Power supply for LED strip lights

Power Supply/LED Driver calculation.    

12 or 24 volt DC LED drivers.  

Warning:

DO-NOT connect the LED strip directly to a mains supply. 

The correct supply cable secured from the LED strip must only be connected to a 12 or 24 volt constant voltage power supply/driver.  Always check the specification of your chosen LED strip to establish the correct wattage and voltage power supply to use. 

To find the correct power supply you need for your application, firstly multiply the amount of metres of LED strip you want to power by the amount of watts per metre of your chosen strip, the wattage is clearly stated on each product page so for example, 3 metres of single colour 24 volt strip which is 10 watts per metre is 3 x 10 = 30 -  We would suggest you choose a 24 volt power supply with 20% more capacity to eliminate the chances of voltage drop.   

Details of compatible power supplies are set out on each LED strip product page. 

What is voltage drop?  

Voltage is at its highest potential at the power supply. Voltage levels will always decrease to a degree along the length of the LED strip (voltage drop) however in some cases, the LED lights will appear visibly dimmer, flicker or may not work at-all. 

Causes of voltage drop.

  • Incorrect power supply connected e.g. wrongly calculated wattage and/or voltage values - check the LED strip technical details and requirements on the product page.  
  • The driver/power supply may not have enough capacity to cope with the entire load of LED strip you are powering - you may need a larger driver/power supply.  
  • By exceeding the maximum run length of the LED strip - have a look at the technical details on the product page for your chosen LED strip. 
  • The cable tail could be too long or you may not be using the correct cable for the installation - check that the cable can carry the required current to power the LED strip.  Each LED strip carries a variation of current - check the technical details for the strip you are using to determine the cable you need to use. 

 

How to contact us:

Email: sales@leadingled.co.uk

Telephone: 02476 262 328 

 

Always ensure your LED driver is installed where there is plenty of air flow - do not install your LED driver in any hot, cold, warm or wet areas.  

Be sure to read and understand all instructions included with the power supply upon purchase before installation.  

Installation and wiring of all products should be carried out by a qualified electrician or equivalent competent person in accordance with BS7671 and all other local regulations.