LED Strip Lights Guide: 12V and 24V Strips, SMD 2835 and 5050 Types, Density and Lumens Per Metre, Warm, Neutral and RGB Colours, Drivers and Dimmers, Cove and Under-Cabinet Use, Indicative Rates and Installation in Pakistan
LED strip lights are flexible strips with small LEDs, used for cove lighting, under-cabinet lights, shelves, stairs and decorative effects. Quality varies hugely, so brightness, voltage and drivers deserve attention. Prices run from about PKR 300 to PKR 1,500 per metre. This page covers 12V and 24V strips, SMD 2835 and 5050 types, density and lumens per metre, warm, neutral and RGB colours, drivers and dimmers, cove and under-cabinet use, rates and installation. For related pages see under-cabinet lights, rope lights and false ceiling designs.
12V and 24V strips
12V strips are common and easy to find, while 24V strips allow longer runs with less voltage drop and are better for long coves. Never connect a strip to the wrong voltage. Use a driver that matches the voltage and power.
SMD types, density and lumens
SMD 2835 strips are efficient and common, 5050 strips are bigger and used for RGB. Density of 60, 120 or 240 LEDs per metre changes brightness and smoothness: more LEDs give brighter, more even light. Typical lumens per metre run from about 400 to 1,600.
Indicative rates
These ranges show common retail figures per metre.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Basic 12V strip, 60 LEDs/m | PKR 300 - 600 |
| High-density 120 or 240 LEDs/m | PKR 600 - 1,500 |
| RGB strip with controller | PKR 500 - 1,800 |
| Driver, 12V or 24V | PKR 400 - 2,500 |
| Aluminium channel, per metre | PKR 200 - 800 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Warm, neutral and RGB colours
Use warm white 2700 to 3000 K for living rooms and bedrooms, neutral 4000 K for kitchens and workspaces and RGB for effects. Pick strips with good colour rendering and consistent batches.
Drivers and dimmers
Choose a quality constant-voltage driver with a margin of 20 percent above the strip's power, and a compatible dimmer or controller. Cheap drivers flicker and overheat. Keep drivers ventilated and accessible.
Cove and under-cabinet use
In coves, leave 10 to 15 cm between the strip and the ceiling and use diffusers or channels to avoid visible dots. Under cabinets, set strips toward the front edge. See under-cabinet lights.
Installation
Clean surfaces, stick strips in straight lines and solder or connect cuts at marked points. Do not exceed maximum run lengths for the voltage. Wiring and installation should be done by a qualified electrician, with power switched off at the breaker and the circuit rating checked first.
Before you decide
Check voltage, density and driver quality, and use channels with diffusers in coves. Ask the seller for the box specification, lumens and warranty in writing and test a sample before buying the full quantity. Compare at least two quotes on the same model and specification, check the wattage, lumens, colour temperature and warranty on the box, keep the invoice and test the product before paying in full. Ask the seller about the return policy for faulty items and whether spare parts or replacement bulbs are available, and photograph the packaging on delivery. Prices change with exchange rates and stock, so confirm the current figure before you decide, and be careful with very low prices on unbranded products with exaggerated wattage claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flexible strips with small LEDs used for cove and decorative lighting. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
Indicative retail rates run from about PKR 300 to 1,500 per metre depending on density and quality. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
24V for long runs and 12V for short ones. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Use high-density strips, diffusers and enough distance. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
20 percent above the strip's total power. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Message us on WhatsApp with what you need and where it will be used. We check what we can supply and send a written rate showing the model, quantity, warranty and delivery, so you can judge it against other offers. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Choosing LED strips?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.