COB (Chip-on-Board) LED strips mount many micro-LED chips directly onto a single substrate and cover them with phosphor to form a dense, integrated light source. The result is a continuous, dot-free linear light rather than distinct LED points.

Compared with SMD strips, COB offers higher visual uniformity (no visible LED dots), wider beam distribution, better perceived brightness per length, and improved thermal coupling due to the dense chip layout. Trade-offs can include different mounting/encapsulation needs, and slightly different bending or cutting rules depending on the COB construction.

Yes — many COB strips are available with IP65/IP67/IP68 encapsulation. Choose a strip with the appropriate IP rating and ensure seals at endcaps and connectors are properly installed for outdoor or wet locations. (For outdoor projects, pair strips with weatherproof power supplies and profiles.)

Flicker is usually caused by incompatible dimmers/controllers, unstable or undersized power supplies, or poor wiring/voltage drop. Use a compatible constant-voltage driver, match dimmer protocol (PWM vs. analog) to the controller, and size the power supply with headroom (typically 20–30% above calculated load). Testing without dimmers and checking wiring is the fastest way to diagnose flicker.

Confirm strip voltage (12 V or 24 V), calculate total wattage (W/m × length), then select a constant-voltage driver with ~20–30% extra capacity. For long runs, prefer 24 V systems or plan power-injection points to mitigate voltage drop. Use IP-rated drivers for outdoor/damp installations.

Yes. Most COB strips dim well with PWM (pulse-width modulation) controllers or compatible constant-voltage dimmable drivers. For flicker-sensitive applications (film, camera, medical), use high-frequency PWM (tens of kHz) and high-quality drivers. Always match controller type to driver and wiring topology.

Maximum continuous run depends on strip power density and supply voltage. 24 V systems allow longer single-run lengths than 12 V. For high-density COB (high W/m), plan multiple feed points or use 24 V to reduce voltage drop. When in doubt, calculate expected voltage drop and test with the intended load.

Many COB strips are cuttable at defined intervals; cutting points are provided by the manufacturer. Soldering may be possible but is often more delicate than with SMD strips due to high-density chip arrays and phosphor layers—use recommended solder pads and gentle heat. For quick, field installations, purpose-made solderless connectors designed for COB are a safer and faster option.

With proper thermal management, quality COB strips typically maintain useful output for 30,000–50,000+ hours depending on chip quality, driver, and operating temperature. Good practice: pair strips with aluminum profiles for heat sinking and use certified drivers to maximize lifespan.

24V COB LED strips are recommended for most commercial and industrial installations because they support longer run lengths, lower current, and reduced voltage drop.

12V COB strips are better for short runs or small DIY installations where finer cutting intervals are needed.

Key factors include:

• Operating temperature (excess heat shortens lifespan)
• Driver quality (unstable current accelerates lumen decay)
• Installation surface (aluminum profile improves thermal conduction)
• IP rating (improper sealing causes moisture damage)

Proper installation can easily extend COB lifespan to 50,000 hours or more.

For high-density COB strips, aluminum channels are strongly recommended because they:

• Improve thermal management
• Extend LED lifetime
• Increase installation rigidity
• Provide smoother diffusion (even for COB)

Not mandatory, but highly beneficial for professional projects.

Use these methods:

• Choose 24V COB strips
• Add power injection every 5–10 meters
• Use thicker gauge wires
• Use a driver with adequate wattage
• Avoid running strips at 100% load continuously

Yes. COB strips work with any control system as long as the driver/controller protocol matches the strip type (single color / tunable white / RGB / RGBW / pixel). For architectural and outdoor lighting, DMX512 and DALI-2 are the preferred choices.

Yes. Most COB strips use low-voltage DC (12V/24V) and meet RoHS/CE/UL requirements. Ensure the driver is certified and install within recommended temperature and IP conditions.

Common CCT options:

• 2200K / 2700K (warm, ambient)
• 3000K / 3500K (hospitality & residential)
• 4000K / 5000K (commercial & office)
• 6500K (industrial & display)

Special options include tunable white 2700–6500K and sunrise/sunset curves for professional lighting design.

• CRI 80 — Standard commercial
• CRI 90 — Retail, hospitality, residential premium
• CRI 95+ — Museum, studio, color-critical applications

Higher density offers better uniformity and brightness:

• Low density: accent lighting
• Medium density: under-cabinet, coves
• High density (500–700 LEDs/m equivalent): architectural, displays, premium linear lighting

COB strips run cooler than many high-power SMD strips due to better heat spreading, but they still generate heat. Mounting on metal or aluminum surfaces is recommended to keep junction temperature low.