LED 单灯 — 项目和买家的完整指南

Over the past decade, LED lighting technology has advanced rapidly, with market demand continuously growing for thinner, brighter, and more energy-efficient light sources. Among numerous innovative solutions, LED sheet lights have emerged as a popular choice, widely adopted as an aesthetically pleasing backlighting solution for commercial and advertising applications.

LED sheet lights are flat, flexible, panel-shaped LED light sheets that represent an advanced lighting solution combining flexibility with consistent brightness. They integrate the energy efficiency and long lifespan of LED technology with the adaptability of flexible lighting panels, supporting high levels of customization. Their versatile nature makes them particularly suitable for advertisers, retailers, architects, and buyers seeking solutions that save space while enhancing visual impact.

This guide explores the transformative potential of LED light sheets, providing an in-depth analysis of their functionality, advantages, installation, practical applications, and key considerations for procurement. It empowers you to make the right choices for your projects.

What is an LED Sheet Light?

An LED sheet light is a flat, flexible sheet typically composed of numerous small SMD LEDs. These LEDs are embedded onto a thin, flexible circuit board using SMT technology, allowing the board to be cut to size and customized.

Unlike rigid LED strips, LED sheets can be cut into various shapes and easily bent or folded to fit curved surfaces and irregular contours. Flat LED sheets can be joined together to cover larger areas, making them an ideal solution for extensive and irregularly shaped lighting applications.

Thanks to their double-sided adhesive backing, LED sheet lights are simple to install without any complicated steps. For more permanent installations, screws or fasteners can also be used. Moreover, connecting multiple LED sheets is straightforward, allowing you to scale up or create seamless large illuminated surfaces.

Today, LED sheet lighting is widely used in bars, restaurants, and retail stores to illuminate stone surfaces like marble and agate, as well as translucent materials such as glass and acrylic. Additionally, LED sheets are favored by designers for signage lighting projects.

Key Features and Benefits

• Flexible and Bendable: Unlike rigid LED panels, flexible LED panels can bend and conform to various shapes and surfaces. This flexibility enables application on curved or uneven surfaces, providing versatile lighting solutions.

• Slim and Lightweight: These light sheets are typically very thin and light, making them easy to install in narrow or confined spaces where traditional lighting solutions may not fit.

• 均匀配光: LEDs are arranged in an even and dense pattern to maximize light distribution while minimizing hotspots and shadows. This makes them ideal for applications requiring smooth, continuous illumination.

• Plug-and-Play Connectivity: LED sheet lights connect easily via onboard XH interfaces and XH connectors. Once cut to the desired shape, these connectors enable the LED sheet to function as a plug-and-play solution. XH connectors offer multiple pin configurations.

• 可定制: Flexible LED sheets can be cut to specific shapes and sizes to meet custom lighting requirements. They can be tailored for diverse applications, from intricate small designs to large installations.

• 低 H吃 Output: LED sheets typically generate less heat than traditional light sources, making them suitable for temperature-sensitive locations. For example, they can be installed inside enclosed signage without overheating concerns.

• 智能控制: Additional controllers allow you to adjust brightness or color for white, RGBW, and RGB LED strip lights. Some controllers support Bluetooth, RF remotes, mobile apps, Wi-Fi hubs, switches, or dimmers, enabling fully customizable lighting designs.

Types of LED Sheet Lights

Understanding the available types of LED sheet lights is key to selecting the right sheet light for your project. SignliteLED offers a range of products to meet your needs.

Monochrome LED Sheets

Monochrome LED sheets are the most basic and widely used type. They provide single-color illumination and come in various color temperatures, such as 2700K (warm white), 3000K, 4000K (neutral white), and 6500K (cool white). They are ideal for creating uniform ambient backlighting.

Tunable White LED Sheets

Tunable white LED sheets feature adjustable color temperature (CCT). You can adjust the color temperature from warm 2700K to cool 6500K. This allows for greater control over your lighting. Adjust the light to suit your mood or needs: bright cool tones are perfect for workspaces, while warm tones create relaxing environments.

RGB LED Sheets

RGB LED sheets create millions of color variations by combining red, green, and blue primary colors. Widely used in advertising lightboxes, decorative backlighting, and retail displays, they effortlessly achieve dynamic color atmospheres. Unlike RGBW panels, RGB panels lack dedicated white light chips and are primarily used in applications requiring rich color effects.

RGBW LED Sheets

RGBW LED sheets integrate full-spectrum RGB color control with dedicated white LEDs. Compared to traditional RGB panels, RGBW delivers richer, purer whites alongside dynamic color options, making them ideal for bars, stages, nightclubs, and event venues.

RGBCCT LED Sheets

RGBCCT LED sheets integrate RGB color control with adjustable color temperature (CCT) white light. This means they deliver vibrant, dynamic color effects while allowing white light color temperature to be adjusted as needed—ranging from 2700K warm white to 6500K cool white. This type is particularly suited for projects requiring both decorative ambiance and functional lighting, such as hotel lobbies, exhibition spaces, and versatile commercial environments.

Pixel LED Sheets

Pixel LED sheets represent the most advanced option. Featuring numerous programmable pixels, they enable flowing effects, gradients, and interactive lighting by allowing individual control over different areas of the panel. This capability lets you create multicolor lighting or rainbow-like effects. These lights can also synchronize with music, making them ideal for a wide range of stylish lighting effects.

LED Sheet Light Applications in Projects

Flexible LED sheet lights are thin and can be cut into virtually any shape. This makes them ideal for illuminating large, oddly shaped, or angled objects and surfaces—including circular, flat, and various custom applications. Additionally, convenient plug-and-play connections mean faster, more cost-effective installation.

Consequently, flexible LED sheet lights find extensive applications, including signage and display backlighting, countertop illumination, architectural lighting, and stage and event lighting, as well as creative projects like art installations or custom lighting designs.

Stone Countertop Backlighting

In venues such as clubs, bars, upscale restaurants, or hotels, backlighting highlights the natural beauty of agate, marble, or countertops made of PVC, acrylic, or glass. The unique textures of stone cast light and shadow patterns, creating a distinctive and impressive ambiance in dimly lit environments.

Letter Sign Lighting

The flexibility and free-cutting nature of LED sheet lights allow them to be bent and trimmed into various shapes and letters, making them ideal for sign backlighting. Simply cut these light sheets into desired letters or shapes, affix them to the base of corresponding large letter molds, and cover with a diffuser.

Compared to LED modules, LED sheet lights feature higher LED density, delivering more uniform illumination. However, they are not waterproof and are intended for indoor use only.

Large Commercial Stretch 顶棚照明

LED sheets are the ideal solution for illuminating entire large commercial ceilings and creating uniform lighting. Modular LED sheets are easy to connect and built to last. The sheets are mounted to the ceiling and covered with a translucent stretch film, providing continuous, seamless illumination.

Covering vast areas with a clean, bright, and aesthetically pleasing appearance, these LED sheets are perfect for ceiling lighting in shopping malls, theaters, offices, restaurants, and similar venues.

装饰照明

These flexible and customizable LED sheets enable you to add accent lighting to any area of your home. Accent lighting can be incorporated into unique spaces like arches, niches, backsplashes, translucent countertops, artwork, mirrors, or other architectural features.

Retail, Commercial, and Display Lighting

LED sheet lights illuminate key elements in retail stores or product displays, allowing you to showcase your most appealing retail and exhibition items.

Examples include unique décor, jewelry displays, featured product showcases, menu boards, shelving, visual merchandising, checkout areas, logos, and more. They can even be placed behind translucent stone to create distinctive counters and displays.

LED Sheet Lights vs. Other Lighting Solutions

With advancements in LED technology and the growing demand for more eco-friendly solutions, backlighting technology has undergone a dramatic transformation. LED sheet lights have emerged as the industry’s new favorite.

In contrast, traditional lighting solutions for backlighting, once widely popular, have gradually faded from the lighting stage.

LED Sheet Lights vs. Traditional Lighting

In conventional backlighting applications, fluorescent tubes or cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CFLs) were once mainstream. However, these lamps suffer from significant drawbacks: bulky size, flickering, slow start-up times, and the presence of harmful substances like mercury. With the advancement of LED technology, LED sheet lights have gradually replaced them as a more efficient choice.

Advantages of LED sheet lights include:

• Slimmer profile: Measuring just a few millimeters thick, they are ideal for space-constrained installations;
• Uniform illumination: High-density LED arrays eliminate dark spots and uneven light distribution, delivering more natural backlighting;
• Energy-efficient and eco-friendly: High energy efficiency with no hazardous materials;
• 使用寿命更长: Average lifespan of 25,000–50,000 hours significantly reduces maintenance costs;
• Design flexibility: Can be cut or joined to meet diverse size and shape requirements.

LED Sheet Lights vs. Fluorescent Lamps

Fluorescent lamps are a common backlight source in traditional lighting, but their shortcomings compared to LED sheet lights are evident:

Comparison 尺寸	Fluorescent Lamp	发光二极管 Sheet 光
能源效率	Low conversion rate, 30%–50% of electricity wasted as heat	High conversion rate, up to 95% electricity-to-light conversion, better luminous efficacy, lower energy consumption
寿命	Typically 10,000–15,000 hours	Usually 25,000–50,000+ hours
环境影响	Contains mercury, recycling and disposal concerns	Mercury-free, eco-friendly, recyclable
光质	Prone to flicker, unstable color	Flicker-free, soft and stable light
安装灵活性	Bulky, limited application scope	Ultra-thin, can be cut or customized as needed
颜色选项	Limited, 2700K–4100K	2700K~6500K, RGB, RGBW, RGBCCT
成本比较	Lower initial cost, higher long-term operating costs	Higher initial cost, lower long-term expenses

In short, LED sheet lights not only offer lower operating costs but are also more environmentally friendly and safer, making them better suited for long-term applications in modern lighting projects.

LED Sheet Lights vs. LED Strip Lights

LED 灯条—whether SMD or COB types—feature a rope-like structure based on LED chip arrangement, while LED sheet lights are flat, square, and paper-like.

Both LED sheet lights and LED strips are common LED light sources, but they serve different purposes:

Light Source Form

• Sheet lights provide large-area, uniform surface illumination;
• Strips consist of continuously arranged LEDs, functioning more as “linear light sources.”

Lighting Effects

• Sheet lights lack visible light points, offering superior uniformity ideal for applications demanding high-quality backlighting;
• Without diffusers, LED strips may produce visible light spots or a dotted visual effect.

Installation Methods

• Sheet lights typically feature rigid structures, suitable for flat or recessed mounting;
• Light strips offer exceptional flexibility, allowing bending and routing for curved surfaces or complex architectural lighting.

典型应用

• Sheet lights: Advertising light boxes, display cases, decorative walls, countertop backlighting;
• Light strips: Ambient lighting, cabinet lighting, linear accent lighting, and DIY creative lighting.

LED sheet lights outperform traditional backlighting and fluorescent lamps in energy efficiency, lifespan, light uniformity, and environmental sustainability. Compared to LED strips, sheet lights are better suited for professional lighting scenarios demanding high light uniformity and large-scale installations covering extensive areas, while strips excel in flexibility and decorative applications.

The choice between lighting solutions depends on specific project requirements:

• For uniform, soft backlighting, LED sheet lights are the optimal solution;
• For flexible lighting arrangements or linear installations, LED light strips are more suitable.

LED Sheets Buying Guide for Projects and Buyers

In commercial lighting and advertising applications, LED sheet lights have gradually replaced traditional light sources, gaining popularity for their ultra-thin design, uniform illumination, and flexible installation methods. Whether you are a lighting contractor, advertising lightbox manufacturer, or bulk purchaser, selecting the right LED sheets requires careful consideration of brightness, specifications, certifications, and cost. Below is a detailed breakdown of key points.

亮度和色温

Brightness is the core metric determining whether LED sheets meet project requirements. For advertising light boxes, display cases, or marble countertops, exceptionally high brightness is typically needed to ensure excellent visual impact.

Therefore, when evaluating brightness, buyers should not only focus on the rated lumen value but also consider the interaction between the LED sheet and the diffusing material. This is because not all materials perform identically under illumination. Diffusion is significantly affected by material thickness, opacity, the distance between the light source and the material, surface texture, and even color.

Brightness requirements vary considerably across different applications:

• Advertising lightboxes, display cabinets: Typically require high brightness (>4000 lm/m²) to ensure vivid image visibility.

• Interior decorative lighting: Medium brightness is suitable, balancing visual comfort with energy efficiency.

Color temperature selection is equally crucial, directly impacting spatial ambiance and visual experience. For export projects, it is advisable to confirm whether manufacturers offer multiple color temperature options to meet diverse market aesthetic demands. Additionally, selecting CRI > 90 ensures color accuracy.

• 2700K–3000K: Warm white light creates cozy atmospheres, ideal for restaurants, hotels, and similar settings.

• 4000K–4500K: Natural white light balances comfort with enhanced display visibility, suitable for retail stores and office spaces.

• 6000K–6500K: Cool white light, emphasizing image clarity and providing higher contrast, commonly used in advertising and displays.

For more information on color temperature functions and comparisons, please refer to the following blog.

Size, Thickness, and Cutting Options

A significant advantage of LED sheets is their high flexibility. While products on the market typically come in standard sizes, most projects—especially advertising lightboxes and exhibition installations—require customized dimensions.

When selecting products, buyers should confirm whether suppliers offer custom cutting services and understand the distribution and precision of cut lines. Excessively large cutting intervals may limit dimensional flexibility, increasing installation complexity.

Regarding thickness, common LED sheets range from 1.3mm to 6.7mm (due to XH connectors on the PCB). Ultra-thin structures facilitate concealment behind lightboxes or decorative panels while effectively saving installation space.

Lens and IP Rating

Some LED sheets feature optical diffusion lenses to minimize light spots and shadows, delivering more uniform backlighting. While most LED sheets lack lenses, they compensate with higher LED density. Therefore, buyers should select based on the diffusion material used in their installation project.

The IP rating depends on the application environment. For indoor displays or dry settings, IP20 suffices. However, for outdoor billboards or high-humidity spaces, IP54 or IP65 products must be selected to ensure waterproof and dustproof performance.

Note that waterproof LED sheets cannot be used in applications requiring bending, as the silicone coating applied to the PCB reduces flexibility. Additionally, remember that higher protection ratings increase costs, so a reasonable trade-off should be made based on the project environment.

Power Supply Options

The power supply voltage must match the LED sheet’s voltage rating. Compatibility is essential for proper LED operation. Most LED sheets use DC24V constant-voltage drivers, with a smaller portion utilizing 12VDC.

A high-quality power supply enhances lighting performance. Inferior drivers cause flickering, which becomes more noticeable and distracting in backlit diffusion applications.

Dimming functionality is another critical factor during procurement. For projects requiring varied ambiance or energy-saving controls, select LED sheets, power supplies, and controllers supporting 0-10V, PWM, DALI, or DMX. Commercial buyers should proactively discuss power interfaces and dimming compatibility with suppliers to avoid integration complications later.

Certification and Compliance

Certification and compliance are indispensable for multinational projects or export orders. The European market typically requires CE and RoHS certifications, while North America commonly mandates UL or ETL marks.

For high-end clients, TUV certification provides additional credibility. Buyers should avoid relying solely on verbal assurances from suppliers and instead request access to complete test reports and verification of certificate authenticity.

A further recommendation is for buyers to verify compliance with energy efficiency and environmental regulations. For instance, some markets are progressively mandating stricter energy efficiency standards for lighting products. Proactive compliance planning helps maintain competitiveness in long-term supply chains.

Cost Considerations

Price remains a critical factor in procurement decisions. However, comparing unit prices alone is often insufficient when selecting LED sheets. Buyers must evaluate both initial investment and long-term operational costs.

High-quality LED sheets boast lifespans exceeding 50,000 hours and offer superior advantages in lumen maintenance, protection ratings, and power supply stability, significantly reducing future maintenance and replacement costs. Conversely, opting for low-end products to save costs often leads to higher replacement expenses within a few years due to light decay, flickering, or damage.

Additionally, for bulk purchasers, establishing long-term partnerships with suppliers can secure more favorable pricing and more stable supply cycles. Some manufacturers even offer OEM/ODM services, helping customers create differentiated customized products to enhance market competitiveness.

How to Install an LED Light Sheet?

Proper assembly and installation are crucial for maximizing the performance of LED light sheets—especially when performance, reliability, and lifespan matter. LED light sheets come with adhesive backing; simply peel off the backing and stick the sheet to any desired location. Installation takes just minutes, offering greater convenience than nails or screws.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Light Sheet and Power Supply

Measure the dimensions of the area where you plan to attach the LED light sheet. Use these measurements to determine the size and quantity of light sheets you need to purchase. Additionally, calculate the required power supply capacity and select a suitable power supply and controller for the LED light sheet.

Principle: The power supply voltage must match the LED light sheet voltage, and the drive power should be 1.2 times the total power of the LED light sheet. When planning installation, ensure the total length of connected LED sheets does not exceed the recommended maximum operating length.

Step 2: Clean the Installation Surface

Dirt on the surface can hinder LED sheet installation and compromise adhesion strength. To prevent this, use a damp cotton cloth to remove dust and dirt particles from the installation surface. After cleaning, ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding.

Step 3: Cut the LED Sheet

When the LED sheet needs to be cut to achieve the desired shape, you must first cut the sheet. Most cuttable LED sheets are pre-marked with cutting lines, typically indicated by scissors icons or dotted lines.

These lines indicate where the sheet can be safely cut without damaging the circuitry. Once you locate the cutting line, use sharp scissors to cut along the designated line.

Step 4: Connecting LED Sheets

Once the LED sheet is cut to the desired shape or size, connect the individual LED sheets using wires or XH solderless connectors.

Step 5: Installing LED Sheets

LED sheets typically feature a 3M double-sided adhesive backing for easy installation. Simply peel off the tape and adhere the sheet to a clean surface. This is the most widely used method, ideal for smooth surfaces like walls, stone countertops, metal surfaces, and ceilings.

Compared to adhesive, screw mounting offers greater strength and reliability. When using this method, drill holes at the designated positions on the mounting surface. Ensure these holes align precisely with the pre-drilled screw holes on the light sheet.

Step 6: Connect Power and Test

After installing the LED light sheet, connect the power source and conduct a functional test. When connecting, ensure the polarity (+/-) of the light sheet matches the power supply correctly: connect the positive terminal of the LED light sheet to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the negative terminal of the light sheet to the negative terminal of the power supply.

After wiring is complete, turn on the switch to ensure uniform illumination across all areas.

Can You Cut LED Light Sheets?

The answer is yes. LED light sheets can be cut. Black horizontal lines, vertical lines, and 45° diagonal lines (usually indicated by dashed lines) are marked on the sheet to facilitate cutting.

You can use regular scissors to cut out your desired shape along the black lines or dashed lines and place the cut LED light sheet into slots or grooves with limited space.

The smallest cut unit for an LED sheet is one LED. When cutting, carefully follow the specific markings. Incorrect cuts can damage the circuitry and LEDs, causing the lights to fail.

Can LED Sheet Lights Be Bent or Folded?

Yes, you certainly can bend or fold them. Because LED sheet lights use flexible circuit boards, whether you need to curve them into a circle or create a wavy shape, flexible LED sheets can perfectly meet your needs.

However, certain guidelines must be followed during bending. Sharp angles should be avoided, as they can damage the circuit board, but 90-degree hard bends and gentle curves are acceptable. Excessive bending or folding may damage the chips and cause circuit breaks.

Here are some tips for bending or folding LED sheet lights:

• Follow the manufacturer’s minimum bending radius guidelines (typically ≥90°). Exceeding this limit may damage the LED chips/circuitry.

• Bend slowly and gently to form angles and shapes.

• Avoid creating sharp angles (<90°). Use rounded edges to prevent damage.

• Use flexible LED sheets for square corners; do not fold arbitrarily. Ensure corner edges align with the black cut lines on the sheet.

How to Connect Different Pieces of LED Sheet Lights?

LED sheets connect primarily in two ways: via connectors or wiring.

LED Solderless Connectors

This method utilizes snap-on or clip-on connectors installed on the LED sheet. The plug-and-play design requires no specialized tools, enabling quick and easy installation. Connectors can be detached at any time.

步骤：

• Align one end of the connector with the connector socket on the LED sheet.
• Gently insert the LED connector into the connector slot.
• Then insert the other end of the connector into the connector socket on the second light sheet.
• To connect additional light sheets in series, repeat the above steps.

Soldering Wires

Soldering ensures a more secure and reliable electrical connection. Each LED unit on the LED light sheet features a copper pad for soldering wires.

Procedure:

• Strip the wire ends (red = positive, black = negative).
• Apply a small amount of flux to the copper pad on the LED sheet.
• After preheating the soldering iron, apply an even layer of solder to the pad.
• Solder the wire to the corresponding polarity position and secure it firmly.
• After the solder joint cools, perform a power-on test.

What is The Maximum Run for LED Sheet Lights?

When planning installations, ensure the total length of connected LED sheet lights does not exceed the recommended maximum run length. Therefore, you need to consider the following points:

1. Matching Power Supply Wattage to Light Sheet Power

Confirm the power consumption of each individual LED light sheet. Then, add up the power ratings of all sheets you intend to install. Finally, ensure the power supply’s drive power is 1.2 times the total power of the LED light sheets.

For example, when powering 4 x 24V 60W LED sheets, the power supply voltage should also be 24V. The total power of 4 x 60W sheets is 4 x 60W = 240W. Thus, the power supply capacity should be 240W x 1.2 = 288W. Since 288W power supplies are rarely available, you may opt for a slightly higher 300W model.

2. Maximum Current Limit for Solderless Connectors

Solderless connectors have a maximum rated current of 5A. If you need to connect more LED sheets, consider using additional connectors to distribute the current.

Alternatively, you can solder wires directly to the LED board to handle higher currents. For example, with four LED sheets totaling approximately 300W, we recommend using 18 AWG wire for soldering.

3. Voltage Drop

Voltage drop becomes more pronounced when adding additional LED sheets to the circuit. This drop can cause uneven brightness or performance issues.

Based on LED strip length and voltage drop theory, it’s generally advised not to connect more than 10 LED sheet lights in series (equivalent to 5 meters). But is this truly the case? Considering the previously mentioned power supply matching and current limitations of connection terminals, we recommend limiting series connections to 3–5 LED sheets.

Therefore, for larger installations, position the power supply at the point of the shortest total run length or use multiple power supplies. For instance, if a single LED sheet connects up to 3 sheets, no single series chain should exceed 3 sheets. If your project requires 12 LED sheets, divide the installation into four sections, each equipped with an independent power supply or appropriate wiring configuration.

结论

LED sheet lights, with their flexible, ultra-thin design, uniform illumination, and adaptable cutting capabilities, are emerging as the ideal solution for lightbox backlighting, ceiling lighting, and commercial displays, delivering a stylish aesthetic to your space.

For project contractors and wholesale buyers, selecting the right LED sheet lights not only delivers superior lighting performance but also provides long-term value in project timelines, cost control, and ongoing maintenance.

If your project requires high-quality, customized LED sheet lighting solutions, SignliteLED stands as your reliable OEM/ODM partner.