There is a wide range of LED products on the market and in modern times you’ll see a number of products utilising COB lights, but what are COB LEDs? In this blog, we’ll explain what COB LEDs are, how they differ from other LED lights and what the advantages are of these LEDs.
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What is a COB LED light?
So what are COB LEDs? Well COB means “Chip on Board” and refers to multiple LED chips being mounted onto one plate or board to create the look of one large LED. Unlike traditional LED lighting, which consists of multiple, visible individual LED bulbs, COB lighting integrates these bulbs into one cohesive unit. This allows for many benefits including efficiency, light output, and heat management.
How do COB Lights Work?
In a COB LED, multiple small LED chips are mounted closely together on a substrate, typically made from materials like aluminium due to its excellent thermal conductivity.
These chips are then covered with a phosphor coating that converts blue light emitted by the LED chips into white light. This in turn creates a high-density light source that produces a uniform and intense light output.
What are COB light strips?
A COB light strip is one of the most common uses of COB LEDs. It’s similar to a standard LED strip light but instead of standard LED chips, COB LEDs are attached to one flexible strip. Unlike standard LED strips, COB strips don’t use circuit boards to connect multiple chips. A COB LED strip is also encapsulated in phosphor and this is what creates uniform, glare-free lighting.
How are COB LEDs different from other LEDs?
There are a number of LED lights available on the market, and each one has its own set of uses and advantages.
SMDs
A Surface-Mounted Device uses multiple LED chips mounted onto a board and is most commonly used in LED strip lights and ceiling panels.
Whereas COB lights are generally brighter and therefore make better downlights or floodlights, SMD LEDs are perfect for controlling light direction. As a result, SMDs are ideal for use under kitchen cabinets or in signage applications.
DIP
DIP (Dual In-line Package) LEDs are the single-chip traditional LEDs. These are the standard LEDs you may have found yourself using in electronics class at school with two metal connecting prongs and a tiny plastic bulb with a single LED chip inside.
A DIP LED is what people traditionally imagine when we talk about LEDs. Each one of these LEDs is individually fixed onto a surface and although very iconic is less popular in the modern world.
These LEDs produce around 4 lumens which is a lot less than more powerful alternatives like SMD or COB LEDs. However, their single-use design is still extremely useful and you’ll find these LEDs in all kinds of electronics from kids' toys to television remote controls.
What are the advantages of COB LEDs?
COB LED lights offer several advantages and benefits that make them an attractive option for a variety of applications.
Luminosity
COB LEDs produce a high luminosity with a more intense, focused source of light. The brightness of these LEDs means they produce more lumens per watt, which in turn translates to a saving in energy. This not only means COB LEDs are more eco-friendly but they are also more friendly on your wallet, helping to save energy costs.
Uniform Output
The close proximity between LED chips in COB lights produces an extremely consistent lighting output. SMD LEDs only use one chip, creating the opportunity for space and inconsistencies in the lighting output, whilst COB offer strong illumination throughout, making them ideal for use in environments where even lighting is essential such as on building sites and shops.
Enhanced Heat Control
COB LEDs are designed to have better thermal management, with the LED chips being mounted directly onto a conductive plate or surface. This not only reduces the risk of overhearing but it helps to extend the life of the LEDs by reducing the risk of burning out.
Durable
COB lights are often robust in their design and their longevity means they are suitable for a range of environments and applications. You can use COB lights to provide consistent, continuous light in outdoor environments and in adverse weather conditions like wind and rain, making them perfect for use in cars and construction lighting.
Versatility
One of the main reasons COB lights are a preferred lighting choice is due to their versatile range of uses. COB lights are used in:
- Commercial lighting like ceiling lights and track lights.
- Residential and home lighting such as floodlights and downlights.
- Outdoor lighting including street lights and lamps and landscaping lights for building sites.
- Used in photography and filmmaking for an intense light source and wide-angle beam.
Light the way with Vision Lighting
Now you know the answer to “What are COB LEDs” and why they’re a great lighting option you can decide if they’re the right fit for you. Whether you own a retail business or are looking to brighten up your home COB LEDs and LED lights are a brilliant option, and there’s no better place to find the perfect lighting than Vision Lighting.
If you’re unsure of the right light for you, get in touch at info@vision-lighting.co.uk or call us on +44 01132 799745. Our staff have been in the game for over 10 years and are experts at providing the right lighting solution for any occasion. Don’t delay, get in touch today.