24V Outdoor LED Strips

24V Outdoor LED Strips

24V outdoor LED strips are the answer when the light has to share space with people: the skirting of a terrace, the edge of a porch or the perimeter of a pool. Working on low DC voltage, 24V LED strips for outdoors keep the electrical risk far below that of an installation connected to the mains and, on top of that, they can be dimmed: plenty of light when you need it and soft ambient light for the rest of the night.

Why 24V and not 220V when the strip is within reach

The underlying difference is the voltage running through the profile. A 24V strip works at low voltage, so accidental contact or irrigation water reaching a joint is not the same situation as a circuit at mains voltage. That is why it is the natural choice in walkways, garden furniture, pool edges and anywhere within arm's reach. The second reason is control: 24V accepts dimmers and controllers, so you can set the light level.

What power supply you need

A 24V strip does not plug straight in: it needs a power supply that converts mains voltage into 24V DC. Two things matter. First, that its output covers the total consumption of the metres you are installing, with some margin so it is not working at its limit. Second, the one most often overlooked: if the power supply is out in the open, it has to be suitable for outdoor use with its own IP rating; if it is an indoor unit, it has to go in a watertight box or in a covered space. Choose the strip's IP rating according to exposure too: IP65 withstands water jets and is the minimum under direct rain, IP67 takes temporary immersion and IP68 permanent immersion.

Voltage drop: the detail that decides the result

At low voltage, the current loses strength as it travels along the strip and the far end looks duller than the start. It is called voltage drop and it is easily solved if you plan for it before sticking anything down: feed from both ends, split the route into sections with their own supply, or run a cable of adequate cross-section to the midpoint. Respect the maximum length stated by the manufacturer.

COB or SMD: two ways of seeing the light

The 24V COB outdoor LED strip spreads the diodes into a continuous line, with no visible dots: it is the choice when the strip is seen up close, in a wall joint, a step or the edge of a pergola. The 24V SMD outdoor LED strip uses individual chips and does show the dots, an effect that works well in indirect light and facade washes. In both cases, the aluminium profile dissipates the heat and extends the life of the LED, and sealing ends and joints with caps and silicone is what keeps the IP rating.

At FactorLED you will find 24V outdoor LED strips in COB and SMD, with the IP ratings, power supplies and profiles to get the installation finished. If you are unsure about the metres or the wattage, write to us and we will help.

Frequently asked questions about 24V outdoor LED strips

Can a 24V LED strip be installed out in the open?

Yes, as long as its IP rating matches the exposure. Under direct rain, IP65 is the minimum; for temporary immersion you need IP67 and, for permanent immersion, IP68.

Do I need a power supply?

Yes. It works on 24V DC, so a power supply is required. If it sits outdoors, it has to be rated for outdoor use or protected in a watertight box.

Why is the end of my strip dimmer?

That is voltage drop, common on long runs. It is corrected by feeding from both ends, splitting the installation into sections or using a larger cable cross-section.

Can I dim a 24V strip?

Yes, it is one of its big advantages. With a compatible dimmer or controller you set the light level and create the right mood for the time of day.