LED Tape Lights: the bigger Qty of LED chips, the more brightness?

A quick answer: No, some LED tape lights have less qty of LED chips, but they can be more bright.

The brightness of LED tape lights, also known as flexible LED strip lights, is a primary consideration for consumers during the purchase process. However, there is a prevalent misconception that the brightness of these lights is solely determined by the quantity of LED chips integrated into the strip.

Why it’s wrong? Let me explain to you as follows:

The brightness of LED tape lights hinges on two crucial factors: the quantity of LED chips and the average brightness emitted by each individual chip. This relationship can be encapsulated by the following formula:

I would like to share more about the subject of the average brightness of a single LED chip, which is influenced by the following factors:

1. Its Lumen and Lumen efficiency

Take 0.2 watt 2835 LED chip as an example. Some can only offer 23 Lumen, some can offer 35~40 Lumen. Of course, the price difference is also very big between high-lumen LED chips and low-lumen LED chips.

2. The current

The current should be at a suitable level, not too low but also not exceed its limitation, so it can work out the highest lumen(brightness)

3. The quality of the PCB

This actually affects the voltage drop a lot, so it affects the lumen as well. This is also another key factor affecting the material cost. If the PCB uses thick cooper, its voltage drop will be less and the lumen drop will also be less.

Given the factors outlined above, if a manufacturer utilizes identical LED chips, each with the same average brightness, combined with the same Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to produce various types of LED tape lights, the same current, then an increase in the quantity of LED chips will correspondingly enhance the total brightness of the LED Tape Lights.

However, when comparing LED tape lights from Brand A with those from Brand B, it’s unwise to gauge brightness solely by comparing the quantity of LED chips. This is because the two brands may utilize different LED chips or Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). A more accurate assessment would involve obtaining samples from both brands, operating them simultaneously, and making a direct comparison of their emitted brightness.

In conclusion, I would like to underscore a few more key considerations regarding the brightness of LED tape lights:

1. Suitable Brightness.

It is unnecessary to procure the highest brightness LED tape lights or any other LED lights. Instead, select those with a brightness level that is suitable for your specific requirements.

2. Lumen Reduction.

Some LED tape lights may appear to have high brightness due to their intense glare. However, upon examination with professional instruments, their actual lumen output may be lower.

3. Temperature effects

Certain LED tape lights may initially seem brighter than others, but they may suffer from significant lumen depreciation due to high operating temperatures. Consequently, over a period of several months, these lights may become noticeably dimmer.