Everything you need to know about LED ambient lighting — from choosing the right product to installation best practices and smart home integration.
How to choose the right LED strip type, voltage, IP rating, and accessories for your specific project.
Step-by-step instructions for cutting, connecting, mounting, and powering your LED lighting setup.
Setting up the EasyLink app, pairing devices, voice assistant integration, and troubleshooting connectivity.
Understanding LED chip types, color rendering, power calculation, heat dissipation, and signal protocols.
MOQ requirements, OEM/ODM services, lead times, certifications, and white-label app customization.
Common issues and solutions for LED strips, controllers, power supplies, and app connectivity problems.
Answers to help you select the perfect product for your needs.
The two chip types serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics that make them better suited to specific applications.
SMD5050 measures 5.0mm x 5.0mm and contains three LED dies per chip. This makes it ideal for RGB color mixing applications where each die produces a different color (red, green, blue). It is brighter per chip but consumes more power (approximately 0.2W per chip). Best suited for accent lighting, color-changing installations, and applications where vivid RGB effects are the priority.
SMD2835 measures 2.8mm x 3.5mm with a single LED die per chip. It offers superior luminous efficacy (more lumens per watt), better heat dissipation due to its larger bottom contact area relative to size, and a lower profile. Best suited for task lighting, indirect cove lighting, and applications where brightness efficiency is more important than RGB color effects.
For most home decoration and accent lighting projects, we recommend SMD5050 RGB strips. For professional architectural and commercial lighting where energy efficiency is critical, SMD2835 is the preferred choice.
12V strips offer shorter cutting intervals (every 5cm / 3 LEDs), making them more flexible for installations that require precise length adjustments. They draw higher current at the same power level, which means voltage drop over long runs is more noticeable — generally limited to 5 meters maximum per continuous run without additional power injection.
24V strips have longer cutting intervals (every 10cm / 6 LEDs) but can achieve longer continuous runs of up to 10 meters with minimal voltage drop. They are more efficient for high-density or high-power installations and are the preferred choice for commercial projects and longer architectural runs.
For typical home use with runs under 5 meters, 12V is the more popular and cost-effective option. For commercial installations, architectural projects, or any run exceeding 5 meters, we recommend 24V.
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate the level of protection against dust and water:
Higher IP ratings add a silicone or PU coating that slightly reduces brightness and limits heat dissipation, so we recommend choosing the minimum IP rating necessary for your environment.
Standard RGB strips use a shared control signal for all LEDs on the strip. This means every LED displays the same color at the same time. You can change colors, create breathing effects, and cycle through the spectrum, but the entire strip always shows one uniform color.
RGBIC (RGB with Independent Control) strips feature an IC (integrated circuit) chip at each LED or group of LEDs, allowing individual segment control. This enables stunning effects like rainbow chasing, flowing water, color block segments, and custom patterns where different sections display different colors simultaneously.
RGBIC strips cannot be cut because each IC chip is addressed sequentially. Cutting would break the data chain and cause downstream LEDs to stop functioning. If you need both cutting flexibility and multi-color effects, consider our segmented RGB solution with zone controllers.
Follow this three-step calculation to determine the correct power supply:
Step 1: Find the wattage per meter of your strip (listed in the product specification). For example, a 60 LED/m SMD5050 RGB strip typically consumes 14.4W per meter.
Step 2: Multiply by the total length you plan to install. For a 5-meter run: 14.4W × 5m = 72W total load.
Step 3: Add a 20% safety margin to ensure the power supply operates comfortably below its maximum capacity: 72W × 1.2 = 86.4W. Round up to the nearest standard size — in this case, a 100W power supply would be appropriate.
Never run a power supply at full rated capacity for extended periods, as this reduces its lifespan and may cause overheating. The 20% headroom ensures cool, stable operation.
Yes, we offer sample kits for evaluation before bulk purchasing. Our standard sample kit includes a 1-meter or 2-meter LED strip sample, a compatible controller, a power adapter, a remote control, and any relevant accessories based on the solution you are evaluating.
Sample fees vary by product complexity and are typically credited against your first bulk order. Lead time for standard samples is 3-5 business days. Custom samples (specific colors, lengths, or configurations) require 7-10 business days. Please contact our sales team to arrange a sample shipment.
Practical guidance for cutting, connecting, and installing LED strips and accessories.
LED strips are designed with designated cut points marked by a scissors icon and copper solder pads. To cut safely and correctly:
The strip section remaining on the powered side will continue functioning normally. The cut-off section can be reused by soldering wires or attaching clip connectors to the exposed pads.
Proper surface preparation is essential for long-lasting adhesion. Follow these steps:
For surfaces where adhesive alone may not provide sufficient hold (rough wood, concrete, etc.), use our optional mounting clips or aluminum channel profiles for a secure, permanent installation.
Yes, but with important considerations. You can connect multiple strip segments using solder, connector clips, or extension cables. However, avoid connecting more than the maximum recommended continuous length for your strip type (typically 5m for 12V, 10m for 24V) in a single daisy chain.
For longer installations, use a technique called "parallel power injection" — run separate power cables from the power supply to each 5m or 10m segment, rather than feeding power through the strip sequentially. This eliminates voltage drop issues that cause dimming and color inconsistency at the far end of long runs.
Our engineering team can provide a wiring diagram for your specific installation layout upon request.
While most standard-density strips (30-60 LEDs/m) generate manageable heat levels and can operate safely with just the adhesive backing, aluminum channels are recommended in several scenarios:
We offer a range of aluminum profiles including surface-mount, recessed, corner, and pendant styles, each with frosted or clear diffuser covers.
The distance between the power supply and the first LED on the strip affects performance due to voltage drop in the connecting wire. As a general guideline:
For best results, keep the power supply as close to the strip as possible. If the power supply must be located far from the strip, consider using a higher-gauge wire or stepping up to 24V strips (which experience less voltage drop over distance due to lower current draw).
Get the most out of your lighting system with our app and voice assistant integration.
Setting up the EasyLink app is straightforward and takes only a few minutes:
The entire process typically completes within 60 seconds. If you encounter issues, ensure you are within 3 meters of the device during initial pairing and that no other phones are attempting to pair simultaneously.
Yes, our Wi-Fi enabled products are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. To set up voice control:
Supported voice commands include turning lights on/off, changing colors (e.g., "Alexa, set living room lights to blue"), adjusting brightness by percentage, and activating saved scenes. For brand partners using our white-label solution, we can configure the integration under your own skill name.
Yes, the EasyLink app supports grouping multiple devices for synchronized control. You can create room-based groups (e.g., "Living Room," "Bedroom") and control all devices within a group simultaneously — changing colors, brightness, and modes for the entire group with a single tap or voice command.
Additionally, you can create "scenes" that set different colors and brightness levels for each device in a group, allowing you to save and instantly recall complex multi-zone lighting setups with one action.
It depends on the product model. We offer two approaches:
App-based music sync: The app uses your phone's microphone to capture ambient audio and translates it into lighting effects in real time. This works with any audio source (TV, speakers, live music) and is available on all Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connected products.
Hardware-based music sync: Certain models include a built-in microphone on the controller. This provides lower-latency response and does not require the app to be open. The sensitivity and mode can be adjusted via the remote or app.
For the best music sync experience with minimal latency, we recommend the hardware-based approach. For casual use and maximum flexibility, the app-based method works well.
Yes. After the initial Wi-Fi pairing, your LED lighting system stores its settings locally on the controller. Basic functions — including on/off, last-used color, saved scenes, and scheduled timers — continue to work even if the internet connection is temporarily unavailable.
However, voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google) and remote access from outside your home network do require an active internet connection. Our offline voice control module (available on select models) provides voice command capability even without internet connectivity.
Understanding the technology behind our lighting solutions.
CRI (Color Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source renders the colors of objects compared to natural sunlight. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 being perfect color rendering equivalent to daylight.
For general ambient and decorative lighting, a CRI of 80+ is considered good. For applications where accurate color perception is important — such as retail displays, art galleries, makeup mirrors, and photography — a CRI of 90+ is recommended. Our standard LED strips achieve CRI 80+, with high-CRI options (CRI 95+) available upon request for professional applications.
Voltage drop is the gradual reduction in voltage along the length of an LED strip as electrical resistance in the copper traces dissipates energy as heat. The practical effect is that LEDs at the far end of a long strip appear dimmer and may show color shift compared to LEDs near the power input end.
To minimize voltage drop, you can use 24V strips instead of 12V (same power at half the current = less resistive loss), inject power from both ends of the strip, use parallel power injection at multiple points along long runs, or choose strips with wider copper traces (our 12mm PCB option offers lower resistance than 8mm).
As a rule of thumb, visible brightness difference becomes noticeable beyond 5 meters on 12V strips and 10 meters on 24V strips without supplementary power injection.
Our controller range supports multiple wireless protocols to accommodate different use cases:
Many of our premium controllers combine multiple protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + IR) in a single unit, giving end users maximum flexibility in how they interact with their lighting.
Quality LED strips are rated for 50,000 hours of operation, which translates to approximately 17 years at 8 hours per day usage, or 5.7 years at 24-hour continuous operation. However, this rating represents the L70 lifetime — the point at which brightness degrades to 70% of initial output.
Real-world lifespan depends heavily on operating conditions. Key factors include ambient temperature (cooler environments extend lifespan), driving current (operating below maximum rated current significantly extends life), heat dissipation (proper mounting and ventilation are crucial), and power supply quality (voltage spikes and ripple can damage LEDs prematurely).
To maximize the working life of your LED installation, we recommend using aluminum channels for heat dissipation, choosing a power supply with at least 20% headroom, and ensuring adequate ventilation around the installation area.
Constant Voltage (CV) drivers output a fixed voltage (e.g., 12V or 24V) and allow the connected load to draw whatever current it needs. LED strips contain built-in current-limiting resistors, so they are designed to work with constant voltage drivers. This is the standard approach for virtually all LED strip applications.
Constant Current (CC) drivers output a fixed current (e.g., 350mA, 700mA) and adjust voltage to maintain that current. These are used for LED modules and panels that do not have built-in current regulation. Connecting a constant current driver to an LED strip can damage the LEDs.
For all EasyLink LED strip products, always use a constant voltage power supply matching the strip voltage (12V or 24V DC). Using the wrong driver type can cause permanent damage to your lighting.
Information for brands and distributors looking to partner with us.
Our standard MOQ varies by product category:
We understand that new partners may need smaller initial quantities for market testing. Please contact our sales team directly to discuss flexible arrangements for first-time orders.
Lead times depend on the order type:
These timelines begin after order confirmation and any required deposits or advance payments are received. Rush production is available at additional cost for time-sensitive projects.
Our products are certified to major international standards required for sale in key markets:
We maintain up-to-date certification documentation for all products and can provide test reports upon request. For markets with specific local certification requirements, our compliance team can assist with the testing and certification process.
Absolutely. Our app development team offers multiple levels of customization:
Level 1 — Brand Skin: Your logo, color scheme, and splash screen applied to our standard app framework. Turnaround: 2-3 weeks. This is our most popular option for new brand partners.
Level 2 — Custom UI: Complete redesign of the user interface to match your brand guidelines, including custom icons, layouts, and user flow. Turnaround: 4-6 weeks.
Level 3 — Custom Features: Addition of new features such as energy monitoring dashboards, custom automation rules, integration with your existing IoT platform, or advanced scheduling capabilities. Turnaround: 6-12 weeks depending on scope.
All custom apps are published to the App Store and Google Play under your developer account, giving you full control over your brand presence. We provide ongoing app maintenance and updates as part of our service agreement.
We stand behind the quality of our products with comprehensive warranty coverage:
Our after-sales support includes technical troubleshooting via email and video call, replacement of confirmed defective units, firmware and app updates, and access to our technical documentation library. For brand partners with high volume, we offer dedicated account managers for priority support.
Quick fixes for the most frequently reported problems.
Incorrect color display usually indicates a wiring issue at the connection between the controller and the strip. RGB strips have four wires — one for each color channel (red, green, blue) plus a common positive or negative wire. If any two color wires are swapped, the displayed colors will not match the app or remote selection.
To fix this, power off the system and check the wire connections at the controller output. Match each wire to the correct labeled terminal (R, G, B, and +/- or V+). The wire colors typically follow a standard scheme, but this can vary between manufacturers, so always reference the markings on both the strip and controller rather than relying solely on wire color.
This is a classic symptom of voltage drop. When the strip is too long for the power supply to maintain consistent voltage across its entire length, the LEDs farthest from the power input receive lower voltage, resulting in reduced brightness.
Solutions include injecting power from both ends of the strip (connect wires from the power supply to both the start and end of the strip), adding power injection at the midpoint for very long runs, upgrading from 12V to 24V strips (which suffer less voltage drop at the same power level), and ensuring your power supply has adequate capacity (at least 20% above calculated load).
If the app is not discovering your device, work through these steps in order:
If the issue persists after these steps, please contact our technical support team with your device model number and phone model for further assistance.
Intermittent flickering can have several causes:
The factory reset procedure varies slightly between controller models, but the most common methods are:
Method 1 (Power Cycle Reset): Turn the controller off, wait 2 seconds, turn it on, and repeat this on-off cycle 5 times rapidly. On the fifth power-on, the strip will flash three times to confirm the reset was successful.
Method 2 (App Reset): In the EasyLink app, navigate to the device settings page, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Remove Device" or "Factory Reset." This clears the Wi-Fi configuration and returns all settings to default.
Method 3 (Physical Button): Some controllers have a small reset button (pinhole or recessed button). Press and hold this button for 5-10 seconds until the indicator light flashes to confirm the reset.
After a factory reset, you will need to re-pair the device with the app as if it were a new installation.
