An LED light is a type of light source, while strip lights are a specific form factor that often uses LEDs as its light source, but can use other technologies as well. Essentially, not all strip lights are LED lights, but LED strip lights are a common and popular type of strip light.
To break it down further:
LED Lights: The Broad Category
- Definition: LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are semiconductor light sources that emit light when current flows through them.
- Variety: LEDs come in various forms: bulbs, tubes, panels, and more. They are a technology used in many different types of lighting fixtures.
- Efficiency: Known for their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and relatively low heat output compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lights.
Strip Lights: The Specific Form Factor
- Definition: Strip lights (also sometimes called tape lights) are a flexible circuit board on which light sources are mounted. These are usually backed with adhesive for easy installation.
- Light Source Variability: While most modern strip lights utilize LEDs (making them LED strip lights), older versions or cheaper alternatives could use incandescent bulbs (like rope lights).
- Applications: Popular for accent lighting, under-cabinet lighting, backlighting, and decorative purposes because of their flexibility and ease of installation.
Key Differences Summarized:
| Feature | LED Lights | Strip Lights |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Broad type of lighting technology | Specific form factor/design of lighting fixture |
| Light Source | LED technology | Can be LED or other technologies (e.g., incandescent) |
| Form Factor | Various: bulbs, tubes, panels, etc. | Flexible circuit board, often with adhesive |
In Conclusion: LED lights are a type of light source, whereas strip lights are a specific design or form factor that frequently utilizes LED technology. Therefore, it's accurate to say that you can have LED strip lights, where the "strip light" describes the physical form of the lighting and "LED" specifies the type of light source used.
