The History of Strip Lighting

In the world of lighting technologies, the journey from fluorescent strip lights to LEDs and subsequently to COB (Chip-On-Board) LEDs represents a major leap forward. This progression, filled with constant innovation, has fundamentally transformed the way we illuminate our spaces.

Before the advent of LEDs, strip lighting was predominantly implemented with fluorescent tubes. Yet, fluorescent strips, while popular, had limitations – they were bulky, less energy-efficient, and their light output decreased over time, leading to inconsistent lighting levels.

The emergence of LEDs marked a new era in strip lighting. LED strip lighting, characterised by many individual LEDs mounted on a flexible, narrow circuit board, quickly gained popularity for their versatility and improved light output. They were a leap forward, operating on low-voltage DC power, generally 12V or 24V, and were available in a range of brightness and temperature options.

However, early LED strips had a distinct ‘dotted’ light effect rather than a uniform glow. Diffusers were developed to scatter the light and create a more seamless output, but they didn’t entirely solve the heat dissipation issue, leading to the possibility of degradation over time.

LED strip lights offer flexibility in terms of voltage, brightness, and colour. At Faze Lighting, we exclusively offer 24V strip lights for their superior quality and suitability for longer lengths. In terms of colour temperature, options for warm white (around 3000K) or cool white (approximately 4000K) are usually available.

Brightness is measured in lumens per metre, with quality strip lights offering up to 1000 lumens/metre. The efficacy of the LED, reflecting the amount of lumens per watt, and the number of emitters per metre, which ensures a more consistent light, are crucial factors influencing this brightness.

Chip-On-Board (COB) LED technology significantly improved LED lighting. COB LED strips have multiple LED chips mounted directly onto a substrate to form a single module, resulting in a much higher light output per unit area and superior heat dissipation.

COB technology dramatically increased the density of LED emitters, quadrupling the density from approximately 120 emitters per metre to an impressive 480 with our Faze Fusion COB products. This technological leap provides dot-free illumination, making a substantial difference in the quality of light.

The flexible nature of strip lights allows them to be placed in non-flat or straight locations, creating custom fixtures with various profiles. Common uses include cabinetry lighting, custom lighting fixtures, and cove or mood lighting.

While LED strips come with double-sided adhesive for easy installation, for a premium finish, consider an aluminium profile housing for the strip lights, which includes a diffuser for a beautiful, consistent glow.

Building on the strengths of COB technology, Faze Lighting introduces the Fusion LED COB 480. This high-quality, flexible COB strip can be cut to your required length, ensuring precision lighting that fits your specific needs without any wastage.

At Faze Lighting, we go a step further by offering customisation services for your strip lighting. Purchase the exact length you need for your project, avoiding the need for standard 5 metre rolls. We ensure every power connection is made using heat shrink and quality solder, and each length is thoroughly tested before leaving our production facility.