Single Colour COB LED Strip

Choosing the right single colour COB LED strip determines whether your lighting project looks professional or patchy. ATOM LED stocks the full range of warm white, natural white, and cool white COB strip across 24V and 48V in CRI90+ quality, with FreeCut technology on every reel so you can cut at any point without voiding your 5-year warranty.

Every single colour COB strip in the 2026 ATOM LED range produces a completely dot-free light line from the moment it leaves the reel. Whether you need 2700K warm white for residential spaces, 4000K natural white for kitchens and retail, or 6500K cool white for task and commercial areas, each strip ships from UK stock with free delivery and full technical support from our Telford team.

CRI90+ all strips · FreeCut at any point · 24V and 48V · 20m single feed (24V) · 30m single feed (48V) · 5-year warranty · Free UK delivery · UK stock

1. What is a single colour COB LED strip and how does it differ from SMD?
2. Which colour temperature should you choose for your project?
3. Should you use 24V or 48V single colour COB strip?
4. What wattage and brightness do you need per metre?
5. How do you dim single colour COB LED strip correctly?
6. How do you install single colour COB strip step by step?
7. What IP rating do you need for your application?
8. How far can you run single colour COB strip from one feed point?
9. What driver and power supply do you need?
10. Where are single colour COB strips used in 2026 projects?
11. What mistakes should you avoid when buying single colour COB strip?
12. Why do professionals specify ATOM LED single colour COB strip?
13. Frequently asked questions about single colour COB LED strip

Quick decision summary:

• Kitchen under-cabinet or residential cove lighting: Choose 24V warm white COB strip at 2700K–3000K for a clean, continuous light line without visible dots.
• Long commercial runs over 10 metres: Choose 48V single colour COB strip to halve voltage drop and run up to 30m from a single feed point.
• Retail displays or workspaces needing accurate colour rendering: Select 4000K natural white COB strip at CRI90+ for true-to-life colours under artificial light.
• Outdoor or bathroom installations: Specify IP67 or IP68 rated COB strip — IP65 is surface-splash rated only and is not suitable for exposed UK outdoor conditions or bathroom wet zones under BS7671.

Who this is for: Electricians, interior designers, kitchen fitters, shopfitters, architects, and homeowners who need a single, continuous colour of white light with no visible hotspots. If you want one clean colour temperature across the full length of your installation, this is the correct category.

Who this is NOT for: If you need colour-changing capability, you need RGBW COB strip instead. If you need individually addressable pixel effects, see addressable digital RGB COB strip. If you have already decided on a specific voltage, go directly to the dedicated 24V single colour COB or 48V single colour COB pages.

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

Single colour COB (Chip-on-Board) LED strip places densely packed LED chips directly onto a flexible circuit board, producing a continuous, dot-free line of light in one fixed colour temperature. Unlike traditional SMD strip, which uses individually spaced diodes that create visible hotspots, COB technology eliminates the dotting effect entirely without needing a deep diffuser channel.

The difference matters practically, not just aesthetically. SMD strips typically space LEDs at 60 or 120 per metre, creating a repeating bright-dim pattern along the strip. At close viewing distances — under kitchen cabinets, inside glass shelving, or along low-level cove details — those dots become distracting. COB strip in 2026 specifications packs between 320 and 528 chips per metre, making individual LEDs impossible to distinguish with the naked eye.

• Dot-free output: COB strips produce a smooth, unbroken light line that looks professional even without a diffuser cover, making them suitable for exposed or semi-recessed mounting in aluminium profiles.
• Reduced profile depth: Because COB strips do not rely on a deep diffuser to blend individual LED points, you can use shallower aluminium profiles and still achieve a uniform finish.
• Higher CRI as standard: All ATOM LED single colour COB strip ships at CRI90 or above, meaning colours in your space render accurately under the light, which is particularly important in kitchens, retail, and anywhere goods or materials are assessed visually.
• FreeCut flexibility: Unlike many competitor strips that restrict cuts to fixed intervals, ATOM LED FreeCut technology allows you to cut at any point along the strip without voiding the 5-year warranty.

For projects where you need a single, consistent colour temperature from end to end — whether that is warm white for a bedroom, natural white for a showroom, or cool white for a workshop — single colour COB strip is the correct starting point. The 2026 range from ATOM LED covers every common application from residential coves to commercial retail runs exceeding 20 metres.

Which colour temperature should you choose for your project?

Warm white (2700K–3000K) suits bedrooms, living rooms, and hospitality spaces. Natural white (3500K–4000K) works best in kitchens, bathrooms, retail displays, and offices. Cool white (5000K–6500K) is specified for workshops, garages, commercial task areas, and environments where maximum visual clarity matters.

Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and describes the warmth or coolness of white light. Lower Kelvin values produce a warmer, amber-toned light similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. Higher values produce a whiter, bluer light closer to daylight. Selecting the wrong colour temperature is one of the most common mistakes in LED strip projects, and it cannot be corrected after installation without replacing the strip entirely.

In 2026 UK residential projects, 3000K warm white remains the most popular choice for living areas and bedrooms. However, kitchen designers increasingly specify 4000K natural white because it renders food colours more accurately and provides better task visibility on worktops. For commercial environments, many specifiers request 4000K as a compromise between visual comfort and task performance.

• Residential tip: If you are uncertain between 2700K and 3000K, 3000K typically suits modern interiors, while 2700K better complements traditional or period-style rooms.
• Retail tip: Clothing, jewellery, and food displays almost always look better under 3500K–4000K because CRI90+ natural white renders fabric dyes, gemstone colours, and produce accurately.
• Mixed spaces: In open-plan kitchen-living areas, use 3000K in the living zone and 4000K in the kitchen zone, with separate drivers and circuits to control each independently.

All ATOM LED single colour COB strip ships at CRI90+ regardless of colour temperature. CRI (Colour Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source renders colours compared to natural daylight. A CRI below 80 makes reds look muddy and skin tones appear grey — you will notice this in person even if you cannot explain why. CRI90+ is the professional specification standard in 2026, and every strip in this range meets or exceeds it.

Should you use 24V or 48V single colour COB strip?

Choose 24V for runs under 10 metres where simplicity and wide driver compatibility matter. Choose 48V for longer runs, commercial installations, and projects where reducing voltage drop over distance is the priority. 48V COB strip halves voltage drop compared to 24V at the same wattage and distance, making it the preferred choice for runs above 10 metres in 2026 specifications.

Voltage selection affects maximum run length, driver compatibility, wiring gauge, and installation cost. Both 24V and 48V operate at DC extra-low voltage. Specifically, 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 eliminate risk entirely, and wet environments require additional precautions.

For most residential projects under 10 metres, 24V single colour COB strip is the practical choice. Drivers are widely available, dimming options are mature, and installation is familiar to most electricians. For commercial fitouts, long domestic corridors, perimeter coving that wraps around large rooms, or any run approaching or exceeding 15 metres, 48V is the technically stronger option in 2026 because it reduces voltage drop, allows thinner cabling, and supports longer continuous runs from a single feed point.

• Under-cabinet kitchen lighting: 24V in most cases — runs are typically 1.5m–4m per section, well within the comfortable range for 24V.
• Full room perimeter coving: 48V recommended — perimeters of 16m–30m are common in open-plan living rooms and commercial spaces.
• Staircase lighting: Either voltage works, but 48V simplifies wiring for staircases spanning multiple floors.

View the full specifications and pricing on the dedicated 24V single colour COB strip page or the 48V single colour COB strip page.

What wattage and brightness do you need per metre?

For accent and mood lighting, 5W–8W per metre is typically sufficient. For task lighting under cabinets or on workbenches, 10W–14W per metre delivers adequate working illumination. For primary or commercial lighting applications, 14W–20W per metre provides the output needed to function as a meaningful light source rather than just a decorative accent.

Wattage per metre determines both light output and heat generation. Higher wattages produce more lumens but also require better heat management — this is why mounting COB strip onto an aluminium LED strip profile is considered best practice for any installation running above approximately 10W per metre. The aluminium acts as a heatsink, drawing heat away from the LED chips and extending their operational lifespan beyond the rated 50,000 hours.

• 5W–8W/m (accent): Shelf lighting, display cabinet interiors, bedroom cove details, decorative features where atmosphere is the priority.
• 10W–14W/m (task): Kitchen under-cabinet strips, bathroom mirror lighting, desk task lighting, retail product shelf illumination.
• 14W–20W/m (primary): Workshop overhead strips, commercial display lighting, architectural cove lighting intended to illuminate a full room or area.

When calculating total wattage, multiply the wattage per metre by your total strip length, then add 15–20% headroom to your driver capacity. Running a driver at 100% of its rated load continuously reduces its lifespan and increases heat output. A 60W strip installation should ideally use a 72W–75W driver. ATOM LED stocks a full range of LED drivers and transformers sized for exactly this purpose.

How do you dim single colour COB LED strip correctly?

Single colour COB strip dims smoothly using a trailing-edge dimmer paired with a TRIAC dimmable constant voltage driver, or via PWM dimming through a dedicated LED controller. Leading-edge dimmers frequently cause visible flicker and audible buzzing with LED drivers and should be avoided. Replacing a leading-edge dimmer with a trailing-edge model typically costs approximately fifteen pounds.

Dimming is one of the areas where single colour COB strip has a practical advantage over RGB or RGBW alternatives. Because single colour strip uses a constant voltage driver without the complexity of multi-channel colour mixing, the dimming circuit is simpler, more reliable, and compatible with a wider range of wall dimmers.

• TRIAC dimming (wall dimmer): Pair a trailing-edge wall dimmer with a TRIAC dimmable LED driver. This is the most common approach in residential projects where users want to control strip brightness from a standard wall plate.
• PWM dimming (controller-based): Use a dedicated LED controller to modulate brightness via pulse width modulation. PWM provides flicker-free dimming across the full 0–100% range and is the preferred method in commercial and architectural specifications.
• 0–10V / DALI dimming: For integration with building management systems or professional lighting control, select a driver with 0–10V or DALI input. This is standard in commercial fitouts where multiple circuits must be controlled centrally.

The most common dimming problem installers encounter in 2026 is existing leading-edge dimmers in older properties. These dimmers were designed for incandescent and halogen loads, and their minimum load threshold often exceeds the total wattage of an LED strip circuit, causing flicker at low dim levels. The fix is simple: replace the leading-edge dimmer with a trailing-edge model. It takes approximately ten minutes and the parts cost around fifteen pounds.

Note: RGB and RGBW COB strip requires non-dimmable constant voltage drivers paired with dedicated RGB controllers. Using a dimmable driver on an RGB or RGBW circuit causes flicker, colour shift, and premature failure. This page covers single colour strip only, where standard dimming approaches apply.

How do you install single colour COB strip step by step?

Installing single colour COB LED strip involves measuring and planning the run, preparing the mounting surface, mounting an aluminium profile for heat dissipation, cutting the strip to length, making electrical connections, wiring to the driver, and testing before final commissioning. A typical under-cabinet installation takes approximately 1–2 hours for an experienced installer.

1. Step 1 — Measure and plan the run: Measure the total length of your installation path. Note any corners, junctions, or obstacles. Calculate total wattage (length in metres multiplied by wattage per metre) and add 15–20% headroom for driver sizing. Decide whether your run requires a single feed point or parallel feeds from both ends.
2. Step 2 — Select and mount the aluminium profile: Choose an appropriate profile depth and style from the ATOM LED aluminium profile range. Surface-mount profiles suit under-cabinet runs; recessed profiles work for plasterboard coves and joinery details. Fix the profile to a clean, dry, non-metallic surface using the supplied mounting clips or adhesive. Never mount COB strip directly onto bare metal without insulation — this causes short circuits.
3. Step 3 — Cut the COB strip to length: Using sharp scissors, cut the strip at the required point. ATOM LED FreeCut technology means you can cut at any point along the strip without voiding the 5-year warranty. Ensure the power is disconnected before cutting.
4. Step 4 — Peel and stick the strip into the profile: Remove the adhesive backing liner and press the strip firmly into the base of the aluminium channel. Work in sections of approximately 30cm at a time, pressing each section down before moving to the next. Do not stretch the strip during application.
5. Step 5 — Make the electrical connections: Connect the strip to the driver output using soldered joints or push-fit COB strip connectors. Observe correct polarity — positive to positive, negative to negative. For runs requiring joins, use parallel wiring rather than series wiring to minimise voltage drop across the circuit.
6. Step 6 — Wire and mount the driver: Mount the driver in a ventilated, accessible location. Connect the mains input (by a qualified electrician for permanent installations) and the low-voltage output to the strip. If dimming, connect the dimmer to the driver according to the driver manufacturer wiring diagram.
7. Step 7 — Test before final commissioning: Power on the circuit and check for even brightness across the full strip length, correct colour temperature, and smooth dimming response. Check all connections are secure and there is no visible flicker. Never leave COB strip powered while still coiled on the reel — heat builds up rapidly and creates a fire risk. Once testing is complete, fit the diffuser cover to the profile.

For longer or more complex installations, consult the ATOM LED technical team on 01952 370028 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm) or email operations@atomled.co.uk for project-specific wiring guidance.

What IP rating do you need for your application?

For dry interior locations such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchen cabinets, IP20 (uncoated) strip is standard. For bathrooms and covered outdoor areas, IP67 provides protection against temporary immersion and is suitable for most bathroom zones under BS7671. For ponds, fountains, and fully exposed outdoor locations, IP68 rated strip is required.

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are defined by IEC 60529 and describe protection against solid particles and water. The second digit indicates water resistance — and this is where most buying mistakes happen. Many suppliers describe IP65 strip as "waterproof" or "outdoor rated," but IP65 is rated for surface splashes only and is not suitable for UK outdoor conditions where rain, condensation, and ground-level moisture exceed surface-splash parameters.

• IP20 (no coating): All dry interior locations — under cabinets, inside coves, along shelving, behind headboards. This is the standard specification for approximately 80% of residential installations.
• IP65 (surface splash): Covered areas with occasional splash exposure only. Not suitable for UK outdoor use or bathroom wet zones under BS7671. Often mis-sold as outdoor rated.
• IP67 (temporary immersion): Bathrooms (most zones), sheltered outdoor garden lighting, covered outdoor entertaining areas. Suitable for most outdoor COB strip installations in the UK.
• IP68 (continuous submersion): Ponds, fountains, swimming pool surrounds, and fully exposed outdoor locations where strip may sit in standing water.

When in doubt, specify one rating higher than you think you need. The cost difference between IP20 and IP67 is modest, but the cost of replacing a failed IP65 strip that was installed outdoors and subsequently failed within months is significant — both in materials and labour.

How far can you run single colour COB strip from one feed point?

ATOM LED 24V single colour COB strip supports runs up to 20 metres from a single feed point. The 48V range extends this to 30 metres from a single feed, or up to 50 metres with dual feed (powering from both ends). These are among the longest single-feed runs available from any UK LED strip supplier in 2026.

Maximum run length is governed by voltage drop — the gradual reduction in voltage along the strip as distance from the driver increases. Voltage drop causes the far end of a strip to appear visibly dimmer than the driver end. In single colour installations, this manifests as a gradual warm-to-dim transition that becomes noticeable once voltage drop exceeds approximately 10% of the supply voltage.

• 24V practical limit: Up to 20 metres single feed. For runs of 10–15 metres, brightness uniformity remains excellent. Beyond 15 metres, parallel wiring or mid-point feeds help maintain evenness.
• 48V practical limit: Up to 30 metres single feed. Voltage drop occurs at approximately half the rate of 24V at the same wattage, making 48V the correct specification for long commercial runs, hotel corridor coves, and large residential perimeters.
• 48V dual feed: Powering from both ends extends the maximum run to 50 metres, which covers most commercial and architectural applications without mid-run power injection.

Parallel wiring is best practice for any multi-run installation. Series wiring (daisy-chaining one strip after another from a single output) multiplies voltage drop with each additional run. Parallel wiring feeds each strip run independently from the driver, ensuring consistent voltage at the start of every section. ATOM LED's technical team can advise on wiring diagrams for your specific project — call 01952 370028 or email operations@atomled.co.uk.

What driver and power supply do you need?

Single colour COB LED strip requires a constant voltage driver matched to the strip voltage (24V or 48V). The driver wattage must exceed the total strip wattage by 15–20% to ensure reliable operation and longevity. For dimming, select a TRIAC dimmable driver if using a wall dimmer, or a standard non-dimmable driver if controlling brightness via an external PWM controller.

Driver selection is the second most common source of installation problems after incorrect dimmer type. An undersized driver overheats, shortens its own lifespan, and may cause the strip to flicker or fail to start. An oversized driver wastes money but does no harm — always err on the side of a larger driver if between two sizes.

• Calculate total load: Multiply strip wattage per metre by total metres. Example: 14W/m across 8 metres = 112W total load.
• Add 20% headroom: 112W x 1.2 = 134.4W minimum driver capacity. Select the next standard driver size above this figure.
• Match voltage exactly: A 24V strip must use a 24V driver. A 48V strip must use a 48V driver. Mismatched voltage damages the strip immediately and voids any warranty.
• Dimmable vs non-dimmable: If dimming via a wall plate trailing-edge dimmer, you need a TRIAC dimmable driver. If dimming via an external PWM controller, a standard non-dimmable driver is correct because the controller handles the dimming signal downstream of the driver.

Browse the full range of 24V LED drivers and 48V LED drivers to find the correct unit for your installation. If you are unsure, the ATOM LED technical team will confirm the correct driver for your specific strip, length, and dimming requirements.

Where are single colour COB strips used in 2026 projects?

Single colour COB LED strip is specified across residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail projects in 2026. The most common applications include kitchen under-cabinet lighting, architectural cove and coffer details, retail display illumination, bathroom mirror and vanity lighting, staircase nosing, wardrobe interiors, and commercial signage backlighting.

The shift from SMD to COB strip has accelerated in 2026, driven by falling prices, wider availability in 48V, and growing client demand for dot-free lighting in exposed and semi-recessed applications. Interior designers now routinely specify COB strip as the default for any linear lighting detail, with SMD reserved only for applications where the strip will never be visible.

• Kitchen under-cabinet: Warm white or natural white COB strip in a slim aluminium profile, providing even task light across the full worktop width. CRI90+ ensures food colours look natural under the light.
• Cove and coffer lighting: 48V single colour COB strip is the preferred choice for perimeter coves in 2026 because single feeds of 30 metres eliminate the need for mid-run power injection in most rooms.
• Retail and display: Natural white at 4000K with CRI90+ renders merchandise colours accurately, helping customers see true fabric, paint, and material colours under in-store lighting.
• Bathroom vanity and mirror: IP67 rated warm white COB strip provides even, shadow-free illumination around mirrors and vanity units, compliant with BS7671 bathroom zone requirements.
• Staircase and step lighting: COB strip recessed into stair nosing profiles marks each step clearly in low light, improving safety while maintaining a clean architectural detail.
• Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and bars use 2700K warm white COB strip extensively for bar front details, booth seating coves, reception desk lighting, and corridor wayfinding.
• Commercial signage: Backlighting channel letters and lightboxes with cool white COB strip provides even illumination without the hotspots that traditional SMD strip creates behind translucent faces.

What mistakes should you avoid when buying single colour COB strip?

The most common mistakes include choosing IP65 for outdoor use (it is not rated for UK weather), running strip while still coiled on the reel (causes heat buildup and fire risk), pairing a dimmable driver with an RGB controller, using series wiring on long runs (multiplies voltage drop), and mounting strip directly onto bare metal without insulation (causes short circuits).

• Buying on price alone: Low-cost COB strip from unverified suppliers frequently arrives with CRI below 80, inconsistent colour temperature across the reel, and adhesive that fails within weeks. The strip itself may cost less, but the labour cost of a failed installation dwarfs any savings on materials.
• Ignoring voltage drop on long runs: A 24V strip run beyond 15 metres without parallel wiring will show visible brightness variation. Plan your feed points and wiring topology before purchasing, not after.
• Using IP65 outdoors: IP65 is surface-splash rated only. UK outdoor conditions — rain, condensation, ground-level moisture — exceed this rating. Specify IP67 minimum for any outdoor application, or IP68 where standing water is possible.
• Powering strip while coiled: Never test or run COB strip while it is still wound on the reel. The overlapping layers trap heat, destroy the adhesive backing, and create a genuine fire risk. Always uncoil fully before applying power.
• Mounting on bare metal: COB strip must not be mounted directly onto uninsulated bare metal surfaces. The exposed copper traces on the back of the strip can contact the metal and cause a short circuit. Always use an aluminium profile with the strip seated inside it, or apply an insulating layer between strip and surface.
• Wrong dimmer type: Leading-edge dimmers cause flicker and buzzing with most LED drivers. A trailing-edge dimmer costs approximately fifteen pounds and resolves the issue immediately.
• Oversizing driver without checking dimmer minimum load: Some dimmers have a minimum wattage threshold. If your total strip load is below this threshold (common with short accent runs), the dimmer cannot detect the load and will flicker. Check the dimmer minimum load specification before purchasing.

Why do professionals specify ATOM LED single colour COB strip?

Professionals choose ATOM LED because every single colour COB strip ships at CRI90+ with FreeCut technology, 5-year warranty, and maximum run lengths of 20 metres on 24V or 30 metres on 48V single feed. All stock is held in the UK warehouse in Telford, Shropshire — not dropshipped from overseas — and ships with free UK delivery.

• FreeCut at any point: No fixed cut intervals means zero wasted strip on every job. Cut precisely to your measured length without voiding the warranty.
• CRI90+ across the full range: Every colour temperature — 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, and 6500K — meets or exceeds CRI90. You do not need to pay extra or specify a "high CRI" variant because 90+ is the standard across the entire 2026 range.
• 5-year warranty on all COB DC voltage strip: Covers manufacturing defects, premature LED failure, and colour shift beyond normal parameters. This is not a limited warranty with exclusions buried in small print — it covers the strip as used in normal operating conditions.
• UK stock, UK support: Every reel ships from ATOM LED's Telford warehouse. No waiting for overseas shipments, no customs delays, no minimum order quantities for trade customers. The technical team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm on 01952 370028.
• Free UK delivery: No minimum order value for free shipping. Whether you need one metre or one hundred metres, delivery is included.
• Technical guidance included: The ATOM LED team provides wiring diagrams, driver sizing calculations, and dimming compatibility checks at no charge. Email operations@atomled.co.uk or call 01952 370028 with your project details.

Browse the full COB LED strip range or go directly to all LED strip lights to compare specifications across the ATOM LED range.

Frequently asked questions about single colour COB LED strip

Below are the most common questions our technical team receives about single colour COB LED strip. Each answer is based on real installation experience and current 2026 product specifications from the ATOM LED range.

1. What does COB mean in LED strip lighting?

• COB stands for Chip-on-Board. It describes a manufacturing method where LED chips are mounted directly onto the flexible circuit board substrate, packed densely enough to produce a continuous, dot-free line of light rather than the spaced-out point sources seen on traditional SMD LED strip.

2. Is single colour COB strip brighter than SMD strip?

• Brightness depends on wattage per metre, not the LED type. A 14W/m COB strip and a 14W/m SMD strip produce similar total lumen output. The difference is in light distribution — COB produces a smooth, even line, while SMD creates visible bright-dim patterns between individual LEDs.

3. Can I cut single colour COB strip to any length?

• Yes — ATOM LED FreeCut technology allows you to cut at any point along the strip. Unlike competitor strips that restrict cuts to fixed intervals (typically every 25mm–100mm), FreeCut strips can be trimmed precisely to your measured length without voiding the 5-year warranty.

4. Do I need an aluminium profile for COB strip?

• An aluminium profile is strongly recommended for any installation above approximately 10W per metre. The profile acts as a heatsink, drawing heat away from the LED chips and extending operational lifespan. For lower-wattage accent installations under 8W/m on timber or plasterboard, the adhesive backing alone is often sufficient.

5. What is the lifespan of single colour COB LED strip?

• ATOM LED single colour COB strip is rated for approximately 50,000 hours of operation. At typical residential usage of 6–8 hours per day, this equates to roughly 17–22 years of service. Proper heat management via aluminium profiles helps the strip reach or exceed this rated lifespan.

6. Can I use single colour COB strip outdoors in the UK?

• Yes, provided you select the correct IP rating. IP67 rated COB strip is suitable for most UK outdoor garden and patio installations. IP68 is required for areas exposed to standing water or continuous immersion. IP65 is not suitable for UK outdoor conditions — it is rated for surface splashes only.

7. Why does my LED strip flicker when dimmed?

• Flickering on dim is almost always caused by a leading-edge dimmer or an incompatible driver. Replace the dimmer with a trailing-edge model (approximately fifteen pounds) and confirm the driver is TRIAC dimmable if using a wall dimmer. If using a PWM controller, the driver should be non-dimmable.

8. What is the difference between CRI80 and CRI90?

• CRI (Colour Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source renders colours. CRI80 makes reds appear slightly muddy and skin tones look flat. CRI90+ renders colours close to natural daylight. All ATOM LED single colour COB strip ships at CRI90 or above as standard in 2026.

9. Can I join two lengths of single colour COB strip together?

• Yes — use soldered joints or push-fit COB strip connectors. When joining, ensure both strips are the same voltage and colour temperature. Use parallel wiring from the driver rather than connecting one strip to the end of another in series, which multiplies voltage drop.

10. How do I calculate the right driver size for my strip?

• Multiply the strip wattage per metre by total metres, then add 20% headroom. Example: 10W/m across 6 metres equals 60W. Add 20% headroom for 72W minimum driver capacity. Select the next available driver size above 72W from the ATOM LED driver range.

11. Is 48V COB strip safe to install without an electrician?

• The low-voltage (48V DC) strip side can be handled by a competent DIYer. However, the mains connection to the driver must be carried out by a qualified electrician for any permanent or hardwired installation, as required under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales.

12. What colour temperature is best for a kitchen?

• Natural white at 4000K is the most popular kitchen specification in 2026. It provides accurate colour rendering for food preparation, comfortable working light, and a clean, modern appearance. Some clients prefer 3000K for warmer tones in traditional kitchens.

13. Can I use a standard dimmer switch with COB LED strip?

• You need a trailing-edge dimmer, not a standard leading-edge dimmer. Most older dimmer switches are leading-edge type, designed for incandescent bulbs. Trailing-edge dimmers are specifically compatible with LED drivers and prevent the flicker and buzzing associated with leading-edge models.

14. Does ATOM LED ship single colour COB strip from UK stock?

• Yes — every reel ships from the ATOM LED warehouse in Telford, Shropshire. All stock is held in the UK, not dropshipped from overseas. Free UK delivery applies to all orders with no minimum order value. The technical team is available on 01952 370028, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

15. What is FreeCut technology?

• FreeCut technology means you can cut the COB strip at any point along its length. Traditional LED strips require cuts at fixed intervals marked on the PCB. FreeCut removes this limitation entirely, allowing precise trimming to your exact measurement without voiding the ATOM LED 5-year warranty.

16. How does single colour COB strip compare to LED neon flex?

• COB strip produces a flat, directional light line mounted in a profile, while LED neon flex produces a rounded, 360-degree or 180-degree glow. COB strip suits under-cabinet, cove, and task applications. Neon flex suits decorative contours, signage, and curved architectural details where a tube-like appearance is desired.

Ready to order or need help choosing? Call 01952 370028 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm), email operations@atomled.co.uk, or browse the full dot-free COB LED strip range. Free UK delivery on all orders. 5-year warranty. UK stock. Technical support from real people in Telford, Shropshire.

Why choose ATOM LED for your LED lighting project?

ATOM LED is a UK-based LED lighting specialist stocking every product in our Telford warehouse. We do not dropship from overseas suppliers. Every order ships free within the UK with typical delivery in 1 to 3 working days, backed by a 5-year warranty on all COB DC voltage strip lights.

• FreeCut technology: Cut ATOM LED strip at any point without voiding the warranty — no need to find cut marks in tight spaces.
• CRI90+ on all COB strip: Colours render naturally under ATOM LED strip, making it suitable for kitchens, retail displays, and any application where colour accuracy matters.
• Technical team available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm: Call 01952 370028 or email operations@atomled.co.uk for help with voltage selection, driver sizing, IP ratings, and installation planning.
• UK stock, not dropshipped: Every product ships from our Telford warehouse. No overseas lead times, no customs delays, no uncertainty on delivery dates.
• 20m single feed on 24V, 30m on 48V: Longer single-feed runs than most UK competitors, reducing the number of drivers and feed points required in large installations.

Related Collections

• 24V single colour COB
• 48V single colour COB for commercial use
• LED drivers and power supplies
• aluminium mounting profiles
• strip connectors and cables

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