When working on lighting projects, the first question many clients ask is, "What widths do COB LED strips come in?" The second question is usually, "What is the actual difference between 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm versions?" While a difference of just a few millimeters might seem minor, it significantly impacts installation space, brightness, heat dissipation, and the maximum length of a continuous run. This article breaks down these three common widths to help you make the right choice from the start.
What does the width of an LED strip actually affect?
The width of a COB LED strip refers to the width of its flexible printed circuit (FPC) board. This dimension directly determines four key factors:
Installation fit: The width must be smaller than the internal width of the mounting channel or aluminum profile; otherwise, it won't fit.
Power capacity: A wider board provides more space for copper traces and LED chips, typically allowing for higher wattage per meter.
Heat dissipation: A wider board offers a larger surface area for heat to escape, ensuring greater stability during prolonged use.
Current capacity and voltage drop: Wider copper traces generally have lower electrical resistance, which minimizes brightness loss (voltage drop) toward the end of a long run.
Wider isn't necessarily better-the ideal choice depends on your specific installation space and brightness requirements.
5mm COB LED strips: Designed for tight spaces
At 5mm, this is a common ultra-narrow specification, perfect for applications where a "hidden" or discreet lighting effect is desired.
Advantages:
Compact size: Fits into extremely narrow gaps, slim frames, or slender aluminum profiles.
High flexibility: Easier to bend around corners or follow curved paths, making it ideal for unconventional shapes.
Lower cost and lower power consumption per meter.
Limitations:
Lower wattage per meter (typically 5–8W/m, depending on LED density and manufacturer design).
Limited brightness; generally not suitable as a primary light source.
Narrower copper traces lead to more noticeable voltage drop over long distances-choosing a 24V version is highly recommended.
Typical applications: Glass partitions, slim-frame outlines, display cases, scale models, the undersides of cabinet shelves, and small decorative trim.
8mm COB LED Strip: The Versatile "All-Rounder"
The 8mm variant is one of the highest-volume specifications on the market and the go-to recommendation for new clients.
Pros:
Compatible with the widest range of accessories-such as aluminum profiles, diffusers, and mounting clips-so finding the right hardware is never an issue.
Offers a well-balanced ratio of brightness to power consumption (typically 8–12W/m).
Strikes an ideal balance between flexibility and stability, making it suitable for most residential and commercial projects.
Limitations:
Occupies a "middle ground"-it may be too wide for ultra-narrow channels, yet not quite bright enough for high-output requirements.
Typical Applications: Recessed ceiling coves, lighting for wardrobes and wine cabinets, wall-washing for feature walls, stair treads, and indirect lighting in homes or hotels.
10mm COB LED Strip: Prioritizing Brightness and Stability
The 10mm variant is a "heavy-duty" option, designed for projects that demand higher brightness and more stable performance.
Pros:
Higher power output per meter (typically 10–15W/m) results in greater brightness.
The larger PCB surface area allows for better heat dissipation, reducing the risk of light degradation or color shifts during prolonged use.
Wider copper traces result in lower voltage drop, making it better suited for longer continuous runs.
Limitations:
Requires wider mounting channels, making it less discreet than narrower versions.
Has a larger minimum bending radius, making it less flexible than 5mm strips when creating tight curves.
Higher power consumption necessitates a power supply with a larger capacity.
Typical Applications: Linear lighting in commercial spaces, large-scale ceiling coves, showroom and retail shelving, or any scenario requiring high brightness or long-duration operation.
How to Choose Based on Application
For ultra-narrow spaces where only a thin line of light is needed → Choose 5mm.
For general residential, hotel, or decorative use-or if you're unsure which to pick → Choose 8mm.
For projects requiring higher brightness, long-duration operation, or long continuous runs → Choose 10mm.
For applications requiring frequent turns, curves, or irregular shapes → 5mm is the preferred choice, followed by 8mm.
For primary lighting or scenarios requiring higher illuminance → 10mm is the preferred choice; double-row configurations can be used if necessary.
Often-Overlooked Details in Selection
Measure the channel first, then select the strip. The width of the LED strip should be slightly narrower than the channel to allow for some clearance-remember that the diffuser cover and mounting adhesive also take up space.
Don't focus solely on width; consider voltage as well. Strips of the same width may come in both 12V and 24V versions. For long-distance runs, 24V is superior as it experiences less voltage drop.
Build in a power supply buffer. Calculate the total power load and then add a margin of approximately 20% to the power supply capacity to avoid running it at full load for extended periods.
Verify both luminous efficacy and color temperature. Even among 8mm strips, LED density and light output can vary between manufacturers; it is best to request samples for comparison before placing an order.
Don't overlook heat dissipation. Especially for 10mm high-power strips, mounting them within an aluminum channel will significantly improve both their lifespan and color stability.
Summary
5mm: The narrowest and most flexible option; ideal for space-constrained areas and decorative detailing, though it offers lower brightness and power.
8mm: The most balanced option with the widest range of available accessories; a reliable choice for most projects.
10mm: Offers higher brightness, better heat dissipation, and lower voltage drop; suitable for primary lighting and long-duration operation, though it requires more installation space.
The selection process is straightforward: assess the available installation space, determine the required brightness, and finally, consider the length of the wiring run and heat dissipation conditions.
Need help with selection? Contact us.
If you are still unsure which width is right for your project-or if you would like to learn more about specific technical requirements such as voltage, color temperature, LED density, or IP ratings-please feel free to leave a message or send an inquiry. Tell us about your installation environment and intended use, and our team will recommend the most suitable model. We can also provide samples for you to test in your actual space.
Our address
No. 5-3 Niujiao Road, Yanchuan Community, Yanluo Subdistrict, Bao'an District, Shenzhen
bwzm18@ledbenweilighting.com
