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Buying guide
LED strip lights buying guide: COB or SMD, 24V or 240V and what a full kit needs
Quick answer
For most homes, choose a 24V COB strip for a smooth line of light with no dots, or a high lumen SMD strip where you need bright task light. A 24V strip needs the strip, a transformer, a controller and remote, and an aluminium channel. Greenhse strip lights were $17.60 to $22.00 inc GST per metre on 13 November 2026, and the kit builder on each product page lists every part for your length.
- COB strip is dotless. SMD strip is the bright option for benchtops and displays.
- 24V suits kitchens, cabinets, shelving and coves. 240V suits long continuous runs.
- Most 24V strips run 5m from one end, or 10m when powered from both ends.
- Aluminium channel comes in fixed 3m lengths and is pick up only from Ellenbrook.
Step 1: COB or SMD
COB strip has the LEDs packed so closely that it shows as one continuous line, which looks best where the strip or its reflection can be seen, such as open shelving and coves. SMD strip has separate, brighter LEDs. The 23W per metre SMD display strip gives up to 3,800 lumens per metre, which suits benchtops and shop displays.
Step 2: 24V or 240V
24V strip is the usual choice inside a home. It runs from a transformer and is cut only at the marked cut points. 240V strip runs straight from mains power with its own driver and suits long continuous runs such as large ceiling recesses.
Step 3: choose the colour
- Single colour: warm white (3000K) or natural white (4000K) COB strip.
- CCT: adjustable from warm to cool white with a controller.
- RGB: full colour, in COB or 240V strip.
- RGBW SPI: pixel strip that can run colour effects along its length, plus white.
- Neon flex: a soft, even tube of light for signs and outlines.
Step 4: build the full kit
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Strip light | Sold by the metre. Enter your length on the product page. |
| Transformer | Turns 240V into 24V. It is sized to the length and watts of your strip. |
| Controller and remote | Switches, dims and changes colour. A smart controller adds phone control. |
| Aluminium channel | Cools the strip so it lasts longer. The frosted cover hides the dots. |
On each strip light page, enter your length and the kit lists every part, sized for your run.
For bathrooms and outdoors, choose a sealed strip (IP65 or higher) and a sealed transformer. The kit builder picks a sealed transformer when you choose a wet area or outdoors.
Step 5: plan the installation
Plan your cuts before you start, because each cut length needs its own cabling or connector. Longer runs may need power fed from both ends. Strip lights carry a 2 year warranty when installed by a licensed electrician. Strip cut to length cannot be returned for change of mind.
Not sure which strip suits the job? Use the Strip Light Finder on the strip lights page or bring your measurements to the showroom.
Products in this guide
Prices are read from the shop each time the site is updated. Every price is in Australian dollars.
7.5w/m Cob Strip Light 24V$17.00 ex GST ($18.70 inc GST) per metreCall to order
16w/m CCT Cob Strip Light$18.00 ex GST ($19.80 inc GST) per metreView product
RGB Cob Strip Light 16w/m$18.00 ex GST ($19.80 inc GST) per metreView product
23w/m SMD Display Strip Light (24V)$17.00 ex GST ($18.70 inc GST) per metreView product
24V Strip Channels GroupFrom $30.00 ex GST ($33.00 inc GST)View product
24V Transformers, Australian CertifiedFrom $30.00 ex GST ($33.00 inc GST)View product
Questions and answers
How much do LED strip lights cost per metre?
On 13 November 2026 Greenhse strip lights were $16.00 to $20.00 ex GST per metre ($17.60 to $22.00 inc GST). The transformer, controller and channel are extra, and the kit on each product page prices them for your length.
What is COB strip light?
COB means chip on board. The LEDs are packed so closely that the strip gives a smooth, continuous line of light with no visible dots.
Can I control strip lights from my phone?
Yes. Choose a smart controller instead of the standard controller and remote, and the strip can be controlled from the phone app.
Can aluminium strip channel be delivered?
No. Channel comes in fixed 3m lengths and is pick up only from the Ellenbrook showroom. It is not posted or freighted.
What warranty do LED strip lights have?
Greenhse LED strip lights carry a 2 year warranty when installed by a licensed electrician.
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Need a hand choosing?
Talk to the Greenhse team in Perth. Call (08) 9297 2969, email sales@greenhse.com.au or visit the showroom at 5/1 Locke Ln, Ellenbrook WA 6069. Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm.