Long runs of LED strip can create a clean, continuous lighting effect, but they also raise practical questions: where can the driver go, how many drivers are needed, and how can you avoid complicated cable routes?
InStyle LED’s 20m 24V COB LED strip is designed for long runs. A single 20m length can be powered from one end. For projects requiring up to 40m in total, one driver can be positioned centrally, with a 20m run connected in each direction, subject to the driver being correctly sized for the combined load.
This arrangement can be useful when driver space is limited, cable management matters or you want a long, uninterrupted line of light.
How does one driver power up to 40m?
The key is the position of the driver.
With a driver at the start or end of a run, the relevant 20m strip is powered from one end. If the installation needs up to 40m, the driver can instead be positioned in the middle. One 20m strip run connects to one side of the driver and a second 20m run connects to the other.
That gives you up to 40m of strip in total: 20m in one direction and 20m in the other. It is not the same as powering a single 40m length from one end. The two runs must be connected and supplied in accordance with the product specification and the driver’s output capacity.
This centre-fed layout can reduce the need to run power cables back to a distant end of the installation. It may also help keep the driver and wiring in a more practical location.
Why choose long-run COB LED strip?
COB stands for Chip on Board. COB LED strip uses closely spaced LEDs to create a smooth, continuous line of light, helping to avoid the visible spotting associated with some conventional LED tape.
That dotless effect can be useful where the strip is visible directly or through a shallow profile, such as in joinery, shelving, retail displays and feature lighting. The long-run COB products featured in our email campaign are available in 5W and 10W per metre versions, both using 24V and supplied in 20m lengths.
The 5W version produces 576 lumens per metre, while the 10W version produces 1,152 lumens per metre. Both have a CRI of 90+ and a 50mm cut point. The right choice depends on the brightness required and the intended application.
Choosing between 5W and 10W COB strip
The 5W version may suit projects where a lower output is appropriate, such as subtle accent lighting or a decorative line. The 10W version provides twice the output per metre and may be more suitable where a brighter effect is needed.
Brightness is only one part of the decision. Consider the distance from the light source to the illuminated surface, whether the strip will be visible, the colour temperature required and whether it will sit in an aluminium profile or another fitting. If you are unsure which product to specify, our team can help you compare the options.
You can find the 5W 24V COB LED strip, 20m long-run version and the 10W 24V COB LED strip, 20m long-run version on this website.
Driver sizing: calculate the full connected load
Although the centre-fed arrangement uses one driver, that driver still needs to be selected for the total load of both runs.
For example, 40m of 5W per metre strip has a nominal load of 200W. A 40m installation using 10W per metre strip has a nominal load of 400W. These are simple examples based on the strip’s stated wattage per metre; the final driver selection must also follow the driver manufacturer’s guidance, the product specification and the requirements of the installation.
Do not choose a driver based only on the length of one 20m run. Calculate the load for both sides together and check the driver’s voltage, output current and wattage capacity. Allow for the appropriate operating margin in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If the 5W and 10W versions are being considered for the same project, remember that the 10W strip places twice the nominal load on the driver for the same length. Ask our team for help checking the product and driver requirements before ordering.
Plan the central driver position
The driver’s position affects both the electrical layout and the finished appearance. Before installation, consider where it can be accessed, how the two strip runs will be routed and where the cables will enter the lighting profiles or fittings.
A central position may work well when the illuminated run is arranged on either side of a suitable driver location. It can also help when there is little space at the ends of a long run. The actual layout will depend on the building, the lighting design and the access available for wiring and maintenance.
Planning the driver position early can make it easier to keep cables organised and avoid unnecessary runs back to one end of the installation.
COB strip for internal and external projects
The 20m long-run COB LED strips shown in the email are available in IP20, IP65 and IP67 options. The appropriate protection rating depends on the installation environment and the product specification.
IP20 products are intended for suitable dry indoor applications. IP65 and IP67 options provide different levels of protection for installations where exposure to dust or moisture may be a consideration. An IP rating should not be treated as a complete substitute for checking the conditions of use, installation instructions and any other equipment in the system.
For external or moisture-exposed projects, confirm that the selected strip, connections, driver location and installation method are all suitable for the environment. If you are unsure which version to choose, contact our team before specifying the product.
Where can a 20m or 40m COB LED run be used?
Long-run COB strip can be considered for projects where a consistent line of light is needed across an extended area. Applications may include:
- Joinery, shelving and cabinetry
- Retail displays and shop fittings
- Signage and branded environments
- Bars, restaurants and hospitality spaces
- Architectural and feature lighting
- Long linear lighting details
- Installations where driver locations are restricted
In each case, the light output, colour temperature, strip protection and driver arrangement should be chosen to suit the project. The lighting effect will also depend on the profile, diffuser, mounting surface and surrounding finishes.
A simpler layout for long LED installations
A centrally positioned driver feeding up to 20m of COB strip in each direction can provide a practical way to power a total run of up to 40m from one driver. It can reduce the number of driver locations required and support cleaner cable management, while COB technology provides a smooth, dotless lighting effect.
The driver must be sized for the combined load, and the two runs must follow the product’s electrical and installation requirements. If your project needs a long continuous line of light, we can help you review the 5W and 10W options, protection ratings and driver considerations.
Explore our COB LED strip light range or contact us at sales@instyleled.co.uk for pricing, stock availability and technical support.
Frequently asked questions
Can one driver power 40m of COB LED strip?
With the 20m long-run 24V COB strip featured here, a suitable driver can be positioned centrally to supply one 20m run in each direction, for up to 40m in total. The driver must be sized for the combined electrical load, and the installation must follow the product specification.
Can I power a single 40m strip from one end?
The arrangement described here is different: it uses two 20m runs connected at a centrally located driver. Check the maximum run length and wiring requirements for the exact product before planning any longer continuous length.
How do I calculate the driver size?
Multiply the strip’s wattage per metre by the total length connected. For example, 40m of 5W/m strip has a nominal load of 200W; 40m of 10W/m strip has a nominal load of 400W. Then select a compatible driver that meets the manufacturer’s requirements and provides the appropriate operating margin.
What is the difference between 5W and 10W COB strip?
The 5W version produces 576 lumens per metre, while the 10W version produces 1,152 lumens per metre. The 10W version has a higher output and a higher electrical load for the same length. Choose according to the required brightness and application.
Is the long-run COB LED strip available in waterproof versions?
The products featured are listed in IP20, IP65 and IP67 options. Confirm the specification and suitability of the exact product for the conditions in which it will be installed.
