Galaxy’s model GARK-15W-WW-24V rigid LED strip features 5050 SMD LEDs. It is IP65-rated and complies with RoHS.

Companies are releasing models with 2835 LEDs to widen reach in the indoor illumination market. They are positioning the line for the switch from fluorescent tubes.

China makers of rigid LED strips are adopting diodes with higher luminous efficacy to expand their selections and boost penetration of the indoor lighting segment. A number are tapping 2835 LEDs with up to 100 lm/W and lower attenuation compared with mainstream 5050, 5630 and 5730 versions. Suppliers such as Shenzhen QCG introduced models last year. The company’s 12W units feature 90 lm/W, and come in white, warm white and cool white.

Manufacturers are banking on the “green” lighting source’s eventual replacement of fluorescent technology. The former enables up to 70 percent power savings and life span surpassing 50,000 hours or 20 times longer. It does not generate heat, eliminating the need for radiators. This is in addition to small size, vivid color, safety, customizable length and easy installation. A 14W rigid LED strip, for instance, is as bright as a conventional 28W T5 tube.

Besides product advantages accelerating shift to LED-based illumination, companies look forward to lowering material costs. This will bring down prices and make rigid diode strips viable alternatives to fluorescent lamps.

Suppliers are also counting on opportunities in the local market. China’s central and local governments have been campaigning for energy conservation and carbon emission reduction. Universities and colleges have been required to minimize power consumption by 15 percent outlined in the 11th Five-Year Plan. Makers expect this to drive demand for energy-efficient products, including lighting.

Sales in the category, in fact, climbed 10 to 15 percent annually in the past two years. The same growth is anticipated in 2015, spurring companies to bolster production. Galaxy Lighting Co. Ltd plans to raise output by 20 percent next year.

The category accounts for 10 to 40 percent of local yield. Indoor-use kinds represent between 60 and 70 percent of shipments.

The US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region are still the key export destinations, while the Middle East, South America and Russia are emerging markets.

Exports have 20 to 80 percent share of domestic turnout. Galaxy sends 80 percent of products to Europe and the US. It plans to ship to South America next year, and anticipates 10 percent higher value from overseas business.

More than 300 manufacturers in mainland China offer rigid LED strips, most of which are homegrown operations. About 10 percent of the pool has investment, mainly from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Companies churn out related products, including flexible variants, modules and panels.

Mainstream range

Typical units adopt 5630, 5050, 5730 or 7020 SMD LEDs and have a life span exceeding 50,000 hours. These feature 12 or 24V rated voltage.

Based on emitted color, the selection consists of white, warm white, red, green, yellow and blue models.

There are water- and nonwater-resistant variants. The former includes IP65 and IP67-rated versions.

Most products meet RoHS guidelines.

The key components used are SMD diodes, PCBs and adhesives. Some companies produce the first in-house, obtaining chips mainly from foreign providers such as Cree and Epistar. Suppliers adopting local chips turn to San'an Optoelectronics.

Prices dropped by as much as 10 percent last year owing to a similar trend in the cost of manufacturing inputs. In coming months, the rate of decrease will be less than 5 percent.

Product gallery

Galaxy Lighting Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: Gark-15W-WW-24V
MOQ: 5 units
Delivery: 7 days
Description: 5050 SMD LEDs, 60 units per meter; 2,700 to 3,000K color temperature in warm white, 4,000 to 4,300K natural white, 5,500 to 6,000K pure white, 7,000 to 8,000K cool white; 24VDC; 15W; IP65 rating; CE, ETL, RoHS; red, green, blue, yellow, amber versions available

Shenzhen Trump Lighting Technology Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: LS1B2F40
Description: RGB; 400mm length; flexible connectors, mounting clips, screws, end caps, remote control, receiver, adapter, distribution board bundled; CE, RoHS

Shenzhen You & My Electronic Technology Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: WJ-C7020-Rigid
MOQ: 200m
Delivery: 1 day
Description: 7020 SMD LEDs, 72 units per meter; 120-degree viewing angle; 12VDC; -20 to 50 C operating temperature; in white, cool or warm white; 50,000hr life span

Xiamen Cuten Nicety Accessories Industry Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: ND-YDD-N-001-G2
MOQ: 500 units
Delivery: 15 days
Description: 5630 SMD LEDs; 72 diodes per meter; cool white; 12VDC; RoHS