LED Drivers for LED Strip Lighting
Acting as the driver of LED light, it converts the 230V AC mains supply into a stable DC voltage required by LED strips and LED controllers. Most LED strip installations operate on constant voltage systems, typically 12V or 24V, while specialist installations may use 36V drivers for long-length LED strip applications.
How to Choose the Correct LED Driver
When selecting an LED driver, two main factors must be considered: voltage and wattage. The voltage of the driver must always match the voltage of the LED strip being powered. For example, a 24V LED strip must always be paired with a 24V driver.
To calculate wattage requirements, multiply the total length of the LED strip by its wattage per metre. For optimal performance and longevity, the driver should typically operate at 70–75% of its rated capacity.
Incorrect driver selection can cause overheating, reduced performance, or permanent damage to the lighting system.
What Wattage LED Driver Do I need?
A driver's wattage is the maximum load at which that driver can be run, to find the size of the driver you will need to calculate the total wattage of the product you will be powering. For LED strips this can be done by multiplying the total length of the strip by the power consumed per metre. For example;
- 4 metres of 9.6 W/pm LED strip would draw a total of 38.4 Watts (4 m x 9.6 W/pm)
- 7 metres of 14.4 W/pm LED strip would draw a total of 100.8 Watts (7 m x 14.4 W/pm)
- To prevent overheating an LED driver should not be run at more than 75% of its capacity. For example;
- A 150W PSU can power a maximum of 112.5W (75% of 150W)
- A 60W PSU can power a maximum of 45W (75% of 60W)
Dimmable LED Driver Options
A dimmable LED driver allows brightness control when used with compatible LED lighting and dimming systems. These drivers are commonly used in architectural, residential and commercial lighting projects where adjustable light levels are required.
Selecting the correct dimmable driver ensures smooth dimming performance while maintaining stable power delivery to the LED lighting installation.
