1.What is COB light strip？
COB LED strip is a type of strip made by using advanced Chip on Board technology to directly package small LED chips with high density on a flexible substrate, and covering it with a continuous fluorescent adhesive layer. Its greatest charm lies in its ability to emit high-quality light that is continuous, uniform, particle free, spot free, and soft like a ribbon, while also possessing high color rendering, good heat dissipation, and high reliability.
2.Understand COB technology
The principle of COB technology
COB technology involves directly bonding multiple bare chips onto a PCB substrate, and then encapsulating them using a common fluorescent powder layer to form a unified light-emitting surface. This packaging method reduces the step of individually packaging each chip in traditional packaging.
Advantages of COB Technology：
| Advantage | Description |
| High Brightness | Multiple chips densely packed together provide greater overall brightness. |
| Uniform Light | Seamless light emission with no visible dots or dark areas. |
| Good Heat Dissipation | Shorter heat path allows for efficient thermal management. |
| Space Saving | High integration reduces size, ideal for compact lighting applications. |
| High Reliability | Fewer components and solder points mean lower risk of failure. |
3.Types of COB light strips
| Type | Features |
| Single Color COB Strip | Fixed color, such as warm white, neutral white, or cool white. |
| CCT Adjustable COB Strip | Adjustable color temperature (e.g., 2700K–6500K); great for ambient lighting. |
| RGB/RGBW COB Strip | Multicolor effects; ideal for decorative and entertainment spaces. |
| RGBIC COB Strip | Individually addressable; supports flowing, dynamic light effects. |
4.How to produce COB light strip
Our led tape strip lights are manufactured following strict, high-standard procedures. Every step—from raw material selection and chip encapsulation to aging tests and final quality inspection—is carefully controlled to ensure outstanding stability and safety. We use high-quality materials and operate in dust-free environments, combined with multiple electrical and optical tests. This ensures that every strip meets international safety and performance standards before leaving the factory, providing customers with a more secure and reliable lighting solution.
5.The difference between COB strip and SMD strip
Comparison Table:
| Category | COB Strip Light | SMD Strip Light |
| Light Type | Continuous surface light | Point light source |
| Light Effect | Uniform and soft, no visible dots | High brightness, but visible dot effect |
| Appearance | Sleek, no visible LED beads | Exposed LED beads |
| Flexibility | More flexible | Less flexible |
| Installation | Ideal for direct view without diffuser | Requires diffuser or light trough |
| Cost | Slightly higher due to advanced technology | Lower cost, mature market |
| Application | Home linear lighting, commercial lighting | Decorative lighting, ambiance, signage |
6.How to choose the appropriate COB light strip
① Brightness requirement (lumens/lumens)
If used for ambient lighting (such as background lights, cabinet lights): choose medium low brightness (300-800lm/m).
If used for primary lighting or work areas: choose high brightness (above 1000lm/m).
② Color Temperature (CCT) Selection
Warm White (2700K-3000K): Suitable for creating a warm atmosphere in bedrooms, restaurants, and other areas.
Natural white (4000K): suitable for daily use in offices, kitchens, etc.
Normal white or cool white (6000K-6500K): suitable for places that require brightness such as garages and commercial environments.
③ Power and energy consumption
The common power is 10W/m, 12W/m, 14W/m, etc. The higher the power, the stronger the brightness and the higher the power consumption.
Choose the appropriate power based on the length of use and the load capacity of the power supply to avoid overload.
④ Color rendering index (CRI)
It is recommended to choose COB light with CRI>90, which can more realistically reproduce the color of objects, especially suitable for household and display purposes.
⑤ Voltage selection (12V/24V)
24V is more stable, with low voltage drop, suitable for long-distance installation.
12V is suitable for small-scale and portable devices.
⑥ Waterproof rating (IP rating)
IP20: Indoor dry environment.
IP65/IP67: kitchen, bathroom, outdoor covered areas.
IP68: Underwater or fully exposed outdoor environment.
⑦ Can it be trimmed
Check if the product supports “free cutting” or can be cut into sections for easy installation and customization.
⑧ Installation method
Adhesive backing (3M stickers), buckles, rails, etc., determine installation convenience depending on the scene.
⑨ Brand and Quality
Choose reliable brands or products certified by CE, ROHS, UL, etc. for greater safety and longer lifespan.
⑩ Budget and cost-effectiveness
The more expensive the better, the more suitable it is for the scenario and budget.
7.How to cut COB light strips
① Confirm cutting marks
There is usually a scissor icon on the cob led strip lights Or markings, with one at regular intervals (such as 25mm, 50mm, 100mm). It can only be cut at these markings.
② Prepare tools
Use sharp scissors or blades to ensure neat cutting and avoid damaging copper foil or circuits.
③ Power off operation
Before cutting, be sure to disconnect the power supply to avoid electric shock or burning the light strip.
④ Crop along the mark
Align the marking line and cut it vertically without deviating from the position to ensure that the circuits at both ends are intact.
⑤ Processing cutting edges (optional)
If the light strip needs to continue to be connected or used for waterproofing,
Requirement: Welding power cord or connector, heating shrink tubing or silicone sealing waterproof treatment
⑥ Test lighting up
Connect the power and confirm if the cut light strip is emitting light normally.
matters needing attention:
Do not cut in the uncut position;
If it is a waterproof type (such as rubber sleeve or silicone encapsulation) light strip, it needs to be resealed after cutting;
If you are not familiar with welding, it is recommended to use a matching quick connector.
Cutting Diagram 1：
Cutting Diagram 2：
8.Maintenance of cob led strip
Maintenance suggestions:
① Regular inspection
Regularly check the light strip for looseness, breakage, water ingress, and other issues.
Check if the power connection is secure.
② Avoid water vapor intrusion
Non waterproof light strips should be avoided for use in damp or outdoor environments.
It is also recommended to seal the waterproof model after installation.
③ Avoid overheating
Ensure good heat dissipation during installation, recommended to use with aluminum profiles.
Do not continuously light up for a long time beyond the rated power range.
④ Proper use of dimmer and controller
If dimming is required, use a compatible dimming power supply and control system.
Improper use may cause the light strip to flicker or be damaged.
⑤ Professional maintenance
If there are abnormalities such as no light, flashing, etc., they should be inspected and repaired by professionals.
Do not disassemble or modify without authorization.
9.How to connect COB light strips
1.Prepare tools and materials:
①Wire stripping pliers or scissors
②Electric soldering iron (optional, used for soldering)
③Pin connector (optional solder free)
④Power adapter (DC power supply, needs to match the voltage of the light strip, such as 12V or 24V)
⑥COB light strip
2.Here’s the English translation of the led tape strip lights connection steps:
①Cut the strip: Cut along the marked scissor lines to ensure proper sections.
②Prepare the connector: Choose the right COB solderless connector (e.g., 2-pin or 3-pin).
③Open the connector: Lift the latch and insert the strip into the slot.
④Align copper pads: Make sure the copper pads on the strip align with the connector’s contacts.
⑤Close the latch: Press down to secure the strip in place.
⑥Connect to power: Attach the other end of the connector to the power supply or controller, ensuring correct polarity.
⑦Power on to test: Turn on the power and check if the strip lights up properly.
3.Installation Diagram
1. Strip to wire
When you cut lengths of the led strip from a reel and it without wire, you can select the led strip to wire connector as below.
2. Strip to strip
When you need to connecting another led strip to the existing one, you can use the led strip to strip connector as below.
3. Corner
When you need to connect led strips in Corner, you can use led strip corner connector as below.
10.Application of COB light strip
COB (Chip on Board) light strips are widely used in various lighting and decoration scenarios due to their high brightness, no graininess, and good flexibility.
11.The lifespan of COB light strips
The lifespan of cob led light strips is generally between 30000 and 50000 hours, and the specific lifespan is affected by various factors. The following are the main factors that affect the lifespan of cob led light strip:
1. Quality of LED chips
-High quality LED chips can effectively extend their service life.
-Brand chips usually have low heat generation and slow light decay.
2. Heat dissipation performance
-LED tape strip lights generate concentrated heat, and good heat dissipation design (such as aluminum light slots) can significantly improve their lifespan.
-If the heat dissipation is poor, it will accelerate light decay or damage.
3. Stability of driving power supply
-A stable and efficient driving power supply can protect the light strip and prevent voltage fluctuations from damaging the light beads.
-When using a constant voltage or constant current power supply, it is necessary to match the voltage and current parameters.
4. Operating environment
-High temperature, high humidity, and high dust can accelerate the aging of the LED -strip.Indoor installation has a longer service life than outdoor installation.
5. Frequency of use
-Long term continuous lighting, if there is no good heat dissipation, may affect the lifespan.
-Frequent switching also causes certain losses to the power supply and chip.
12.COB welding free light strip connector
COB Solderless Connector is a quick connect device designed specifically for cob led light strips, which can achieve electrical connection without welding. It is suitable for various light strip installation environments, especially for DIY and engineering applications.
13.COB light strip malfunction issue
Here is the English translation of the COB LED strip light fault issues and solutions:
| Fault Issue | Possible Causes | Solutions |
| Not lighting at all | – Power supply not connected or damaged – Controller or driver failure – Reverse polarity | – Check if the power supply is working – Ensure correct wiring and polarity |
| Partial lighting failure | – Damaged LED section – Broken solder joints or circuitry | – Replace the damaged section – Repair or reconnect the circuit |
| Flickering | – Unstable voltage – Insufficient power supply – Loose connection | – Use a stable power supply – Upgrade power supply – Secure all connections |
| Dim lighting | – Aging power supply – End of LED lifespan – Voltage drop due to long length | – Replace power supply or LED strip – Use power injection to reduce voltage drop |
| Color distortion | – Controller malfunction – LED failure – Incorrect wiring | – Replace the controller – Check and correct wiring and LED condition |
| Overheating | – Poor heat dissipation – Excessive current | – Add aluminum profile or heat sink – Reduce current load |
Prevention Tips:
Use the correct power supply and controller.
Proper wiring to avoid voltage drop.
Install in well-ventilated areas.
Choose high-quality COB LED strip.
14.Transportation and packaging of COB light strips
Transportation and Packaging of COB LED Strip Lights
①Anti-static Packaging
COB LED strips are sensitive to static electricity. They are typically wrapped in anti-static bags or foam to prevent damage to the LED chips caused by electrostatic discharge during transportation.
②Dustproof and Moisture-proof
Sealed bags or moisture-proof packaging are used to protect the strips from humidity and dust, which could cause corrosion or short circuits.
③Reel Packing
The strips are usually wound on plastic reels in fixed lengths (such as 5 meters) to prevent bending or pulling that may damage the chips.
④Carton Protection
Each reel is placed in an inner box with separators and then packed into a durable carton box, suitable for long-distance transportation. Cartons are marked with labels such as “Fragile” and “Keep Dry”.
⑤Labels & Manuals
Each package is labeled with product information including model, voltage, and batch number. Installation guides or user instructions are also included for ease of use.
⑥Custom Packaging
For export orders or brand clients, customized packaging with brand logos can be provided to enhance brand identity.
15.Conclusion
With the continuous advancement of lighting technology, COB light strips stand out with their unique advantages and have become an important choice for modern lighting design. Whether it’s enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the space or achieving efficient lighting, COB light strips are a solution worth considering. I hope you can gain a deeper understanding of COB lamps through this article and create an ideal lighting environment.
