Standard RGB LED strips typically use a four-wire configuration. Red, green, and blue represent the individual color channels, while the fourth wire provides a common ground or positive voltage. While the color coding for the individual red, green, and blue channels is generally consistent (red for red, green for green, and blue for blue), the fourth wire can vary. Often black or white designates ground, while red, white, or even blue can represent the positive voltage line. Consulting the manufacturer’s documentation is crucial to confirm the specific wiring for a given LED strip.
Correctly identifying and connecting these wires is essential for proper functionality and safety. Miswiring can lead to malfunctioning lights, damage to the LEDs, or even electrical hazards. Understanding this wiring configuration allows for proper integration with controllers, power supplies, and other components within lighting systems, enabling a wide range of dynamic color effects and precise control over illumination.