12v Flexible Strips in 5050 Size

12V 5050 LED strips are the high-brightness option in our flexible strip lineup.

Read full description & FAQ ↓

14 Items

12V 5050 LED strips are the high-brightness option in our flexible strip lineup. The 5050 SMD chip (5.0×5.0mm) contains three independent LED dies in a single package, producing roughly 12–18 lumens per chip — two to three times the output of a 3528 chip. This makes 5050 strips the right choice when you need LED strip lighting that functions as a noticeable light source rather than a subtle background accent. We carry 5050 strips in two formats: standard (non-waterproof) for dry indoor installations and waterproof (IP65) for outdoor, bathroom, kitchen, and marine environments.

Our 5050 strips feature 30 LEDs per meter (150 LEDs per 5-meter reel) at a standard power draw of approximately 7.2W per meter (36W for a full reel). Despite having half the LED count per meter compared to 3528 strips, each 5050 chip is individually much brighter, so total lumen output per meter is higher. The larger chip size also means the 5050 format supports RGB color mixing — each chip contains one red, one green, and one blue die that can be independently controlled by an RGB controller to produce any color in the visible spectrum, plus white. Single-color 5050 strips (warm white, cool white, red, green, blue) pack all three dies in the same color for maximum single-color brightness.

Where to use 5050 strips: architectural accent lighting where the strip must hold its own against ambient room light — wall wash coves, ceiling perimeter lighting in commercial spaces, under-bar illumination in restaurants and nightclubs, backlit signage and channel letters. Under-cabinet task lighting in kitchens where 3528 strips are not quite bright enough for food prep visibility. Entertainment and gaming setups behind monitors, under desks, along shelving, and inside PC cases for bold RGB color effects. Retail display lighting in product showcases, jewelry cases, and pop-up exhibits where merchandise needs strong, even illumination. Stage and event lighting along stage edges, under platforms, and behind fabric scrims for color-wash effects controlled by DMX or standalone RGB controllers.

All 5050 strips run on 12V DC and can be cut to length at marked cut lines every 3 LEDs (every 10cm). The wider cut interval compared to 3528 strips (5cm) means slightly less length precision, but 10cm increments are fine-grained enough for the vast majority of installations. For maximum precision in short-run applications, check our LED strips by the section category for pre-cut 5050 sections. To reconnect segments around corners or extend a run, use 4-pin connectors (for RGB strips) or 2-pin connectors (for single-color strips) available in our wire, switches, and connectors category.

RGB 5050 strips require an RGB controller between the power supply and the strip. The controller manages the red, green, and blue channels independently, allowing you to select any static color, program color-cycling sequences, adjust brightness, and in many cases sync to music or a DMX lighting board. Controllers range from simple inline remotes with a handful of preset colors to sophisticated WiFi/Bluetooth units controllable from a smartphone app. Without a controller, an RGB strip defaults to all three channels on (producing white light) if wired directly to 12V. Single-color 5050 strips do not require a controller — they connect directly to a 12V power supply, same as a 3528 strip.

Standard vs. waterproof: The standard 5050 strip has exposed components on a flexible PCB with 3M adhesive backing — thin, flexible, and easy to mount in dry indoor environments. The waterproof 5050 strip adds a clear silicone coating rated IP65, protecting against splashes, humidity, and light rain. Use waterproof 5050 strips for outdoor landscape and architectural lighting, bathroom installations, boat and marine applications, RV and van builds, and any environment where the strip may be exposed to moisture. Both versions share identical electrical specifications, brightness, and color performance.

Power supply sizing is critical for 5050 strips because they draw more current than 3528 strips. At 7.2W per meter, a full 5-meter reel needs 36W — use a 45W or 50W 12V power supply to provide adequate headroom. For RGB installations, size the supply based on maximum power (all three channels at full brightness simultaneously = white), even if you plan to use colors that draw less. Voltage drop is also more pronounced on 5050 strips due to the higher current: keep single-end-fed runs to 5 meters or less, and inject power from both ends for runs over 3 meters. For installations requiring more than 5 meters of 5050 strip, never daisy-chain reels — run separate power feed wires from the supply to each reel. Use 16–18 AWG wire for the main supply leads to minimize voltage loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 5050 chip is larger (5.0×5.0mm vs. 3.5×2.8mm) and contains three LED dies instead of one, producing 2–3 times the light per chip. 5050 strips also support RGB color mixing, while 3528 strips are single-color only. However, 5050 strips draw more power (7.2W/m vs. 4.8W/m) and produce more heat. Choose 3528 for soft ambient accent lighting, and 5050 when you need brighter output, task-adjacent illumination, or RGB color effects.
Yes, to select colors and effects. An RGB strip has four wires (common anode plus red, green, and blue channels). An RGB controller sits between the 12V power supply and the strip, letting you choose colors, brightness levels, and dynamic effects like color cycling and fading. Without a controller, all three channels receive full power simultaneously, producing white light. Single-color 5050 strips (warm white, cool white, etc.) do not need a controller — they connect directly to 12V DC like any standard strip.
A 5050 strip draws approximately 7.2W per meter. Multiply by total length and add 15–20% headroom. For a full 5-meter reel: 5 × 7.2W = 36W, so a 45W or 50W 12V supply is recommended. For a 3-meter run: 3 × 7.2W = 21.6W, so a 30W supply works. For RGB strips, size the supply based on all three channels running at full brightness simultaneously (white), even if you primarily use single-color modes that draw less power.
Yes. Cut at the marked cut lines every 3 LEDs (every 10cm on a 30 LED/m strip). Cut between the copper solder pads with scissors. Each segment is independently functional — just connect to 12V. To rejoin segments or turn corners, use 2-pin connectors for single-color strips or 4-pin connectors for RGB strips. For precise short lengths, check our pre-cut sections to buy exactly the length you need.
Inject power from both ends of the strip, or from a midpoint, so no LED is more than 2.5 meters from a power feed. Never exceed 5 meters in a single daisy-chain run. For installations longer than 5 meters, run separate power wires from the supply to each 5-meter segment. Use 16–18 AWG wire for the main supply leads to minimize voltage loss before the strip. Voltage drop on 5050 strips is more noticeable than on 3528 strips because 5050 strips draw higher current.
The standard 5050 strip is non-waterproof and intended for dry indoor use only. For outdoor installations, choose the waterproof 5050 strip with IP65 silicone coating, which protects against rain, splashes, and humidity. Use an outdoor-rated power supply housed in a weatherproof enclosure, and seal all connections and cut ends with silicone sealant or waterproof heat-shrink tubing.