COB LED strip light quality identification guide

How to Identify the Quality of COB LED Strip Light

Table of Contents

    What Is a COB LED Strip Light?

    A COB LED strip light is a flexible LED strip where many tiny LED chips are mounted directly onto the circuit board to create a smooth, dot-free line of light.

    Quick quality checklist (60 seconds): prioritise a double-sided, multi-layer FPC for heat and stability, choose reputable flip-chip dies, look for consistent colour/CRI across the run, and match voltage (often 24V) to installation length to reduce voltage drop and keep brightness even.
    Short answer: COB (Chip-on-Board) strip quality is mainly determined by the FPC board construction, chip selection, phosphor/potting materials, adhesive reliability, and batch colour consistency. Higher-quality COB strips run cooler, stay more uniform, and maintain colour stability over time—especially on longer runs when paired with a stable driver.

    COB LED Strip Quality Identification Diagram

    COB stands for Chip-on-Board, a packaging technology in which LED chips are mounted directly onto a circuit board. COB LEDs used in flexible LED strip lights are often referred to as flip-chip LEDs, which are a simplified, efficient LED structure.

    If you're comparing different types of lighting, browsing a full range of LED strip lights helps you understand variations in chip type, voltage options, and brightness output before focusing specifically on COB models.

    To see the difference, let’s look at a traditional SMD (Surface Mount Device) LED. An SMD LED has the following parts:
    • A lamp bead holder
    • An LED chip
    • A phosphor coating covering the chip
    A COB LED strip, on the other hand, leaves out most of these parts. Its structure usually includes:
    • The LED chip
    • A yellow phosphor coating
    • Electrical connection pads
    This simpler design lets many LED chips fit closely together on the strip, creating a smooth, continuous light.
    Because of this, COB LED strip lights provide:
    • Extremely high LED density
    • Uniform light output with no visible dots
    • Lower glare
    • Higher luminous flux density
    • Improved thermal performance
    • Longer service life

    Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Quality COB LED Strip Light

    Short answer: Start with the circuit board. A high-quality, double-sided FPC with proper copper and heat-resistant insulation reduces voltage drop and improves heat handling—two of the biggest causes of premature LED strip failure. Then confirm chip quality, stable phosphor/potting, suitable adhesive, and consistent colour output.

    1. FPC Circuit Board Quality

    The quality of the FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) board is very important for flexible LED strips.

    COB LED Strip PCB Layer Construction Diagram
    You can find both single-sided and double-sided FPCs. High-quality COB LED strips usually use double-sided FPCs, which often have a five-layer structure:
    • High-temperature-resistant PI film (top layer)
    • Copper foil layer for surface circuitry
    • High-temperature-resistant PI film (middle insulation layer)
    • Copper foil layer for main electrical conductivity (reduces voltage drop)
    • High-temperature-resistant PI film (bottom layer)
    This design improves heat dissipation, electrical stability, and durability, which are especially important for high-density COB strips.
    How to Determine PCB Layer Count in Your LED Strip Lights
    Because FPC copper thickness and layer count affect voltage drop, the voltage you choose matters too. For longer runs, a 24V configuration usually maintains brightness more evenly across the strip. If you want a practical reference point when comparing build quality, see this 24V COB LED strip light (5m) which is designed for consistent performance across the reel.

    2. LED Chip Selection

    The LED chip is the main part that produces light in a COB LED strip. The chip you choose greatly affects the strip’s quality, efficiency, lifespan, and performance.
    Commonly used chip manufacturers in the market include:
    • Osram
    • Cree
    • Epistar
    • Sanan
    • NationStar
    • Huacan
    • AOT
    • LatticePower
    Chip size is measured in mils, which is a thousandth of an inch. Larger flip-chips, like 80 by 80 mil, can handle more current. Smaller chips, such as 4 by 6 mil or 5 by 5 mil, are used for lower-power needs.
    In general:
    • Larger chip size means higher current capacity and better reliability.
    • A smaller chip size means lower cost but also limited performance.
    It’s also useful to compare COB performance against more traditional formats. Looking across different LED strip lighting makes it easier to judge whether you need a dot-free COB finish, higher CRI, or simply a cost-effective option for hidden runs.

    3. Fluorescent Powder and Potting Glue

    Fluorescent powder, also called phosphor, is very important for deciding:
    • Colour temperature
    • Colour rendering index (CRI)
    • Luminous efficiency
    • Colour consistency (XY value)
    • Light decays over time
    Good quality phosphor helps keep the colour stable and makes the strip last longer.
    Potting glue protects the COB LED chips against:
    • Moisture
    • Dust
    • Pollution
    • Mechanical stress
    Common potting materials used in COB LED strips include:
    • Organic silicone potting glue
    • Epoxy resin potting glue
    • Silicone resin potting glue
    Of these options, silicone-based materials are usually preferred because they resist heat and ageing better.

    4. LED Strip Adhesive

    People often overlook the adhesive on the back of a COB LED strip, but it is important for reliable installation.
    You may need different types of adhesive depending on:
    • Surface material
    • Ambient temperature
    • Humidity
    • Installation orientation
    If the adhesive does not match the environment, the strip can lose its stickiness or fall off over time, even if the LEDs are good quality. Picking the right adhesive helps keep the strip stable and safe for a long time.

    5. Evaluating Light Colour Consistency

    COB LED strips need to be made very consistently, since it is hard to sort the chips again after they are sealed.
    To check colour consistency, we suggest a practical method called:

    “One Touch, Two Inspections, Three Measurements”

    One Touch
    Gently hold the LED strip and put your thumb on the sticky side. Bend or flick the strip lightly. If the surface feels uneven, the consistency is poor.
    Two Inspections
    Take a few strips at random and light them up together:
    • Inconsistency within a single strip indicates unstable production.
    • Significant differences between strips suggest poor batch consistency.
    Three Measurements
    Use an integrating sphere to test the sampled COB LED strips and measure:
    • Luminous flux
    • Colour temperature
    • CRI
    • Chromaticity consistency

    Conclusion

    A good COB LED strip light depends on many factors, such as the materials, design, manufacturing, and testing. Knowing these key points helps explain price differences and lets you choose a product based on performance, reliability, and long-term value.

    FAQs About COB LED Strip Lights

    How many watts per metre should I choose for a COB LED strip light?

    The required wattage per metre depends on the application. For ambient lighting, lower wattage strips are usually sufficient, while task or feature lighting may require higher output. Always check the manufacturer’s specification and size the LED driver with at least 20–30% spare capacity.

    How do I compare COB LED strip brightness in lumens?

    Brightness should be compared using lumens per metre rather than total lumens. This allows accurate comparison between different products. For kitchens, workspaces, or commercial settings, higher lumen output is typically required than for decorative lighting.

    Do COB LED strip lights need to be plugged in?

    COB LED strip lights operate on low voltage, usually 12V or 24V DC, and must be powered by a suitable LED driver. In the UK, drivers can be plug-in or hardwired. Any fixed wiring should be carried out in accordance with UK electrical regulations.

    What width COB LED strip light should I choose?

    Most COB LED strip lights are between 8mm and 12mm wide. The correct width depends on output requirements and whether the strip will be installed in an aluminium profile. Always confirm both the strip width and the internal width of the profile before purchase.

    Are COB LED strip lights suitable for UK kitchens and bathrooms?

    Yes, provided the correct IP rating is selected. For kitchens and bathrooms, moisture protection is essential. The strip, connectors, and driver placement must all be suitable for the installation zone and environment.

    What specifications should I check before buying a COB LED strip?

    Important specifications include voltage, wattage per metre, lumens per metre, colour temperature, CRI, IP rating, cut length, and adhesive type. For COB LED strips, uniform light output, thermal performance, and colour consistency are also key quality indicators.

    Can COB LED strip lights be cut to size?

    Yes. COB LED strip lights have clearly marked cut points. Cutting must be done only at these points to maintain correct electrical function. Always power off the strip before cutting.

    How long do high-quality COB LED strip lights last?

    High-quality COB LED strip lights typically offer a long service life when correctly installed and powered. Adequate heat dissipation, stable voltage, and quality components all play a major role in longevity.

    Is professional installation recommended in the UK?

    For plug-in systems, DIY installation may be suitable. However, for hardwired installations or use in regulated areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, professional installation by a qualified electrician is recommended.

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