The Benefits of Using COB LED Strip Lights

What is COB LED Lighting?

COB LED stands for Chip-on-Board LED. It is a type of LED light that consists of multiple LED chips mounted directly onto a circuit board. This creates a single, compact light source that is brighter and more efficient than traditional LED lights.

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What is SMD LED Lighting?

SMD LED stands for Surface-Mount Device LED. It is a type of LED that is soldered directly onto a printed circuit board (PCB). This makes them smaller and easier to manufacture than traditional LED packages, which have wires that need to be connected to the PCB.

How much brighter is COB over SMD?

COB LEDs are generally brighter than SMD LEDs. COB LEDs can produce up to three times more light than traditional LED lights, including SMD LEDs. This is because COB LEDs have multiple LED chips mounted directly onto a circuit board, while SMD LEDs have only one chip. The increased number of chips in COB LEDs allows for more light to be produced.
Here is a table comparing the brightness of COB and SMD LEDs:

SMD COB 5W LED Strip Lights 480 Lumens 576 Lumens 10W LED Strip Lights 960 Lumens Lumens 15w LED Strip Lights Lumens Lumens

As you can see, COB LEDs have a higher lumens per watt ratio than SMD LEDs. This means that COB LEDs produce more light for the same amount of electricity.

Does COB output smoother light then SMD?

COB LEDs generally produce smoother light than SMD LEDs. This is because the multiple chips in COB LEDs are spread out evenly over the surface of the circuit board. This helps to eliminate shadows and hotspots, resulting in a more pleasing light source.

SMD LEDs, on the other hand, have individual chips that are spaced closer together. This can create a slightly uneven light distribution, with visible shadows and hotspots.

Does COB have a wider angle than SMD?

COB LEDs generally have a wider beam angle than SMD LEDs. This is because COB LEDs have multiple chips mounted directly onto a circuit board, which allows for a wider distribution of light. SMD LEDs, on the other hand, have only one chip, which produces a more narrow beam of light.

Of course, the specific beam angle of an LED can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific LED model. However, in general, COB LEDs have a wider beam angle than SMD LEDs.

Are COB and SMD Strip Lights installed the same way?

COB and SMD strip lights are generally installed in a similar manner, with some minor differences due to their different packaging structures. Here’s a comparison of their installation processes:

COB Strip Lights Installation:

Clean the surface: Clean the surface where you’ll be attaching the COB strip lights to remove dirt, dust, and grease. Use alcohol or rubbing alcohol for effective cleaning.

Measure and cut the strip lights: Determine the required length of COB strip lights and cut them along designated cutting marks using scissors or wire cutters.

Connect the power supply: Attach the power supply connector to the COB strip lights, ensuring proper polarity. Most COB strip lights have clear markings for positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.

Mount the strip lights: Peel off the adhesive backing on the COB strip lights and carefully adhere them to the clean surface. Use mounting clips for additional support if needed.

Test the lights: Plug in the power supply and turn on the lights. If the lights fail to illuminate, check the connections and ensure correct polarity.

SMD Strip Lights Installation:

Clean the surface: Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any contaminants that could interfere with adhesion. Use alcohol or rubbing alcohol for effective cleaning.

Measure and cut the strip lights: Determine the required length of SMD strip lights and cut them along designated cutting marks using scissors or wire cutters.

Attach the end caps: Attach end caps to the cut ends of the SMD strip lights to protect the exposed circuit board and prevent moisture damage, especially for outdoor applications.

Connect the power supply: Attach the power supply connector to the SMD strip lights, ensuring proper polarity. Most SMD strip lights have clear markings for positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.

Mount the strip lights: Peel off the adhesive backing on the SMD strip lights and carefully adhere them to the clean surface. Use mounting clips for additional support if needed.

Test the lights: Plug in the power supply and turn on the lights. If the lights fail to illuminate, check the connections and ensure correct polarity.

Key Differences:
COB strip lights typically require no soldering, while SMD strip lights may require soldering for certain applications, especially when connecting multiple lengths or using waterproof versions.

SMD strip lights may require end caps to protect the exposed circuit board and prevent moisture damage, while COB strip lights generally have a more robust design that doesn’t necessitate end caps.

How much energy does COB Led strip lights use compared to SMD LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights are generally more energy efficient than SMD LED strip lights. This is because COB LEDs are more densely packed together, which allows them to produce more light per watt. SMD LEDs are typically spaced further apart, which makes them less efficient.

Here is a table that compares the energy efficiency of COB and SMD LED strip lights:

Type of LED Strip Light Lumens per Watt COB LED strip lights 80-120 SMD LED strip lights 50-80

As you can see, COB LED strip lights produce up to 40% more light per watt than SMD LED strip lights. This means that you will need to use fewer COB LED strip lights to achieve the same level of brightness as SMD LED strip lights. This will save you energy and money in the long run.

Do COB LED Strip Lights cost more than SMD LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights typically cost more than SMD LED strip lights. This is because COB LEDs are more densely packed together, which requires more manufacturing materials and a more complex manufacturing process. As a result, COB LED strip lights are typically about 20-30% more expensive than SMD LED strip lights.

However, there are some advantages to using COB LED strip lights that may make them worth the extra cost. First, COB LED strip lights are more energy efficient than SMD LED strip lights. This is because COB LEDs are able to produce more light per watt. Second, COB LED strip lights produce a more uniform light, without the “spotty” appearance that can be seen with SMD LED strip lights. Finally, COB LED strip lights are more durable than SMD LED strip lights. This is because the LEDs are more tightly packed together, which makes them less susceptible to damage from shock or vibration.

So, if you are looking for the most energy-efficient, uniform, and durable LED strip lights, then COB LED strip lights are a good option. However, if you are on a tight budget, then SMD LED strip lights may be a better choice.

Feature COB LED Strip Lights  SMD LED Strip Lights Energy Efficiency More energy efficient Less energy efficient Light Uniformity More uniform light Can be spotty Heat Dissipation Can run hotter Cooler operation Durability More durable Less durable Cost Typically more expensive Typically less expensive

Will COB LED Strip Lights last as long as SMD LED Strip Lights?

Both COB and SMD LED strip lights are known for their long lifespan, with an average lifespan of 50,000 to 100,000 hours. This means that they can last for several years, even if they are used for multiple hours per day.

However, there are some factors that can affect the lifespan of LED strip lights, including:

Quality of the LED chips: The quality of the LED chips used in the strip lights will have a major impact on their lifespan. Higher-quality LED chips will typically last longer than lower-quality chips.

Operating temperature: LED strip lights should be operated within their recommended temperature range. If they are operated too hot, they will degrade faster.

Humidity: LED strip lights should not be exposed to high levels of humidity. Humidity can cause the LED chips to corrode, which can shorten their lifespan.

Dimming: Dimming LED strip lights can put additional stress on the LEDs, which can shorten their lifespan. If you need to dim your LED strip lights, use a dimmer that is specifically designed for LEDs.

In general, COB LED strip lights tend to last slightly longer than SMD LED strip lights. This is because COB LEDs are better at dissipating heat, which can help to extend their lifespan. However, the difference in lifespan is relatively small, and both types of LED strip lights should last for several years.

Will COB LED Strip Lights get hotter when running compared to SMD LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights typically get hotter when running compared to SMD LED strip lights. This is because COB LEDs are more densely packed together, which generates more heat. SMD LEDs are spaced further apart, which helps to dissipate heat more effectively. Additionally, COB LEDs are generally more powerful than SMD LEDs, which also contributes to their higher heat generation.

Do COB LED Strip Lights use the same wattage as SMD LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights typically use more wattage than SMD LED strip lights. This is because COB LEDs are packed more closely together, which generates more heat. SMD LEDs are spaced further apart, which allows them to dissipate heat more effectively and operate at a lower wattage.

The wattage of an LED strip light is determined by the number of LEDs and the power they consume. COB LED strip lights typically have more LEDs per foot than SMD LED strip lights, and they also consume more power per LED. As a result, COB LED strip lights typically use more wattage than SMD LED strip lights.

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Type of LED Strip Light Wattage per Foot COB LED strip lights 5-20 watts SMD LED strip lights 3-12 watts

What are the cut points on COB LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights come in a wide variety of colors, including:

RGB: RGB LED strip lights are the most versatile type of LED strip light, as they can produce a wide range of colors by mixing red, green, and blue LEDs.

RGBW: RGBW LED strip lights are similar to RGB LED strip lights, but they also have a dedicated white LED chip. This allows them to produce a wider range of colors, including true white and pastel shades.

Single-color: Single-color COB LED strip lights are available in a variety of colors, including red, green, blue, yellow, white, and pink.

White: White COB LED strip lights can be adjusted to produce any color temperature from warm white to cool white.

Can COB LED Strip Lights change colour?

COB LED strip lights can change color. They are available in a variety of RGB, RGBW, and single-color options as mentioned above.

To change the color of a COB LED strip light, you will need a controller. There are a variety of controllers available, including remote controls, smartphone apps, and voice assistants. The controller will allow you to select the desired color, brightness, and other features of the lights.

Can COB LED Strip Lights be controlled using DMX?

COB LED strip lights can be controlled using DMX. DMX is a digital lighting control protocol that is widely used in the professional lighting industry. It is a reliable and versatile protocol that can be used to control a wide variety of lighting fixtures, including LED strip lights.

To control COB LED strip lights using DMX, you will need a DMX decoder. A DMX decoder converts the DMX signal into a format that can be understood by the LED strip lights. The decoder will also allow you to control the brightness, color, and other features of the lights.

Do COB LED Strip Lights need a different controller to SMD LED Strip Lights?

COB LED strip lights and SMD LED strip lights require different controllers. This is because the two types of LED strip lights have different electrical characteristics. COB LED strip lights typically have a higher voltage and amperage than SMD LED strip lights. As a result, they require a controller that is specifically designed for COB LED strip lights.

COB LED strip lights are typically controlled using a constant voltage (CV) controller. A CV controller maintains a constant voltage to the LED strip lights, regardless of the load. This is important because COB LED strip lights can draw a lot of current, and a CV controller will ensure that the lights do not overheat or damage.

SMD LED strip lights, on the other hand, are typically controlled using a constant current (CC) controller. A CC controller maintains a constant current to the LED strip lights, regardless of the voltage. This is important because SMD LED strip lights are more sensitive to voltage fluctuations, and a CC controller will help to protect the lights from damage.

In addition to the type of controller, COB LED strip lights and SMD LED strip lights also have different connectors. COB LED strip lights typically use a 5-pin connector, while SMD LED strip lights typically use a 4-pin connector. This is important because the connectors are not compatible with each other.

When is it best to use COB LED over SMD LED?

Introducing COB LED lights from HitLights. The newest innovation in LED strip lights are now available from your most helpful LED lighting company, HitLights. If you want to know what COB lights are; how are COB strips different from standard LED strip lights; are COB strips eco-friendly; what does COB mean in LED; or when you should use COB strip lights then you are in the right place. By the end of this post, you’re going to have all your HitLights COB know-how set!

What is the meaning of COB light?

COB stands for chip on board. To the average person (even most LED fans) this won’t explain the COB difference. COB lights are a type of LED strip lights that appear to be one continuous, smooth light source, and the strip emits an alluring glow. The diodes of COB strips are tightly packed together along the strip, and covered with a phosphor coating which gives the COB strip its glow when lit. The COB lights can have a greater light output than standard LED lights, but otherwise share a lot of the benefits boasted by traditional LED strip lights. (Like being cuttable; energy saving; install with double sided tape.) 

To give you a mental picture of the visual difference between traditional LED strip lights and COB strips, standard LED strips have a “polka dot” effect where you can see each diode as a separate light source (the dots.) Thanks to the phosphor coating, COB lights appear the way a glow stick looks: a long, luminous smooth glow where you can’t see the individual diodes of the COB unless it’s dimmed to one of the strip’s lowest output levels. 

Have you ever seen people place diffusers on top of traditional LED strip lights to eliminate the dot look? COB lights have no need for a diffuser because they have a radiant aura already built in. 

Let’s talk chips for a sec. What is the chip that is referred to in the name chip on board? The diodes of LED light strips use semiconductor chips—this is where the electrical current turns into light (in broad layperson terms.) HitLights COB strip lights use what are known as flip chips—a relatively new way to position the semiconductor chips to dissipate heat more efficiently. COB lights are able to pack more diodes into each inch of strip thanks to innovations in chips and placement. More on COB advantages in a moment.

Finally, to close out the basics on what COB lights are, we must address what we know you’re thinking. We didn’t come up with the name “COB” but that’s the name that has stuck in the industry. And when folks talk about these lights it’s “cob” (like corn on the cob; not cee-oh-bee. Who knows? Maybe we can have an LED influencer get a cool new name like LED SuperGlow to stick. We’ll let you know if that happens, but until then… back to business.) 

What is the difference between COB and LED lights?

COB lights are a type of LED light, but with smaller diodes, installed closer together on the strip material, covered with a phosphor coating, appearing as one continuous glowing light when illuminated. COB lights are the latest innovation in LED lighting, which in themselves are an innovation from incandescent lights. Since COB lights are a development based off of LED technology, there are obviously many similarities. But there are also some notable differences, including appearance and style of light output, elimination of “hot spots,” and overall brightness. 

Let’s go a little deeper into some of the differences.

Energy Usage

Attention eco-friendly improvers! If you like to use greener options in your home, office, or business, you can use COB strips and go green, too. HitLights 24 volt COB strip lights are efficient to the tune of 100-110 lumens per watt. We know lots of people come to LEDs for the energy savings, Now you have even more options—like the HitLights COB light strip—without giving up energy efficiency. 

Appearance & Style

Smooth, luminous, glowing, continuous—that’s COB. No spots or dots, just a powerful, uninterrupted glow from the start of the strip, right to the end. If you thought LED strip lights were a pioneering product, COB strips are the next step. Advance the look of your lighting installations with COB. 

Lifespan

You’ve heard the phrase, “for a lifetime.” Well get ready to enjoy HitLights COB strips for a whopping 50,000 hours! If that makes you raise an eyebrow, you can rest assured with HitLights’ better than industry standard 6-year warranty. We believe in our products (manufactured in our own facilities to our rigorous standard) and stand behind every strip we offer.

Other Tech Specs 

Regular LED strip lights have a beam angle of about 140 degrees (the beam angle is the surface of the diode emitting light.) COB lights have a beam angle of a full 180 degrees—this in part is why the COB lights are visibly brighter. We already mentioned just how many more diodes are on COB lights than standard LEDs. How many? HitLights COB light strips offer 155 LEDs per foot. That’s a lot of diodes getting their glow on! 

How are COB strips and traditional LED lights similar? COB lights possess all of the benefits of all the other LED strip lighting you love. Both COB and LED strip lights are flexible, easy to use and install, and provide clear, attractive light in applications that other lights can’t match. COBs are cuttable—even with that continuous flow of light that seems to be unbroken, COBs can be snipped along regular intervals on the strip. Simply look for the cut line and use simple scissors to get your COB strip to your desired length. Can COBs dim? Yes! Just like most other LED lights, COB lights are dimmable (HitLights can supply you with one of the best dimmable drivers in the industry.) For those of you who are drawn to LEDs for their green properties, COBs keep on with that tradition, being eco-friendly, too. 

When it comes to the COB strip light offered by HitLights, you’ll be able to choose from a warm or cool white on our bright, full of light strip (with an impressive output 360-390 Lumens per foot.) HitLight’s COB strip light uses top of the line mounting tape, featuring genuine 3M double sided tape to install the lights. Shop for HitLights 16.4 ft COB strip light now, in warm white or cool white, 24 volts. 

Are COB lights any good?

COB lights are pushing the innovation of LED strip lights to new, better heights. Where are some of the places you might use COB lights instead of traditional LED strip lights? Our first suggestion is to try COB lights where the actual strip will be visible (like lining a window frame or exposed on ceiling molding.) You won’t need a special cover for the strips and you’ll love the contemporary ambiance that emanates from the COB strips. 

If you want a full lighting option, since the light output is so prominent in COB strips, COB might be your choice if you want full room lights where brightness is an asset. 

Do you want to put style to the forefront? If you are trying to create a certain cool, modern, or high-style look with your lighting, COB works in these applications, too. Lighting with an aura like COB radiates creates a look and feel that is of the moment, and maybe even a little futuristic. 

You don’t have to wing it with any of our lights or products—including our new HitLights COB strips in either warm white or cool white. One of our team members is ready to answer any of your specific COB questions. We’re ready to help you plan and achieve all of your COB home improvement projects. Our tech team is ready to talk you through any application of our products.

If you are looking for a COB lighting supplier or custom COB lighting to serve your needs, our PRO team wants to talk to you. Learn more about our PRO Accounts at HitLights and if PRO is right for you and your business.  

COB strip lights are a wonderful option for home use or in your business or commercial locations. We are excited for the future of LED lighting, and our new line of COB lights are a key element of that future. If you are intrigued by the look or performance of COB strip lights, we encourage you to try one today and we know you will love them as much as we do. 

If you’re ready to glow up, get that COB going–call us today. We would love to hear about how you are using these new COB lights. Questions? Call us now at 1 (855) 768-. to get the assistance you need. HitLights is ready for COB or any LED projects you have. Ready, set, glow!