How to choose the right power supply for led strip light ?

How to Choose the Right Power Supply for LED Strip Light

What Is an LED Driver for LED Strip Light?

LED strip light driver is a transformer. It changes the high voltage AC110V/220V to DC12V/24V. Then the LED strip light can be used safely. Not sure how to wire them up? Read our guide on cutting and connecting LED strips.

Do you need a driver when you are using LED strip light? When you are using LED strip light, normally it is DC12V and DC24V, so you need to buy an LED power supply for the LED strip light. How to power the LED strip light? Please check the following photo.

4 Points You Need to Think About Before Buying an LED Power Supply

When you are buying LED power supply, 4 points you need to know. In this way you can choose the right LED power supply, and that will be good for the LED strip light long life.

• 1. Outdoor or indoor use
• 2. DIY user / home user
• 3. Special requests — dimming functions
• 4. Use a brand LED driver

1. Outdoor / Indoor Use

You have to know where you are using the LED strip light — outdoor or indoor, the place humid or dry. If you are using outdoor in a humid place, or the place can be raining, then you need a waterproof power supply. If you use indoor in a dry place, just like in the ceiling, kitchen cabinet, TV cabinet, then a not-waterproof driver is enough.

Waterproof Power Supply We can see from the appearance of the power supply. Normally the shell is plastic or aluminum. The shell is sealed like a sealed tin. Normally, it is using silicone sealant to seal electronic components.

Not Waterproof Power Supply The not waterproof LED driver normally as below. Outside shell is made by aluminum, and has holes for heat dissipation. The same wattage, the not waterproof driver price is cheaper than the waterproof driver.

2. DIY User / Home User

We DIY use, the place not use many LED strip lights — a few meters of LED strip light. Then we don't need to use a BIG power supply. We can select the power supply as below: wall-mounted power supply and desktop power supply. The wall-mounted power supply normally the wattage is not big, 1A, 2A, 3A. Desktop power supply is bigger, 4A, 5A, 6A. So this will be convenient for us only when we do some small DIY lighting.

Wall-Mounted Switching Power Supply Compact size, ideal for 1A–3A small DIY projects.

Desktop Power Supply Higher wattage 4A–6A, sits on desk or shelf.

3. Special Requests — Dimming Functions

For some special requests, some clients need more functions. There are 3 kinds of dimmable power supplies with different functions. I show you the three different ways of dimming. If you want to know more about dimming, you can email us: [email protected].

0/1–10V Dimming Standard analog dimming, widely compatible with wall dimmers.

Triac Dimming Works with standard AC phase-cut dimmers, easy retrofit.

DALI Dimming Digital addressable, ideal for building automation and scene control.

4. Use a Brand LED Driver

I suggest you buy a brand LED power supply. I use many power supplies, but more or less they will have problems. And I use MEANWELL LED power supply. Meanwell driver quality is good — very, very small quantity has quality problems. But Meanwell does less power supply in dimming power supply and very long delivery time. If you want more info about dimming power supply, send us mail.

LED Power Supply FAQs

How do I calculate the power supply size I need?

Multiply the wattage per meter by the total meters of strip, then add 20% margin. For example, 5 meters of 14.4W/m strip = 72W, so choose a 100W driver.

Can I use a not-waterproof driver indoors?

Yes, for dry indoor places like ceilings, kitchen cabinets or TV cabinets, a not-waterproof aluminum driver is enough and costs less. Choose a waterproof driver only for humid or outdoor areas.

Which dimming type should I choose: 0/1–10V, Triac or DALI?

0/1–10V and Triac are common for home dimming with standard wall dimmers; DALI is for building automation and scene control. Contact Lightstec and we will recommend the matching dimming driver and controller for your project.