COB LEDs: what are they and when should you use them?

Do you want to highlight a corner of the room? LED strips are famous for their ability to frame spaces and follow specific shapes, to give them a special prominence. In fact, when used correctly, they can completely transform a space to create very attractive effects. 

With competitive price and timely delivery, Getian sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

 

However, there are some cases where conventional LED strips do not achieve the desired effect, as the points that make up the strip can be seen on a surface where it is reflected, even if a diffuser is used. For these cases, COB LED strips are an ideal option.

 

                                                        Project: MYCSA | Interior design: EMMME STUDIO | Photographer: Lupe Clemente

What is COB LED strip

A COB LED strip is very similar to the classic strip, but has one crucial difference: it is made up of many small chips. 

 

In fact, "COB" stands for Chip On Board, meaning that it has several chips built into the strip. They are usually LED lights grouped together and coated in yellow phosphor, in order to give this feeling of uniformity without the "seams" of the different light sources being visible. 

 

Main advantages and disadvantages of COB LED strips

In which cases is it advisable to use COB LED strips? Similar to LED strips, this format allows to have a continuous light and an enveloping aesthetic in the space where it is used. 

 

There are occasions when we want to illuminate a surface where the light is reflected. If we choose a conventional LED strip, we will see the points that are marked on the strip. To avoid this irregularity and to achieve a uniform space, it is advisable to use COB LED strips, in which these dots are not detected.

 

 

 

Another advantage of COB LED strips is that they can simultaneously reduce consumption by approximately 30-40%, or with the same consumption they can achieve a luminous contribution of more than 30%. 

 

In addition, one of the main advantages of continuous light is that it can be used more frequently with a transparent diffuser. Standard LED strips, on the other hand, are usually used with opal diffusers to avoid marking spots. 

 

In summary, these are the main differences compared to other types of light: 

 

• LED continuous line.

• They usually have a lower consumption and higher light contribution.

• Their useful life is longer.

• They are more environmentally friendly, as they do not contain mercury. 

• Can be used more frequently with a transparent diffuser.

 

On the other hand, its main disadvantage is that as it is made up of more chips per metre, its cost tends to be higher. It is up to you to decide whether you want to achieve a totally enveloping ambience, in case you work with reflective surfaces. 

 

Frequently asked questions about COB LED strips

 

At this point, we are sure that you have some questions related to COB LED strips, to finish evaluating if it is the best option for your project. Let's answer them!

 

Which is better, the LED strip with or without COB?

 

The answer will depend on the final aesthetic result you want to achieve: with COB LED strips, you will achieve a wraparound effect without the points of light being visible (ideal if you are working with reflective surfaces).

 

However, whatever you decide, you will need to check the quality of the material, as there are LED strips of all kinds. If you opt for a lower quality strip, you run the risk of it breaking when it has to be twisted to fit the space.

 

How can I tell if a COB LED strip is of good quality?

 

You should look at three main characteristics: 

• The thickness of the strip. It should be at least two layers, and preferably three. This is because you can be sure that it will have more copper, and that it will not overheat.

• On the tape. To make sure that it will be well secured and that it will not break on impact, you should check that the tape is of a recognised brand and quality.

• The quality of the chips. They should also be encapsulated in good condition.

 

 

 

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How much power does a COB LED strip consume?

 

To find out how much power it consumes, you should look at its power. The fact that it is COB will have no impact on its consumption.

 

How can I install it?

 

COB LED strips are usually more delicate, as they contain a large number of chips. For this reason, we recommend that you have them installed by a qualified professional who is used to handling them with care.

 

What is the lifetime of COB LED strips?

 

Again, it will depend on the quality of the strip... However, remember that LED lights generally have a longer lifespan. In fact, our strips have a lifespan of over 40,000 hours (and after this period, they still maintain 80% of their brightness).

As you can see, COB LED strips are ideal for meticulous professionals who want to go for an enveloping atmosphere, without sacrificing the combination of reflective materials.

 

                            Project: Refurbishment in Valladolid | Interior design: Estudio Bespoke | Photographer: César Prados

 

At FARO Barcelona you can find various proposals to incorporate them into your project, of which we would like to highlight the tunable white COB LED strip, with which you can regulate the colour temperature and intensity. 

 

Another very interesting option, especially for leisure and commercial spaces, is the COB RGB LED, with which you can play with various colours. 

 

In this article we have gone over some of the most frequently asked questions, if you have any unanswered questions, we will be happy to help you with your choice! Please contact us.

 

In the LED strip industry, Chip-on-Board (COB) strips are prized for their high brightness and uniformity, but they also have some disadvantages that limit their use in certain contexts. Here are some of their drawbacks:

1. High Heat Production

The problem of overheating COB strips it is due to their particular structure. These strips integrate several LED chips into a small packaging module. This high density of LED chips in a limited area generates a considerable amount of heat when the LEDs are turned on. Additionally, COB strips usually use a high current to power the LED chips, further increasing heat production.

High heat production can result in an increase in the temperature of light fixtures, requiring additional cooling measures to ensure the stability and lifespan of the lights. Light equipment manufacturers often design cooling structures, such as heat sinks and fans, around COB strips to improve cooling. This need for additional cooling increases the complexity of device design and manufacturing, as well as increasing manufacturing costs.

LED light strips and health: create a comfortable lighting environment

The high level of heat generated by COB strips also raises questions about environmental safety, especially in applications where lights are left on for long periods. High temperatures can reduce the life of the LED strips and potentially create security risks. Therefore, to ensure user safety, equipment manufacturers often implement measures such as installing temperature control devices, further increasing production costs.

2. High costs

COB strips have higher production costs for two main reasons. First, their production requires more precise manufacturing processes and additional materials than traditional LED strips. The technical complexity of COB strips requires more accurate manufacturing processes, increasing production costs. Furthermore, COB strips integrate a large number of LED chips, which are high-performance components with inherently high manufacturing costs.

These higher costs make COB strips more expensive than traditional SMD (Surface Mount Device) LED strips. Compared to conventional SMD LED strips, COB strips appear significantly more expensive. This can pose a challenge for consumers on a budget and for some cost-sensitive commercial projects.

COB strips also have a relatively low competitive position in the market due to their high costs. In industries such as large-scale home and commercial lighting, cost is often a key factor in product selection by businesses and consumers. Therefore, although COB strips offer high brightness and uniformity, their higher price limits their market share. This drives manufacturers to constantly look for ways to reduce production costs while improving product quality. This challenge requires continuous efforts in technological research and production management.

Furthermore, due to the higher costs of COB strips, some cheaper and price-sensitive market sectors often prefer traditional LED strips or other light sources. This further limits the application of COB strips in these areas.

Heat dissipation performance of LED strip lights

3. Bulky dimensions

The format of the COB makes it difficult to use in some smaller lighting applications. For example, in automotive applications, space is often limited and requires more compact light sources to accommodate complex lighting structures. Due to the size of COB strips, it is difficult to meet these miniaturization requirements. Likewise, in applications such as outdoor advertising signs, signal lights and decorative lighting, where particular aesthetic and size designs are required, COB strips may not be suitable, impacting their market share and application diversification.

Additionally, the larger size of COB strips limits their installation flexibility in specific scenarios. In complex lighting designs that require installation in tight spaces, curves or particular shapes, the bulky dimensions of COB strips can complicate installation and, in some cases, not meet design requirements. In contrast, smaller LED strips can be cut and bent more easily to fit a variety of custom configurations, thus increasing their popularity in the DIY project market.

Can it be Appropriate to Use COB LED Strips in a Bedroom?

Considering the disadvantages of COB LED strips mentioned in the previous article, especially in bedroom lighting application, one can

Although COB LED strips offer advantages such as high brightness and uniformity, they are not necessarily the best choice for bedroom light strips. light strip for bedroom the best choice.
Here because:

the following conclusion:

While COB LED strips have advantages such as high brightness and uniformity, they are not necessarily the best choice for lighting a bedroom or similar space. Here are the reasons:

1. Problems with Light Temperature: Bedrooms require a soft and comfortable lighting atmosphere. COB LED strips, due to their high power density, could produce a high light temperature. This could cause eye discomfort and discomfort, affecting the quality of your sleep.

2. Security Issues: Due to the high power density of COB LED strips, prolonged use can generate significant amounts of heat, increasing the risk of electrical accidents and fires. In bedrooms, where safety is paramount, it is better to opt for products with a lower power density which are safer and more reliable.

3. Color Reproduction Issues: Correct color reproduction is essential in bedrooms, especially when carrying out tasks such as applying makeup or selecting clothing. COB LED strips may have color distortion or non-uniformity issues due to light sources and optical design, which may adversely affect the viewing experience.

Accordingly, for bedroom lighting, it is advisable to opt for LED strips with a lower power density, good color reproduction and a high level of safety. These products often offer softer and more comfortable lighting, while ensuring safety and accuracy in color reproduction, thus helping to create a welcoming and comfortable environment in the bedroom. When choosing LED strips, it is always advisable to consider personal needs, the characteristics of the space and safety requirements, thus choosing the LED strips best suited to your needs.

In conclusion, the larger size of COB strips limits their application in smaller lighting products and in certain situations. Although COB strips offer high brightness and uniformity, their size is an obstacle that prevents them from meeting some specific needs. However, as technology advances, it is likely that the size issue of COB strips will be resolved, thus opening up new possibilities for their application in a wider range of contexts.

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