropped to 70% of the original value. At 5 hours daily use, this equates to 16 to 27 years. In practice, the power supply is more likely to need replacement before the strip itself. Size the driver with adequate headroom to maximise its lifespan alongside the strip.

Can you use COB LED strip outdoors?

Yes — the IP67 Extra Long versions (24V and 48V) are rated for exposed outdoor UK use including rain, frost, snow and sustained UV exposure. The IP68 version is rated for continuous submersion to 2 metres. The IP20 FreeCut version is for dry indoor use only.

More detail: IP67 outdoor COB strip withstands the full range of UK weather conditions including the freeze-thaw cycling that is routine in British winters. The silicone-injected construction resists cracking, delamination and UV yellowing. For outdoor installations, seal all connections with waterproof connectors and heat shrink, and use a driver rated IP67 or install an indoor driver in a weatherproof outdoor enclosure. Do not use IP65 for exposed outdoor UK decking or facades — it is not rated for sustained rain or freeze-thaw cycling and will fail within 1–2 seasons.

Can COB LED strip be used in a bathroom?

Yes, with the correct IP rating for the bathroom zone. Zone 0 (inside the bath/shower basin) requires IP67 minimum. Zone 1 (above the bath, up to 2.25m) requires IP44 minimum — IP67 satisfies this. Zone 2 (60cm beyond zone 1) requires IP44 minimum. Outside all zones, IP20 is permitted. For simplicity, specify IP67 throughout a bathroom for all COB strip installations.

Can COB LED strip be used underwater?

Yes — the ATOM LED IP68 single colour COB strip is rated for continuous submersion to 2 metres depth. Suitable for pool edge lighting, pond surrounds, fountain interiors, water features, and hot tub perimeters. The 24V SELV voltage is safe in water contact. The power supply must be located outside the water in a dry enclosure.

What colour temperature is best for COB LED strip in a kitchen?

3000K is the professional standard for kitchen under-cabinet lighting. Warm enough to feel domestic and complement most kitchen colour schemes, bright enough for food preparation tasks. In very modern or industrial kitchen designs with cool-toned finishes (grey stone, stainless, white gloss), 4000K can work well. Avoid 6000K in residential kitchens — it reads as clinical and cold against most material palettes.

What is the best COB LED strip for cove lighting?

For most cove lighting projects, the ATOM LED Extra Long 24V in IP20 is the correct choice — it delivers 20 metres of seamless coverage from one driver with no joins. Use 2700K for the warmest, most architecturally elegant ceiling wash. Pair with a MiBoxer or Skydance WiFi dimmer for app and voice control. For coves exceeding 20 metres in length, use the 48V Extra Long for 30m single-feed coverage.

How do I connect two COB LED strips together?

Use a solderless 2-pin COB clip connector — clip one end onto each strip, aligning polarity. Alternatively solder short lengths of two-core wire between strip ends for a permanent joint. Maintain polarity throughout — positive to positive, negative to negative. For IP67/IP68 outdoor connections, use waterproof connectors and seal with adhesive-lined heat-shrink. All connectors and joining accessories are in the COB strip accessories collection.

Can COB LED strip work with Alexa and Google Home?

Yes. Connect the strip to a WiFi-enabled LED controller such as MiBoxer or a Tuya-compatible smart dimmer. Once linked to your home WiFi, it integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and most major smart home platforms. Single colour COB supports dimming and on/off voice control. Typical commands: "Alexa, set the kitchen lights to 50%" or "Hey Google, turn off the cove lights."

Why are COB LED strips more expensive than standard LED strip?

COB strip requires more LEDs per metre (480 vs 60–240), a more complex phosphor coating process, and generally heavier copper PCB construction for longer run capability. Manufacturing yield is also lower because defects in any chip affect the continuous surface rather than being isolated. The price premium is typically 30–60% over comparable SMD strip, which is modest relative to the quality improvement in visible installations.

What is the minimum bend radius for COB LED strip?

COB strip bends horizontally (left and right in the plane of the strip) with a minimum radius of approximately 50mm. It should not be bent sharply in the vertical plane — folding or creasing the PCB cracks the substrate and damages the circuit. For corners requiring a 90-degree change in direction, use a corner connector rather than bending the strip. For curves requiring bends tighter than 50mm radius, the 10x10mm 3D bend neon flex from the neon flex range is more appropriate.

Can COB strip be painted over?

No. Paint applied over COB strip will block the light output and is likely to crack and peel with the heat cycling of the strip during use. COB strip should always be mounted in an aluminium profile with a diffuser cover if the strip itself needs to be concealed — paint is never the solution.

What is the difference between COB and neon flex?

COB LED strip is a thin, flat tape designed to be installed in aluminium profiles or behind surfaces — the light output is directed in one direction (typically downward or forward). LED neon flex is a silicone-encased product that is designed to be surface-exposed as the primary visual element — it produces light from all sides and is built for outdoor and walk-over applications. Use COB strip for hidden or profile-mounted applications. Use neon flex for surface-mounted outdoor perimeter lighting, decking, and signage where the light source itself is visible.

Can I run COB LED strip from a plug socket?

Yes — use a plug-in 24V LED transformer (driver with a standard UK mains plug) rather than a hardwired driver. This avoids any mains wiring work and is the simplest installation option for a single strip run up to 10–15 metres. For longer runs requiring a larger driver, a hardwired installation is more practical. Plug-in drivers are available in the 24V LED driver collection.

Do I need an electrician to install COB LED strip?

For the strip side of the installation — cutting, mounting, connecting to the driver — no qualification is required. The 24V or 48V SELV voltage is safe to handle without any electrical training. For the driver's mains connection to a 240V circuit, a qualified electrician is required if hardwiring. Using a plug-in driver eliminates this requirement entirely — plug into an existing outdoor socket or indoor socket and no mains work is involved.

What is the beam angle of COB LED strip?

180 degrees. COB's continuous surface emitter produces a wide, even wash rather than the 120° concentrated beam of SMD strip. In cove lighting, the 180° spread ensures the ceiling wash extends well beyond the immediate aperture of the cove, producing a softer and more even illuminated area.

Can I use COB LED strip for grow lighting?

Single colour white COB strip — particularly 4000K and 6000K — can supplement natural light for houseplants in low-light positions. However, it is not a specialist horticultural LED product and does not produce the optimised red/blue spectra of dedicated grow lights. For serious plant growing applications, use a dedicated grow light strip. For decorative plant illumination in interior design, 4000K COB is adequate and produces a natural-looking result.

What is the wattage of ATOM LED single colour COB strip?

Check the individual product listing for the specific wattage per metre of each product — it varies between product lines. As a general reference, single colour COB strips in this range run at approximately 8–14W/m depending on the product. Higher wattage products produce higher lumen output. Use the specific W/m figure from the product page for power supply calculations.

Can multiple COB strips be connected to one power supply?

Yes — wire all strips in parallel from a distribution block. Ensure the combined wattage of all strips does not exceed 80% of the driver's rated output. Never wire in series — each strip must receive the full supply voltage directly from the driver or distribution block.

Need technical help specifying your COB LED strip installation? Call 01952 370028 or email sales@atomled.co.uk. Provide your run lengths, voltage preference, IP requirements and colour temperature and we will recommend the correct product and driver configuration for your project. Free UK delivery on all orders. CRI90+. 3-year warranty on all outdoor products.