Do cob light strips need a transformer?

Low-voltage COB light strips [12V/24V] require a transformer, while high-voltage COB light strips [220V] do not require a transformer.

COB (Chip-on-Board) light strip is a lighting device that integrates multiple LED chips. Multiple LED chips are usually integrated on the lamp beads to form a continuous light source that emits uniform and soft light. For COB light strips, whether a transformer is needed depends on the match between its operating voltage and supply voltage.

low voltage light strip

Here are some common scenarios:

AC power supply
This is our most common power supply method because our national grid uses 220V AC power supply instead of the low-voltage DC (such as 12V or 24V) required by common low-voltage light strips. Therefore, we need to use a transformer to convert the AC power to required operating voltage.

Low voltage DC power supply
If the operating voltage of the COB light strip is the same as the supply voltage, and both are low voltage DC (such as 12 volts or 24 volts), then no additional transformer is required. Can be powered directly using an adapter or power supply.

High voltage DC power supply
If the operating voltage of the COB light strip is high-voltage DC (such as 36 volts or 48 volts), and the supply voltage is low-voltage DC (such as 12 volts or 24 volts), then a transformer is needed to increase the supply voltage to the level required by the COB light strip. working voltage

High voltage light strip

Therefore, for COB light strips, whether a transformer is needed depends on the match between its operating voltage and supply voltage. If the operating voltage is the same as the supply voltage, no transformer is required. But if the operating voltage does not match the supply voltage, especially in the case of high voltage or AC power supply, a transformer is required to adjust the voltage.