How to choose the correct LED driver for your LED Lights Installation?

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Author : Mick Zou
Update time : 2022-05-24 11:30:55

2021-05-13

What is a LED Driver Power Supply?

LED Drivers are devices which regulate and supply the power used to `drive` runs of LED strip lighting. Similar to traditional transformers, they transform mains voltage alternating current (100-240v AC) to a lower voltage. However, LED drivers also transform mains voltage current to a constant, direct current (DC) that LEDs require. By adjusting their output according to the electrical properties of the LED tape which changes as it heats up, drivers regulate the power supplied to the LEDs to be a constant of usually either 12v or 24v of DC.

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Because LEDs require a constant DC of 12v or 24v, LED drivers are required in all LED systems (except those which are specifically developed to be controlled by mains voltage Power Supplies such as mains voltage tape or LED bulbs). But with Ultra LEDs buying a suitable driver is easy – just answer these 5 simple questions:

1. What output voltage?
All LED strip lights requires either 12v or 24v to power, which is stated in its specification. Be sure to buy a driver with the same output voltage that the tape requires. Running 12v tape with a 24v driver will result in the LEDs being brighter in the short term but the higher voltage will eventually burn the tape out. Running 24v tape with a 12v driver will result in the LEDs not lighting up at all.
2. What output wattage?

The amount of power LED tape consumes varies depending on its length. The wattage of a tape is the amount of power the tape consumes per meter. To work out how many watts your run of tape needs simply multiply the wattage of the tape by the number of meters you are running. Once you know the wattage of the run of tape you can then choose a suitable driver.
The wattage of a driver indicates its maximum output capability. We recommend choosing a driver with a wattage capability at least 20%~30% higher than the wattage the LED tape requires to ensure a longer lifespan.
For example, 5m of 6w LED tape requires 30 watts. We would recommend using a driver with an output capability of 36 watts or more to power this tape.

3. Does your led driver need to be water resistant?
If you are installing your LED strip lighting outdoors or in a kitchen or bathroom it is important to use a water resistant driver. To know if a driver is water resistant look for its Ingress Protection or [IP" rating. Splash-proof drivers have an IP rating of 65 and are best suited for use in bathrooms and kitchens. Waterproof drivers have an IP rating of 67 or above, and are best suited for outdoor use.
4. Do you want to be able to dim your LEDs?
If you want to be able to dim your LEDs be sure to buy a driver with dimming capabilities. They work by reducing the amount of power supplied to the LED, and there are two different kinds: trailing edge dimmable drivers (also known as ELV drivers) and leading edge dimmable drivers (also known as TRIAC drivers). To learn more about the different dimming led driver power supplies
5. Can the LED Drivers meet safety standards?

All LED Drivers can meet UL/cUL, ETL/cETL, GS, CE, RoHS listed. At present, Zhenhuan Electronic and Keysun Technology can make the LED power supples of the output wattage up to 320W.

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