Difference between 12V, 24V and 220V led strips

Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of led strips in 12V, 24V and 220V

What voltage for my led strip

First of all, let's answer the big question that we are regularly asked: Do 24V strips light up more than 12V strips?

The answer is No!
For the same strip available in 12 or 24V, the lighting is of the same light intensity.

However, there are a few differences that we will explain to you.

12V led strips

A voltage of 12V is generally applied for low or medium power LED strips such as mood lighting or main lighting in a medium-sized room.

Advantage of 12V led power supply Advantages
  • The 12V very low voltage led strips can be used in swimming pools, showers, basins and jacuzzis.
  • The strips can be cut on shorter sections (example: 5 cm in 12V, 10 cm in 24V).
Inconvénients de l'alimentation led en 12V Disadvantages
  • Requires larger cable sections to power several strips, as the current intensity is doubled compared to 24V.
  • Divides the capacity of controllers and amplifiers by 2. Example: a controller has a power of 144W at 12V and 288W at 24V.

24V led strips

A voltage of 24V is used for power led strips, generally above 15W per meter.
It will also be preferred for lighting projects requiring long lengths of led strips.

Advantage of 24V led power supply Advantages
  • Requires smaller cable sections to power several strips, because the current intensity is divided by 2 compared to 12V.
  • Doubles the capacity of controllers and amplifiers. Example: a controller has a power of 144W at 12V and 288W at 24V.
Inconvénients de l'alimentation led en 12V Disadvantages
  • Although 24V is considered very low voltage, it is preferable to limit it to 12V for use in swimming pools, showers, ponds and jacuzzis.
  • The strips must be cut on longer sections (example: 5 cm in 12V, 10 cm in 24V).

220V led strips

The use of 220V with LED strips poses a major problem of reliability and durability.
They are widely discouraged by reliable manufacturers, for this same reason. In addition, the latter only offer a very limited warranty (6 to 12 months) on this type of product.

Our company has therefore chosen not to market this type of led strip because we favor reliability and customer satisfaction.

Advantage of 220V led power supply Advantages
  • Requires standard cable sections (1.5 mm²), even on long lengths of tape.
  • A single tape can reach longer lengths, unlike low voltage tapes limited to 5 meters.
  • Easy to install, no 220/12V or 24V transformer needed.
Inconvénients de l'alimentation led en 12V Disadvantages
  • Prohibited use in swimming pools, showers, basins and jacuzzis.
  • Risk of electric shock when working on the tapes.
  • Dangerous in case of loss of water resistance over the long term or improper installation.
  • Limited life and frequent breakdowns.
  • The strips must be cut on very long sections (example: 5 cm in 12V, 10 cm in 24V, and 100 cm in 220V).