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Side Emitting LED Strip Lights
Professional side emitting LED strip solutions for channel letters, architectural outlines, display lighting, and OEM custom projects.
- Up to 50,000 h lifespan
- Multiple voltages: DC12V / 24V
- CRI up to 90+ and custom color temperature
- IP20 / IP65 / IP67 waterproof options
- OEM/ODM available for global projects
What is a Side Emitting LED Strip?
A side emitting LED strip (also called side view or edge emitting LED tape) is designed with LEDs oriented sideways along the flexible PCB, so light projects parallel to the surface rather than straight up. This allows:
✔ Slim installation in edge channels
✔ Uniform glow inside acrylic letters
✔ Hidden lighting effects
✔ Smooth contour illumination
Unlike traditional top-emitting LED strips, these deliver consistent side projection for edge-lighting applications.
Side Emitting LED Strip Product Series
Side emitting LED strips are engineered to deliver smooth, glare-free linear lighting where traditional top-view LED strips cannot perform effectively. By projecting light horizontally instead of vertically, they are ideal for edge lighting, channel letters, architectural outlines, and indirect decorative applications.
Our product range focuses on high-performance COB side emitting solutions, complemented by reliable SMD side view options for cost-efficient projects.
Single Color Side Emitting LED Strips
Multiple LED densities (60/84/120/156/480 LEDs/m) with 8–10 mm PCB widths and optional waterproof versions.
Model No. | LED Chip Type | LEDs per Meter | Power per Meter | Voltage | Color | CRI | PCB Width | Cut Points | IP Rating | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FYX08S480C | COB | 480 | 10W | 24VDC | 3000K – 6000K | 90 | 8mm | 33.33mm | IP20/IP65/IP67 | 3-5 years |
FRX08S060A/FRX08S060C | SMD3014 | 60 | 6W | 12/24VDC | 2700K – 6500K | 80 | 8mm | 50mm/100mm | IP20/IP65/IP67 | 3-5 years |
FRX10S084C | SMD3014 | 84 | 8.4W | 24VDC | 2700K – 6500K | 80 | 10mm | 71.42mm | IP20/IP65/IP67 | 3-5 years |
FRX08S120A/FRX08S120C | SMD3014 | 120 | 12W | 12/24VDC | 2700K – 6500K | 80 | 8mm | 25mm/50mm | IP20/IP65/IP67 | 3-5 years |
FRX10S156A/FRX10S156C | SMD3014 | 156 | 15.6W | 12/24VDC | 2700K – 6500K | 80 | 10mm | 19.2mm/38.5mm | IP20/IP65/IP67 | 3-5 years |
RGB Side Emitting LED Strips
Color-changing solutions using controllers for dynamic lighting effects.
Model No. | LED Chip Type | LEDs per Meter | Power per Meter | Voltage | Color | CRI | PCB Width | Cut Points | IP Rating | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FYQ08S630C | COB | 630 | 10W | 24VDC | RGB | N/A | 8mm | 33.33mm | IP20 | 3-5 years |
FKQ10S060A | SMD020 | 60 | 12W | 12VDC | RGB | N/A | 10mm | 50mm | IP20/IP65/IP67 | 3-5 years |
Pixel & IC Side Emitting LED Strips
24V LED strips with integrated control chips enable individual pixel control for animation and effects (contrast to standard analog RGB).
Model No. | LED Chip Type | LEDs per Meter | Power per Meter | Voltage | IC Type | Pixel per Meter | Color | PCB Width | Cut Points | IP Rating | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FYA08S630C | COB | 630 | 11W | 24VDC | WS2811 | 10 | RGB | 8mm | 100mm | IP20 | 3-5 years |
Applications of Side Emitting LED Strip Lights
Side emitting LED strips are widely used in projects where traditional top-view LED strips cannot deliver the desired lighting effect. By directing light horizontally, they create clean edge illumination, soft indirect glow, and visually continuous light lines. These characteristics make them ideal for both commercial and architectural lighting applications.
Common applications include: Channel letter signage lighting / Cabinet edge lighting / Staircase step lighting / Furniture outline lighting / Architectural groove lighting / Retail display lighting / Decorative wall outlines.
Side Emitting LED Strip vs Top Emitting LED Strip
When selecting an LED strip for architectural or decorative lighting, one of the most common questions is whether to use a side emitting LED strip or a top emitting LED strip. Although both are flexible linear lighting solutions, they are designed for different light directions and installation purposes.
A side emitting LED strip projects light horizontally from the edge of the PCB. This structure allows the light source to remain hidden while creating smooth edge illumination, making it ideal for contour lighting, narrow grooves, and architectural decorative lines.
A top emitting LED strip, on the other hand, emits light vertically from the surface of the strip. This is the most common LED strip structure and is widely used for general illumination, indirect lighting, and linear lighting applications where the light needs to spread outward across a surface.
Feature | Side Emitting LED Strip | Top Emitting LED Strip |
|---|---|---|
Light Emission Direction | Horizontal side output | Vertical upward output |
Lighting Effect | Soft edge glow and contour lighting | Direct surface illumination |
Visual Appearance | Light source hidden, clean lighting lines | LED chips may be visible depending on installation |
Best For | Edge lighting, outline lighting, signage borders | Ambient lighting, task lighting, indirect lighting |
Typical Applications | Channel letters, staircase edges, furniture outlines, architectural grooves | Cove lighting, under cabinet lighting, ceiling lighting, display lighting |
Installation Position | Inside narrow channels, grooves, or edges | Flat surfaces, aluminum LED profiles, ceilings |
Space Requirement | Ideal for tight installation spaces | Requires wider mounting surfaces |
Light Distribution | Focused along edges or contours | Wider light spread across surfaces |
Design Purpose | Decorative lighting and contour highlighting | Functional illumination and ambient lighting |
Common LED Types | COB side emitting, SMD3014 side view | SMD2835, SMD5050, COB top emitting |
Which One Should You Choose?
If the goal is to create clean edge lighting, outline illumination, or hidden linear lighting effects, a side emitting LED strip is the better choice. It allows designers to highlight architectural lines and decorative contours without exposing the light source.
If the project requires general illumination or indirect lighting, a top emitting LED strip is typically the preferred solution, as it provides broader light distribution and higher overall brightness.
In short:
- Choose side emitting LED strips for edge lighting and contour effects.
- Choose top emitting LED strips for general lighting and surface illumination.
Custom Side Emitting LED Strip Solutions
As a professional LED strip manufacturer, SignliteLED provides custom side emitting LED strip solutions to meet specific project requirements.
Customization options include:
- Custom LED density
- Custom PCB width
- Custom color temperature
- Custom length and connectors
- Waterproof solutions
- OEM branding
Our engineering team can help develop tailored lighting solutions for architectural, signage, and commercial lighting projects.
Why Choose COB Side Emitting LED Strip
COB side emitting LED strips provide several advantages compared with traditional SMD side view LED strips.
Dot-Free Lighting: COB technology creates a continuous line of light without visible LED dots, even without diffusers.
Smooth and Uniform Illumination: Higher LED density ensures smooth and consistent lighting output across the entire strip.
Better Lighting Quality: COB LED strips typically provide better light uniformity and visual comfort.
Flexible Installation: The flexible PCB allows installation in narrow channels, curved surfaces, and complex lighting structures.
LED Strip Quality Control
On the quality front, SignliteLED enforce strict testing protocols to guarantee long-term stability and reliability: every LED strip undergoes rigorous thermal testing, aging, and electrical verification. Coupled with our robust QC processes, this ensures that each reel performs reliably once deployed in real-world projects.
SMT Process
Use high speed automated SMT machine to paste LED chips, IC chips, resistors to make sure all components are in the right place.
Automated Dispensing
Use multi-nozzle automated dispensing equipment to evenly coat the formulated phosphor on the COB tape light.
100% QC Inspection
After reflow soldering and high-temperature ovens, the COB strip needs to be tested again at 100% to ensure no defective LEDs.
Bending Test
The purpose of the bend test is to test whether the strip light can withstand a certain amount of bending without affecting its performance or life.
Twist Test
The LED strip twist test is mainly used to test the bending resistance and life span of LED strip lights by simulating the deformation of light strips in long-term use.
Aging Test
Aging for 8 hours, ensure each LED runs in good condition. And for the COB LED strip, there will be a slap test to check the stability.
Pasted With 3M Tape
All LED strips pasted with 3M adhesive tape and rolled reels to ensure easy transportation and installation.
Final Product Test
Our quality inspectors conduct a final inspection of each roll of LED strip to ensure the consistency of the light color and the good appearance of the strip.
Packaging
Finally, the labels are pasted on the reels and anti-static aluminum foil bags, and the COB strip lights are ready to be boxed and shipped.
FAQ About Side Emitting LED Strip Lights
Here is the top frequent asked questions of side emitting LED strip lights. If you are still not very clear, feel free to content our consultant for more details.
A side emitting LED strip is a type of LED strip where the light is emitted from the side of the PCB instead of the top surface. This design allows the strip to produce horizontal lighting, making it ideal for edge lighting, contour lighting, and decorative architectural lighting.
The main difference is the light direction.
Side emitting LED strips produce horizontal light, while top emitting LED strips emit vertical light from the surface of the strip.
Side emitting strips are typically used for edge lighting and outline lighting, while top emitting strips are commonly used for general illumination and indirect lighting.
A side view LED strip is another name for a side emitting LED strip. Both terms refer to LED strips designed to emit light from the side rather than the top.
Not necessarily. Top emitting LED strips usually produce higher direct brightness, while side emitting LED strips are designed to create edge lighting and decorative lighting effects rather than broad illumination.
Side emitting LED strips are commonly available in two main types:
- COB side emitting LED strips
- SMD side view LED strips (such as SMD3014 or SMD2835)
COB LED strips provide smoother lighting with no visible LED dots, while SMD strips are often more cost-effective.
COB side emitting LED strips provide dot-free lighting and higher LED density, making them ideal for high-end architectural lighting and decorative projects.
SMD side emitting LED strips are more budget-friendly and are widely used for signage and general decorative lighting.
Most side emitting LED strips are available in:
- 5V
- 12V
- 24V
Among these options, 12V and 24V LED strips are the most commonly used for architectural and commercial lighting installations.
Higher LED density generally provides smoother and more uniform lighting.
Typical options include:
- 120 LEDs/m
- 156 LEDs/m
- 208 LEDs/m
- 240 LEDs/m
- COB high-density strips
For premium lighting projects, high-density COB LED strips are often preferred.
Side emitting LED strips are widely used for applications such as:
- Channel letter signage lighting
- Cabinet edge lighting
- Staircase lighting
- Furniture outline lighting
- Architectural groove lighting
- Retail display lighting
They are especially useful when the light source needs to remain hidden while illuminating edges or contours.
Yes. Side emitting LED strips can be installed in dedicated side-emitting aluminum channels or custom lighting grooves. Using aluminum profiles can improve heat dissipation and provide a cleaner lighting effect.
Yes. Most side emitting LED strips are designed with flexible PCBs that allow bending along the strip direction, making them suitable for curved lighting installations.
However, excessive bending should be avoided to prevent damage to the circuit.
Yes. Like standard LED strips, side emitting LED strips usually include cutting marks along the PCB, allowing the strip to be cut to custom lengths.
Always cut at the designated cutting points.
Yes. LED strip lights are highly energy efficient compared with traditional lighting sources. Side emitting LED strips typically consume between 4W and 12W per meter, depending on LED density and design.
High-quality side emitting LED strips typically offer CRI80 or CRI90, ensuring accurate color rendering for decorative and architectural lighting.
Yes. Waterproof versions are available with different protection ratings such as:
- IP65 – splash resistant
- IP67 – suitable for outdoor use
- IP68 – fully waterproof
These options make side emitting LED strips suitable for both indoor and outdoor lighting projects.
High-quality LED strips typically have a lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 hours, depending on operating conditions and heat dissipation.
Using proper power supplies and aluminum profiles can help extend the lifespan.
Yes. Many manufacturers offer customization options such as:
- custom LED density
- custom PCB width
- custom color temperature
- custom voltage
- waterproof versions
- OEM branding
Customization allows the LED strips to meet specific project requirements.
When choosing a side emitting LED strip, consider the following factors:
- lighting effect required
- LED density
- voltage
- waterproof rating
- installation environment
Consulting with a professional LED strip manufacturer can help ensure the correct product selection.
