AC (Alternating Current)
The type of electrical power supplied by standard wall outlets. Most LED drivers convert AC power into DC power for LED strip lights.
Aluminum Channel
A protective housing that holds LED strip lights, improves heat dissipation, and creates a cleaner, more professional installation.
Amp (A)
A unit of electrical current that measures how much electricity flows through a circuit.
Brightness
The amount of visible light produced by a light source, typically measured in lumens.
COB (Chip-on-Board)
An LED technology where multiple LED chips are mounted closely together to create smooth, dot-free illumination with excellent light uniformity.
Color Changing LED Strip
An LED strip capable of producing multiple colors using RGB, RGBW, or RGB+CCT technology.
Controller
A device used to control LED strip functions such as brightness, color, color temperature, scenes, and effects.
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)
The color appearance of white light, measured in Kelvin (K), ranging from warm white to cool white.
CRI (Color Rendering Index)
A measurement of how accurately a light source displays colors compared to natural daylight. Higher CRI values provide more natural-looking colors.
DC (Direct Current)
The low-voltage electricity used to power LED strip lights after conversion by an LED driver.
Dimmable LED Driver
A power supply that allows compatible LED lighting systems to adjust brightness using a dimmer or controller.
Dimmer
A device used to increase or decrease the brightness of LED lighting.
Dot-Free Lighting
A lighting effect where individual LED chips are not visible, commonly achieved with COB LED strips.
Driver (LED Driver)
A device that converts high-voltage AC power into low-voltage DC power suitable for LED lighting.
ETL Listed
A certification indicating that a product has been independently tested to meet North American safety standards.
Flexible LED Strip
A bendable lighting strip that can be cut to length and installed on curved or straight surfaces.
High CRI
LED lighting with a CRI of 90 or higher, providing excellent color accuracy.
IP Rating
An international rating system indicating a product's resistance to dust and water. Common ratings include IP20, IP65, and IP67.
IP20
Suitable for dry indoor environments only.
IP65
Protected against water splashes and suitable for damp indoor or covered outdoor locations.
IP67
Designed for wet and outdoor environments with protection against temporary water exposure.
Kelvin (K)
The unit used to measure color temperature. Lower values appear warmer, while higher values appear cooler.
LED Driver
The power source that safely powers low-voltage LED lighting systems.
LED Strip Light
A flexible circuit board populated with LEDs used for accent, task, decorative, and architectural lighting.
Lumen (lm)
The standard measurement of visible light output produced by a lighting fixture.
Low Voltage Lighting
Lighting systems that typically operate at 12V or 24V DC, making them safer and more energy efficient than line-voltage systems.
PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
The flexible board that supports LED chips and electrical connections within an LED strip.
Power Supply
Another common term for an LED driver, responsible for delivering the correct voltage to LED lighting.
RGB
An LED technology that mixes Red, Green, and Blue light to create millions of colors.
RGB+CCT
A five-channel LED technology that combines RGB color-changing with adjustable white light, allowing both vibrant colors and tunable white illumination.
RGBW
RGB LEDs with an additional dedicated white LED for brighter, cleaner white light.
RF Remote
A radio-frequency remote control that communicates wirelessly with an LED controller without requiring a direct line of sight.
SMD (Surface Mount Device)
A common LED package where individual LED chips are mounted directly onto the strip, often producing visible light points.
Smart LED Controller
A controller that can be operated using a mobile app, remote, or home automation system.
Tunable White
LED technology that allows users to adjust white light from warm to cool color temperatures.
Voltage (V)
The electrical pressure supplied to an LED system. Most LED strip lights operate at 12V or 24V DC.
Watt (W)
A measurement of electrical power consumption. Higher wattage generally indicates higher energy usage, but not necessarily greater brightness.
Wire Connector
An accessory used to connect LED strips without soldering for faster installation.
