“Strip lights” and “LED lights” are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different aspects of lighting fixtures. Here’s the difference between the two:
LED Lights
- LED (Light Emitting Diode): LED lights are a type of lighting technology that uses light-emitting diodes as the source of illumination. LEDs are small, solid-state devices that convert electricity into light. They are highly efficient and long-lasting compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.
- Versatility: LED lights come in various forms, including bulbs, tubes, panels, and more. They are used in a wide range of applications, from household lighting to commercial and industrial settings.
- Energy Efficiency: LED lights are known for their energy efficiency. They consume much less electricity than traditional lighting sources, making them environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
- Longevity: LED lights have a significantly longer lifespan compared to incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. They can last tens of thousands of hours before needing replacement.
- Color Options: LED lights can produce a wide range of colors, including cool whites, warm whites, and various hues. This versatility makes them popular for creating different atmospheres and effects in lighting design.
- Instant On: Unlike some other types of lighting, LED lights reach full brightness instantly when turned on.
Strip Lights (LED Strips)
- Flexible Light Strips: LED strip lights, also known as LED tape lights or ribbon lights, are flexible circuit boards populated with small LED chips. They are typically mounted on a flexible backing, allowing them to be bent or curved around corners and surfaces.
- Applications: LED strip lights are commonly used for accent lighting, task lighting, or decorative lighting purposes. They can be installed under cabinets, along ceilings, in display cases, and even outdoors.
- Customizable Length: One of the main advantages of LED strip lights is their ability to be cut to custom lengths. They often come in rolls or reels, and you can trim them to fit specific spaces, making them highly versatile for various projects.
- Different Types: LED strip lights come in different types, including single-color (such as white, warm white, or cool white), RGB (Red, Green, Blue – capable of producing various colors), and RGBW (RGB + White for a broader range of colors and true whites).
- Ease of Installation: LED strip lights are relatively easy to install. They often come with adhesive backing for simple attachment to surfaces, and many can be controlled remotely or with smartphone apps for color changing and dimming.