When shopping for LED strip lights, you'll often see specifications such as 4.8W/m, 9.6W/m, 14.4W/m, or even 24W/m. But what exactly does wattage mean, and how does it affect your lighting?
What Is Wattage?
Wattage measures how much power an LED strip consumes. Generally speaking, higher wattage strips produce more light and consume more electricity.
For example:
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4.8W/m = Low brightness
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9.6W/m = Medium brightness
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14.4W/m = Bright lighting
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24W/m+ = Very bright lighting
Does Higher Wattage Mean Better?
Not always.
A low wattage strip may be perfect for mood lighting behind a TV, while a higher wattage strip may be required for task lighting in kitchens, workshops, or commercial spaces.
The best wattage depends on your application.
Common Wattages and Uses
4.8W/m
Ideal for:
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TV backlighting
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Decorative lighting
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Shelves
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Bedrooms
9.6W/m
Ideal for:
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Living rooms
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Under-cabinet lighting
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Accent lighting
14.4W/m
Ideal for:
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Kitchens
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Workspaces
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Retail displays
24W/m+
Ideal for:
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Commercial installations
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Workshops
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High-output lighting projects
How Much Does It Cost to Run?
LED strips are incredibly efficient.
A 5-metre strip rated at 14.4W/m consumes:
14.4 × 5 = 72W total
Running this for 5 hours per day uses approximately 0.36kWh daily, making LED lighting one of the most energy-efficient lighting options available.
Choosing the Right Power Supply
Always choose a power supply capable of handling at least 20% more power than your strip requires.
For example:
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LED strip power requirement: 72W
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Recommended power supply: 90W–100W
This improves reliability and lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Wattage isn't something to fear. It's simply a measure of power consumption and light output. Choosing the correct wattage ensures your LED strip is bright enough for the job while remaining energy efficient.
At StripGlow, we offer LED strip lighting solutions for everything from subtle ambient lighting to powerful commercial installations.