An LED is a tiny semiconductor light source. Electricity passing through it creates light. LEDs are known for: Compact size Energy efficiency Long lifespan (compared to traditional bulbs) Variety of colors (red, green, blue, yellow, white, etc.) Low heat generation Durability

Lumens (lm) measure a light source’s brightness or light output. It’s a standardized way to compare brightness across different light sources. Unlike watts (measuring power consumption), lumens focus on the visible light a source emits. When choosing LED strips, lumens are a key factor. Consider lumens per foot for the best comparison.

AC (Alternating Current) is the most common type of electricity. It frequently changes direction and is used in homes, industries, and powered by alternators. Common AC voltage is 120V in the US and higher in Europe. AC allows long-distance transmission and voltage transformation for powering appliances and motors.

DC (Direct Current) is used in most LED strips. It requires a transformer or battery to convert AC to a lower voltage (typically 12V-24V) for safe LED operation. DC flows consistently in one direction (from batteries or solar cells) and offers stability for electronics and automotive systems. DC is less efficient for long-distance transmission due to higher energy losses.

Watts per foot is a unit measuring the power consumption or energy usage of an LED strip light. It indicates the amount of electrical power a light source uses per linear foot. For example, a 3-watt-per-foot LED strip consumes 3 watts of electricity per foot of length when lit. This measurement helps determine energy efficiency and estimate operating costs.

Lumens per foot measures the amount of light output emitted by an LED strip light per linear foot. The higher the lumens per foot, the brighter the light emitted. This measurement helps you understand how much light output to expect and choose the best LED strip for your needs.

CRI (Color Rendering Index) is a numerical value (0-100) indicating how accurately a light source renders colors compared to a reference source. Higher CRI means better color rendering. CRI is important because it affects how colors appear under the light. High CRI means colors look vibrant and natural, while low CRI can make colors appear dull or distorted. Accurate color rendering is crucial in art galleries, retail stores, and photography studios.

Color temperature (measured in Kelvin – K) refers to the perceived warmth or coolness of light. Lower color temperatures (2700K-3500K) produce warm, yellowish light for a cozy ambiance. Higher color temperatures (5000K-6500K) create cool, bluish-white light similar to daylight. Color temperature impacts mood and space functionality. Warm light is ideal for homes and hospitality settings, while cool light works well in offices and retail environments. Choose the color temperature that best suits your needs.