1 min readBy Artcolor
12 V, 24 V or 48 V? Choosing the right LED strip voltage
Voltage decides how long and how even your lines of light can be. Here is how to choose between 12 V, 24 V and 48 V strips.
Every Artcolor flexible strip comes in a fixed input voltage: 12 V, 24 V or 48 V DC. Voltage is not about brightness. It decides how much current the strip draws, and that sets how evenly light holds up along a run.
Why voltage matters
A strip turns power into light. For the same power, higher voltage means lower current, and lower current means less voltage drop along the copper of the circuit board. Less drop keeps the far end of a run as bright and as white as the start.
Which voltage suits which job
| Voltage | Best for |
|---|---|
| 12 V | Short runs, furniture and existing 12 V systems |
| 24 V | Most architectural work: coves, shelving, joinery and retail |
| 48 V | Long, demanding lines in lobbies and corridors |
- 12 V strips suit short runs and projects that already use 12 V drivers.
- 24 V is the standard for architectural lighting, and most of our series are 24 V.
- 48 V: the Ultra strip AH2835-48V-168-10mm is built for long lines where even output matters most.
How long can one run be?
Every Artcolor strip is specified for runs of up to 5 m per power feed. For longer lines, feed power in at several points or run parallel feeds from the driver. Don't chain reels end to end.
Still unsure?
Tell us about your space and our team will recommend a strip and a feed layout. Contact sales, or read more in the LED strip FAQ.
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