When sourcing LED strip lights, you need to know the product clearly. No complex theory — read this guide step by step and you will become an expert in the LED strip light business.
- LED strip light type
- Color temperature
- Waterproof rating
- Strip width
- Lumen output
- Voltage
- Max running length
- PCB logo
- Strip length
- Colors
- Connectors
- Aluminum profiles
What Does the Number of an LED Mean?
SMD3528, SMD5050, SMD2835, SMD2216 — these numbers are the size/dimension of the LED chip. For example, SMD3528 is 3.5mm × 2.8mm; SMD5050 is 5.0mm × 5.0mm.
1. LED Strip Light Type
Chip size
SMD3528
3.5×2.8mm · 0.08W · 6-7lm · 60/120 LEDs/m
Decorative illumination and local lighting. Long history, good for coving lights in homes, bars, hotels.
Chip size
SMD2835
0.2W · 20-30lm · 60-240 LEDs/m
Best cost performance and biggest seller. Highest brightness. CRI>80 and CRI>90 available.
Chip size
SMD5050
5.0×5.0mm · 3 chips · 0.2W · 18-20lm
Single color and RGB/RGBW/RGBCCT. Stable, ideal for commercial use.
Chip size
SMD3014
3.0×1.4mm · 0.1W · 10lm
Smaller and more efficient, but less used now unless special requirement.
Chip size
SMD2216
New design · smaller, more LEDs/m
Dot-less vision in linear lights. Higher price than 2835 due to more LEDs.
Chip size
SMD5630
0.5W · 40-60lm
For high-wattage lighting; needs aluminum profile for heat dissipation.
2. LED Color Temperature
Feels warm and cozy — ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
Balanced — excellent for offices, commercial and home installations.
Bright, clear with a blue tint — hospitals, kitchens, professional areas.
3. Waterproof Protection Rating
IP33 / IP20
Not waterproof. Dry indoor areas — bedrooms, living rooms, cabinets.
IP55
Silicon glue surface. Potentially damp areas — bathrooms, kitchens.
IP65
Silicon tube. Damp or outdoor areas without water immersion.
IP67
Silicon glue filling. Swimming pools or bathrooms — but don’t drop into water.
4-12. More Considerations When Buying
5mm for ceiling/cabinet/cove; 8-12mm standard; 15mm custom for high lumen output.
~100lm/W. Need 400lm/m? Choose ~4W/m (e.g. SMD3528-60LED/M-12V-4.8W/M).
DC voltage drops along wire. For long runs use DC24V or constant-current strips.
DC12V: 5m · DC24V: 10m (>20W use 5m max) · Constant current: 10-15m.
Custom printing on PCB available. MOQ 1200m.
Standard 5m/roll. Custom lengths on request.
White, warm white, nature white, green, blue, yellow, orange + RGB/RGBW/RGBCCT.
Wide range of connectors, clips, and end caps for our LED tapes.
Wide range of LED profiles that fit our strip lights.
Recommended LED Strip Products
Factory-quality strips from Lightstec:
Conclusion
Many customers found this guide helpful. Whether you buy for DIY or source for a project, understand the product clearly and you will buy the right one.
JerryHu
Founder of Lightstec. Engineering degree. 13+ years in LED lighting. Sharing knowledge and solutions for LED lighting.
Learn More Professional Led Classes Which Less People Tell You Before You Make Mistake.
Useful post for led strip light buying.
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