12V vs 24V permanent lights: which one should you pick?

The short answer

Both work well for permanent roofline lighting. 24V is usually easier on long rooflines because it needs less power injection. 12V is common and fine for shorter runs. The key rule: your lights, controller and power supply must all be the same voltage.

Why voltage matters: voltage drop

Electricity loses some voltage over long, thin wires. At the far end of a long run that can make lights dimmer or shift white toward pink or yellow. At 24V the same wattage needs half the current of 12V, so there is less drop and lights stay even over a longer distance.

Power injection

To fix voltage drop, installers feed power into the run at extra points ("power injection"). 24V runs generally need fewer injection points than 12V runs of the same length, which means fewer extra wires to hide.

Choosing a power supply

Pick a supply of the matching voltage with some headroom above what your lights draw. The Mean Well LRS-350 comes as LRS-350-12 (12V, 29A) or LRS-350-24 (24V, 14.6A). Not sure what your run needs? Email info@mapleglowled.com with your roofline length.

Which should you choose?

• Long or complex roofline, two-storey home: 24V.
• Short run, garage or single side: 12V or 24V.
• Adding to an existing system: match what you already have.

Ready? Shop DIY kits and parts or read the DIY install guide.

Maple Glow LED sells materials only and does not offer installation.