When shopping for LED strip lights, you'll come across 12V and 24V. How does voltage affect the LED's, and which one is better for you? Here we discuss the differences.
The main difference between 12V and 24V power supplies is that 24V has more power and is better for longer runs, or when the power supply is farther away from the LED strips. The higher voltage from the 24V power source carries the current farther so there is less voltage drop towards the end of the run. 24V is also better when using RGB lights and dimmers, as it uses half the amperage of 12V so you can double the amount of strips on the same control gear.
Brightness
There is no difference in brightness between a 12V and 24V LED strip, up to the maximum run limit.
Maximum run
This refers to how many modules can be attached to one power supply before voltage drop occurs. The 24V can be run further and suffers less voltage drop the farther away it gets from the power supply.
Voltage drop
As the modules get farther from the power supply, the voltage drops and the lights appear dimmer. 24V is better for longer runs because it sends more power and reaches further so the last LED in the run receives the same even power as the first one.
Cut point
Cutting LED strips is very easy, with frequent cut points that can be cut on the go. As a general rule, 12V strips have tighter runs than 24V and can be cut more frequently. For example, if 12V has 3 LED's for every 50mm cut point, 24V will have 6 LED's for every 100mm cut point. This makes it easier to cut the 12V for tighter installations.
Life expectancy
There is no difference in life expectancy between 12V and 24V.
Conclusion
12V and 24V LED strips have the same brightness and the same life expectancy. The main difference between the two is that 24V has more power so you can use longer runs with no worry of voltage drop. And 12V have tighter runs so you can cut them more frequently for smaller spaces. Use 24V if you have a long run or if the power supply is farther away from the strips. Use 12V for tighter installations and if long runs are not a concern.
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