Have you ever installed LED strips only to find one end brightly illuminated while the other appears dim? This common issue often stems not from product quality, but from improper wire selection.

Understanding Wire Specifications: AWG to Square Millimeters

AWG (American Wire Gauge) measures wire thickness, where smaller numbers indicate thicker wires with greater current capacity. Here's how common AWG sizes convert to square millimeters:

RGB Strips: Optimal Wiring for Vibrant Colors

Current Requirements

Standard RGB strips typically consume 12-14W per meter, equating to approximately 1A current at 12V.

Wire Selection Recommendations

• Short runs (under 5 meters): 22AWG or 20AWG
• Long runs (over 5 meters): 18AWG to minimize voltage drop

Ultra-Thin Strips: Compact Design Considerations

Current Requirements

5mm wide DC12V 120LED/m SMD2835 strips typically draw about 0.6A per meter.

Why 22AWG Works Best

• Exceeds current requirements (3.5A capacity)
• Matches the strip's slim profile
• Offers excellent flexibility for tight spaces
• Provides cost-effective performance

Long-Run Installations: Combating Voltage Drop

Constant Current Solutions

Constant current LED strips maintain uniform brightness over long distances by stabilizing current flow.

Wire Selection

For 15-meter 24V constant current strips (9W/m, 6A total), 18AWG wiring ensures stable power delivery.

Addressable Strips: Signal Integrity Matters

Key Considerations

Addressable strips (WS2812B, WS2813, etc.) require both power capacity and signal stability.

Recommended Wiring

Constant Current RGB/RGBW Strips: Uniform Performance

Characteristics

These strips maintain consistent brightness and color over long distances (e.g., 24V strips at 12W/m can run 15m).

Wire Selection

18AWG wiring is essential for long runs to handle 8A current capacity.

RGBW Strips: Enhanced Brightness Requirements

Power Demands

With added white channels, RGBW strips consume more power (e.g., 5m DC24V RGBW at 19.2W/m = 96W total, 4A current).

Wire Recommendations

• Premium performance: 18AWG for maximum brightness and stability
• Short runs (under 3m): 20AWG for cost savings

Key Selection Principles

• Short runs/low power: 20AWG or 22AWG
• Long runs/high power: 18AWG
• Always match wire gauge to total length and power requirements

Practical Tips

• Use thicker wires (18AWG) for long runs to prevent voltage drop
• Ensure connectors match your wire gauge
• Plan power injection points strategically for uniform brightness