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What Is Voltage Drop and How to Avoid It on Long LED Strip Runs

Bespoke LED Lighting
June 27, 2025
Ever installed a long run of LED strip lighting, only to find the far end looks dim or starts flickering? That’s most likely due to voltage drop — and it's one of the most common issues in LED installs.

What Is Voltage Drop?


Voltage drop occurs when the electrical current loses power as it travels along a length of cable. The longer the run, the more resistance is created, which results in reduced voltage reaching the end of your LED strip.
The result? Uneven brightness, flickering, or complete failure at the far end — not ideal on a commercial fit-out or kitchen install.

How to Avoid Voltage Drop on Site


1. Use Shorter Runs

Where possible, split long runs into shorter sections and power them individually. This helps maintain even voltage along the length of the strip.

2. Power from Both Ends

For runs over 5m, consider feeding power from both ends of the strip. This ensures current reaches both halves more evenly, reducing resistance.

3. Use Thicker Cable

A higher gauge (lower number) cable has less resistance. For example, use 1.5mm² cable instead of 0.75mm² when powering longer runs or high-wattage strips.

4. Add an LED Amplifier

If you’re running RGB or CCT strips, an amplifier can help boost the signal and power beyond the limits of a single controller or driver. You’ll need a secondary power feed, but it keeps brightness and colour consistent.

Quick Reference: Maximum LED Strip Lengths

Here’s a rough guide to the maximum length of LED strip you can run without voltage drop (based on quality 24V tape):
  • 9.6W/m: Max 10m powered from one end
  • 14.4W/m: Max 5–7m powered from one end
  • Over 10m: Use dual-feed or amplifier setup

Need Help Planning a Long LED Run?

If you're unsure what driver, amplifier or cable to use, just get in touch. We’ll help you build a spec that works on-site — no dimming, no flicker, just reliable LED performance from end to end.

Bespoke LED Lighting