Buying first light strip - what to buy? - Devices - Hubitat

I have done this with Gledopto and similar clone drivers. They work fine if you are looking for a simple device without effects, chasing, individual addressing, and so on. They are Zigbee, which I would recommend over Z-wave.

Goto Joineonlux to know more.

If going this way, I would recommend (and did use) diffuser channel to make these look better. I did not use any IP rated lights, but they aren't really exposed in these channels the way I have them positioned. Any liquid would be very minimal if any at all.

If I were to start again, I would consider Govee. I have a couple of their items (outdoor lights), and the effects and the ability to create many colorful scenes are nice. This gives the ability to create chasing, rainbow, color blend/fades, and other cool effects. That said, their app is a complex, cluttered disaster to use, and it makes me a tiny bit nervous that someday they may cut off access or the company goes bankrupt, and you lose the ability to control the lights. They are also a LOT more expensive than generic strips and drivers, and most rely on Wifi, which is OK, but some are Bluetooth only, which I would completely eliminate from consideration.

Matter devices may be a consideration as well, but I have not looked recently to see what is available, or the pricing of such items. I wouldn't pay more to purchase Matter over Zigbee, but if the price was equal, I would consider it. That said, some have mixed experiences with Matter, but my couple RGB bulbs have been fine so far.

Here is a picture I have posted in the past with my setup.

So any setup will require 3 things.

1. Power supply.
2. The LED strip it self
3. A controller

I would start with the strip itself like you have, mainly because the strip's will likely determine what the other stuff is you need. When looking at the strips there are two things that really determine what you need.

The length of the run and then the kind of light you want. The length of the run is important because it can affect the density of the pixels and the power requirements for the strip. Considering you said this is to go under a vanity pretty much any strip will work. I wouldn't expect that to be more than a couple of meters so even strips as dense as COB lights as mentioned by @vitaliy_kh are a option. Then you need to consider placement and Diffuser requirements.

The Led strip technology comes in two main flavors now which are strips without IC's to control segments and addressable strips with IC's that can control individual segments. Generally addressable strips will call out IC's in the type of strip like RGBICWW or just RGBIC while nonaddressable strips would just be RGB or RGBWW. You only need something like pixelblase, or wled, ect if the strip is addressable. Nonaddressable switches can use more basic zigbee/Zwave controllers.

The other aspect is do you want dedicated pixels to provide Warm and cool white light. Simply put if you don't have dedicated warm and cool white pixels some strips really struggle to produce white light. They end up trying to produce the Color temp by mixing the RGB in ways to make it which often isn't great. Your best bet for white lights is to get a strip that has the white color built in. This means to look for a strip that has either a W or WW at the end of the strip type identifier. Contrary to what some say WW does not mean Warm white it is actually a Cool white pixel. The first W generally represents a Warm white pixel is included as that is harder to reproduce without. The second W is for Cool white and isn't as important but can be good if you use that color temp a lot. Sometimes these white pixels are not called out though so research is good to do.

The power supply is simply a result of the strip you choose. Simply put once you pick your strip you need to do some math for the power requirements. The strip should tell you want voltage it runs at and then how much amps it will use at max. Then take that number and do the math to figure the size in amps of the power supply to use at most 80% of it's rated capacity and get that. So as an example, if the strip says it will use 12v at 1.5 amp max for the strip then i would get a 12v 2amp power supply. It doesn't really hurt to go larger if you want, it will just cost more money.

The controller is a interesting thing. Prebuilt controllers can be pricey unfortunately. When i was looking at this a while ago and got my Gledopto kit i use in my pantry, most of the cost was the controller and not the strip itself. LED strips don't actually cost that much. For that reason, I don't even think I would consider a nonaddressable setup now. I do think they have gotten a little bit better in price though. There aren't many options either for Zigbee, Zwave. I only know of a few. Things look very interesting with WLED and pixelblaze now, i just haven't tried them yet. It looks like it should be very simple though to simply load them on a ESP32 and control any strip. If you don't use color and just a single-Color temp strip you can probably even get away with just a smart outlet controller.

Prebuilt systems like lifix, hue, Govee, ect are great options because you are guaranteed it will work . Govee has in the past tended to be less costly when the focus was primarily being a alternatives to the big names, but now they also have some very unique options. They sell a prebuilt strip in a diffuser that can fit in corners for walls and ceilings. They have prebuilt diffuser options to help with that for placement in certain areas like baseboards. and allot more. Govee has really come into their own. Many of their products support a LAN API so that is a way to avoid their cloud, and allot of the new devices are also supporting Matter so that is another way to keep it local.

I actually think this is less of problem then you might initially think. Especially when Hubitat is involved. Simply put all of their devices support Bluetooth so even if the cloud goes out they will likely work fine with that, and if the devices support LAN API or Matter then Hubitat can control it without the cloud.

This is certainly true for some devices, but not all. I have had one Govee Device fail on me completely It was a Lyra Lamp. They just sent me a replacement so i got to take it apart and look at the inner workings. The wires going into the strip are interesting. and not your typical 3 wires for RGBIC. I haven't dug into more, but quickly moved on to something else. That said i did see a youtube video where their desk strip LED was converted to wled. Looked pretty easy actually as it does use the typical 3 wire + - Data setup

COB LED strips (Chip on Board) are an advanced lighting technology known for their high brightness, uniform light output, and long lifespan. This article will delve into the construction, applications, installation methods, and differences between COB LED strips and traditional LED strips, helping you fully understand this modern lighting solution.

1. What is a COB LED strip?

COB LED strip lights are a type of strip light that integrates multiple LED chips. Unlike traditional SMD LED strips, COB strips form a single, cohesive light source by mounting multiple LED chips directly onto the substrate. This design increases light density, resulting in more uniform and softer light output.

2. Uses of COB Strips

COB strips find extensive application across various settings, including:

• Home Lighting

Enhancing kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms.

• Commercial Lighting

Illuminating stores, restaurants, and offices.

• Display Case Lighting

Showcasing products with high-quality illumination.

• Background Wall Lighting

Creating ambiance and decoration in diverse spaces.

Their versatility makes COB LED strips a preferred choice for both residential and commercial lighting needs.

Through the multitude of applications in various settings, it's clear that COB LED strips generally emit warm, yellowish light. So, why do COB LEDs appear yellow? 

2. Why Are COB LEDs Yellow?

The yellow appearance of COB LEDs when unpowered is due to the color of the encapsulation gel and phosphor. This unique characteristic is inherent to their design and does not impact performance. is an integral part of COB LEDs. It ensures consistent, warm-toned light output across various applications, making them a preferred choice for creating inviting and comfortable environments.

To fully understand why COB LEDs exhibit this characteristic and their superior performance, let's delve into what makes up a COB strip.

For more information, please visit wholesale LED strip lights.

3. What’s inside a COB strip?

COB LED strips consist of the following components:

Substrate

Usually made of aluminum, which helps with heat dissipation.

LED Chips

Multiple small LED chips are arranged closely together.

Phosphor

Coating the LED chips to adjust the light color.

Encapsulation Gel

Protects the LED chips and further assists with heat dissipation.

This structural design gives COB LED strips significant advantages in terms of brightness and uniformity. The lowest brightness COB strip on the market is about 500 lumens per meter, suitable for low-brightness environments like decorative lighting. In contrast, high-brightness COB strips can reach lumens per meter, ideal for areas requiring high-intensity lighting.

Understanding the components of COB strips is crucial, but to fully appreciate their capabilities, it's important to delve deeper into how the strategic positioning of these LED chips enhances their performance and ensures a superior light output

4. Positioning of LED Chips in COB Strips

In COB strips, the LED chips are evenly distributed across the entire substrate. This design eliminates the common issue of light spots in traditional LED strips, resulting in smoother and more even light output. This uniform light is particularly important for high-quality lighting applications, such as photography lighting and high-end interior lighting. The unparalleled uniform light source makes COB strips the preferred choice in these professional fields.

With an understanding of how COB strips achieve their seamless light distribution, it's equally important to consider how to power these strips effectively to maintain their performance.

5. 12V COB LED Strips & Best Power Supply Methods

Understanding the importance of choosing the right power supply is crucial for ensuring the optimal performance of your COB LED strips. Among the various options available, 12V COB LED strips stand out as a popular low-voltage lighting solution. They offer easy installation and high safety, connecting directly to a 12V power source without the need for additional drivers. This makes them suitable for various applications such as automotive lighting, marine lighting, and outdoor camping lights.

When powering multiple COB strips, it's essential to select the appropriate power supply to maintain their performance and longevity. A high-power LED power supply is recommended, with each strip having an independent power connection. Parallel connection is the most effective method as it avoids voltage drop issues that can cause uneven brightness. For instance, if each COB strip has a power rating of 10W and you have five strips, the total power requirement would be 50W. Choosing at least a 60W power supply ensures stability and reliable operation. This method extends the lifespan of your strips, making your lighting design more durable and efficient.

With a reliable power supply in place, you can then explore more creative ways to install these strips, such as bending them to fit specific design requirements.

Once you have a reliable power supply in place, you might want to explore more creative ways to install these strips, such as bending them to fit specific design requirements.

6. How to Bend COB Strips to 90 Degrees

COB strips have a certain level of flexibility, but care must be taken when bending to avoid damaging the LED chips. There are two common methods to achieve a 90-degree bend:

Using Specialized Connectors: There are connectors on the market designed for connecting and bending strips, which can help achieve a 90-degree turn. These connectors are cleverly designed, easy to use, and ideal tools for complex lighting designs.

Cutting and Reconnecting: Cut the strip to the required length and reconnect it using soldering or specialized connectors. Although this method requires some skill and tools, it allows for more flexible lighting layouts to meet diverse design needs.

With these techniques, you can create versatile and unique lighting setups. One popular application of COB strips is in ceiling installations, which can transform the ambiance of any room.

7. How Effective Are COB Strips Installed on Ceilings?

Ceiling lighting design is always a focal point, and COB strips installed on ceilings are a popular choice among them. COB strips not only feature high brightness and uniform light output but also bring a new visual experience to indoor environments.

Installing COB strips on ceilings can provide extremely uniform lighting effects. The high light density and even light output result in smoother light distribution, reducing shadows and hot spots. This soft ambient light enhances the overall lighting quality and creates a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Imagine a warm evening when you are lying on the sofa, and COB strips installed on the ceiling emit soft light that fills the entire room without any glaring spots or shadows, only tranquility, and comfort. This lighting effect not only beautifies your home environment but also adds a sense of ease and joy to your daily life.

The uniform light effect and high brightness of COB strips make them highly praised for ceiling installations. Whether used in residential spaces like living rooms and bedrooms or commercial spaces like offices and meeting rooms, COB strips provide excellent lighting effects, illuminating every corner with brilliance. This unmatched lighting experience allows every user to feel the beauty that technology brings to life.

8. Do COB LED Strips Need Diffusers and Are They Waterproof?

As we've seen, the versatility of COB strips extends beyond mere aesthetics, making them a top choice for both residential and commercial applications. However, certain accessories and modifications can be beneficial to further enhance their performance.

Although COB strips have very uniform light output, using a diffuser can further soften the light, eliminating any potential hot spots and enhancing light quality. For high-quality lighting applications, such as display case lighting and home theaters, LED channel diffusers are highly recommended. They ensure that the light is distributed evenly and smoothly, providing a superior visual experience.

9. COB LED Strip Lifespan

Another critical aspect to consider when choosing COB LED strips is their lifespan. The typical lifespan of COB LED strips ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 hours. Key factors affecting lifespan include the usage environment and heat dissipation conditions. High-quality COB strips, with good heat dissipation and proper usage, can last even beyond 50,000 hours. This means that if used for 8 hours a day, they can last nearly 17 years. Such longevity makes them an excellent investment for both residential and commercial lighting needs.

Conclusion

COB LED strips, with their efficient, uniform lighting effect and long lifespan, have become a popular choice in modern lighting design. Whether for home renovation or commercial applications, COB strips offer excellent light output and durability. If you're looking for high-quality LED strips, consider COB LED strips. I hope this article has helped you better understand COB LED strips. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact me!

References

• How to Install LED Strip Lights: A Step-by-Step Guide