LED Strip Lights: 12V vs 24V — Which Should You Use?

LED Strip Lights: 12V vs 24V — Which Should You Use?

LED Strip Lights: 12V vs 24V — Which Should You Use?

LED strip lights come in two main voltages: 12V and 24V DC. The difference isn't just a number — it directly affects how far you can run your strips, how bright they are, and how many power supplies you need.

Quick Answer

Use 24V for almost everything. It handles longer runs with less voltage drop, is more efficient, and is the professional standard. 12V only makes sense for very short runs or when you need to integrate with existing 12V systems.

How Voltage Affects Performance

Voltage Drop

This is the main reason 24V wins. LED strips carry current through thin copper traces on the PCB. Over longer distances, resistance causes voltage to drop, which means:

  • LEDs at the far end get less power than those near the supply
  • The strip dims noticeably toward the end
  • Colour shifts (warm tones appear at the end of RGB strips)
Voltage Max Recommended Run Length
12V 3-5 metres (10-16 ft)
24V 7-10 metres (23-33 ft)

At 24V, the same current delivers twice the power, so the strip can run roughly twice as far before voltage drop becomes visible.

Current Draw

For the same wattage, 24V strips draw half the current of 12V strips. Lower current means:

  • Thinner wire can be used
  • Less heat generated in connectors
  • Power supplies can serve more strips

Example: A 14.4W/m strip at 5 metres total:

  • 12V: draws 6A (requires 14 AWG wire for longer runs)
  • 24V: draws 3A (18 AWG wire is sufficient)

Direct Comparison

Feature 12V 24V
Max run length 3-5 m 7-10 m
Cut intervals Every 3 LEDs (~25mm) Every 6 LEDs (~50mm)
Voltage drop Significant over 3m Minimal to 7m
Current draw Higher Lower (half)
Wire gauge needed Heavier Lighter
Automotive compatible Yes No
Professional use Rare Standard

When 12V Makes Sense

  • Automotive applications (car interiors, trucks) — vehicles are 12V DC
  • Battery-powered projects (12V battery packs)
  • Very short runs under 1.5 metres where voltage drop is negligible
  • Integrating with existing 12V systems

When 24V Is Better (Almost Always)

  • Under-cabinet kitchen lighting — runs are typically 3-5 metres
  • Cove lighting — perimeter runs often exceed 5 metres
  • Commercial signage — channel letters and sign boxes
  • Architectural lighting — accent lighting in restaurants, bars, lobbies
  • Any run over 2 metres

Installation Tips

Power Supply Sizing

Calculate your total wattage and add a 20% buffer:

  1. Strip wattage per metre × total metres = total watts
  2. Total watts × 1.2 = minimum power supply rating

Example: 5 metres of 14.4W/m strip

  • Total: 5 × 14.4 = 72W
  • With buffer: 72 × 1.2 = 86.4W
  • Use a 100W power supply

Our 24V 100W LED Power Supply is UL-listed with built-in overload protection, perfect for most residential strip projects.

Avoiding Voltage Drop on Long Runs

For runs over 5 metres at 24V:

  1. Feed from both ends — connect power to both ends of the strip
  2. Use parallel runs — bring power wire to the midpoint and run strips in both directions
  3. Use thicker interconnect wire — 16-18 AWG between power supply and strip

What to Buy

Application Product Voltage Price
General accent/cove 24V Strip Light 5M - 14.4W/m 24V $24.99
Outdoor/wet areas IP65 Strip Light 5M 24V $34.99
Dot-free premium High Density Strip 5M - 20W/m 24V $39.99
Colour changing RGBW Strip 5M 24V $44.99
Power supply 24V 100W Power Supply 24V $29.99

All available at saferlighting.ca or our Brampton showroom.

Need custom strip lighting installed? Safer Electric (ESA Licence #7008996) installs LED strip lighting for kitchens, restaurants, and commercial spaces across the GTA. Call (647) 383-9500.

FAQ

Can I mix 12V and 24V strips on the same power supply? Absolutely not. Using a 24V supply on a 12V strip will immediately burn out the LEDs. Using a 12V supply on a 24V strip simply won't light up. Always match voltage.

Can I cut LED strips anywhere? Only at the designated cut marks (copper pads with scissors icon). 12V strips cut every ~25mm. 24V strips cut every ~50mm.

Do I need an electrician to install LED strips? The low-voltage strip itself doesn't require an electrician. However, the 120V AC wiring to the power supply must be done by a licensed electrician with an ESA permit in Ontario.

How long do LED strip lights last? Quality strips are rated for 30,000-50,000 hours. At 8 hours per day, that's 10-17 years before noticeable brightness reduction.

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