Quick answer: For homes, kitchens and furniture, choose 24V LED strip. It allows longer runs without the light fading at the far end, and most Sensio strips and drivers are 24V. 12V strip is mainly for leisure vehicles such as caravans, motorhomes and boats, which run on a 12V supply. Whichever you choose, the strip and the driver must match.
LED strip comes in 12V and 24V versions, and they are not interchangeable. This guide explains the difference and which one to use.
12V vs 24V LED strip: the difference
Both convert the same power into light, but a 24V strip draws half the current of a 12V strip for the same wattage. Lower current means less voltage drop along the strip, so a 24V run stays bright for longer before the far end starts to dim. That is why Sensio designs its home and furniture lighting around 24V: Polar X, for example, runs up to 25m without the light fading.
| 24V LED strip | 12V LED strip | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, furniture and commercial projects | Caravans, motorhomes, boats and other 12V systems |
| Long runs | Better: less voltage drop, so less fade at the far end | Shorter runs before the light starts to fade |
| Power supply | A 24V LED driver from the mains | The vehicle's 12V supply |
| Sensio range | All Sensio LED strip lights with 24V drivers | 12V versions of Polar X, Polar X Pro and Primo for leisure vehicle builders |
Can you use 12V LED strip with a 24V driver?
No. The strip and the driver must have the same voltage. A 12V strip on a 24V driver will be overdriven and can fail, and a 24V strip on a 12V supply will be dim or will not light. Sensio strips for homes and furniture run at 24V, so use them with a 24V Sensio driver with the matching pin type: 2-pin for single colour, 4-pin for CCT and 6-pin for RGBCCT.
Which should you choose?
- Kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms: 24V strip from the main range, such as Polar X under cabinets or Polar X IP65 in bathrooms.
- Furniture and commercial projects: 24V strip, with our TrueFIT service to cut and solder runs to size.
- Caravans, motorhomes and boats: 12V strip from our leisure range, to match the vehicle's supply.
Size a 24V driver with what size LED driver do I need?, which has a calculator.
More videos: watch the LED strip lighting video playlist on YouTube, or see all our video guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is 12V or 24V LED strip better?
For homes and furniture, 24V is usually better because it allows longer runs without the light fading. 12V is the right choice where the supply is 12V, such as in a caravan or boat.
Are Sensio LED strip lights 12V or 24V?
Most Sensio LED strip lights run at 24V. 12V versions of Polar X, Polar X Pro and Primo are made for leisure vehicles.
Can I run 24V LED strip from a 12V battery?
No. A 24V strip needs a 24V supply. On a 12V supply it will be dim or will not light.
How long can a 24V LED strip run be?
It depends on the strip. Polar X runs up to 25m without the light fading at the far end. Check each strip's product page for its maximum run.
Not sure which you need? Contact our technical team.
