How to Choose the Best LED Strip Light Power Supply?

Choosing the right power supply for LED strip lights ensures performance and safety. Consider voltage, current, wattage, efficiency, and certifications.

LED-Streifenlichter have now become one of the most popular lighting choices among designers and place owners. Due to the versatile, energy-efficient, and affordable nature of LED strip lights, people opt to use them in their places. Well, one cannot deny the classy and aesthetic look LED light adds to a space. 

Sometimes, people select  LED strip lights just because of their look and functionality, but they fail to choose the right power supply option for them. Thus resulting in failure or light damage. But you need not worry because, in this article, we’ll help you understand the importance of choosing the right power supply for your light to ensure high durability, safety, and performance.

Requirements Of LED Strip Light Power

1. Voltage and Current

In order to choose the right type of power supply for your strip lighting project, you need to first understand your LED strips’ current and voltage requirements. Generally, the voltage of LED strip lights ranges between 12V to 24V. The voltage varies from light to light depending upon its manufacturing process and performance. Each manufacturer specifies a voltage range for their LED strip light for better performance.

Voltage: You must ensure that your power supply aligns with the voltage needs of the lights. If you use a high or low-voltage power supply, it may damage the whole LED strip or sometimes affect its functionality.

Current: The current requirement depends on the volume and length of the strip lights. Measure the total required current of your LED strip by analyzing the consumption of power in one meter of the LED strip light. Then, multiply the result by the total LED strip length.

For instance, if you have an LED strip of 12 V that consumes 5W power in one meter. The total length of the strip is 5 meters. Then, you can find the total power consumed in the strip by multiplying the 5W by its total length of 5 meters, which will be 25W. Now, drive the total power of 25W by the total voltage of 12V; it will give you the result of the total current required for the strip, which will be 2.08A.

2. Power Supply Capacity

After measuring the total current, choose a power supply that has a higher limit of 20 to 30%. A power supply with a little extra current capacity would be much recommended as it won’t overload and ensure a safe power supply.

For example, if the LED strip light needs a 2.8A current, then opt for a power supply with a 2.5A capacity. The little margin allows a steady current flow without overheating and affecting the light’s performance.

Types of LED Strip Light Power

1. Plug-in Power Supplies

A plug-in power supply is considered best, especially for small LED strip light projects. Due to their easy usage and convenient installation, many light lovers and small project managers love to use them in decoration and accent lighting tasks.

Vorteile:

  • Einfache Installation
  • Convenient and portable.
  • No extra wiring needed

Nachteile:

  • Not appropriate for big projects
  • Limited capacity of power

2. Hardwired Power Supplies

This type of power supply is specifically designed for large and permanent installation projects. For such a hardwired power supply, you need a professional, as wiring installation is required directly into the electrical system. The hardwired power supply is the perfect solution for long LED strip light installation, like outdoor projects, Architekturleuchten, and commercial space lighting.

Vorteile:

  • Appropriate for big installation projects
  • Fit into the current electrical system
  • High capacity of power

Nachteile:

  • Less portable
  • Need Professional help for installation

3. Dimmable Power Supplies

Dimmable power supplies are specifically suitable for dimmable LED lights. Such a power supply aligns with wall dimmer standards, which allows easy adjustments to LED-Licht strips. Dimmable power supplies come in both hardwired and plug-in features based on installation needs.

Vorteile:

  • Allows to control brightness
  • Standard dimmers compatibility

Nachteile:

  • It may require certain dimmer compatibility
  • Little bit expensive 

Factors to Consider LED Strip Light Power Specifications 

1. Wattage

Wattage is one of the key specifications to consider in the power supply. It basically determines how much capacity you need for your power supply to give enough power to the LED strip lights. Always opt for a power supply that has an excess capacity with 20 to 30 margins. It prevents overloading and ensures smooth working.

2. Efficiency

The efficiency of the power supply determines its effectiveness in concert with the power supply from the power source to its destination, LED strip lights. A highly efficient power supply ensures less power wastage, which increases the performance and durability of both LED strip lights and power supply. 80% or higher efficiency is suitable for power supply. 

3. Certifications & Safety

Certification plays a crucial role in ensuring that the power supply complies with all the necessary standards of performance and safety. For a reliable and safe power supply, opt for certifications like FCC, UL, and CE.

4. Cooling Mechanism

The cooling system determines the power supply’s ability to eliminate heat and maintain its overall performance. Power supplies come with active and passive cooling systems. The active cooling system is suitable for power supplies with high capacity, while the passive cooling system is good for supplies with low capacity.

Installation Considerations for LED Strip Light Power

1. Wiring & Connections

Proper connections and wiring for the LED strips are essential for an efficient and safe installation. Ensure each connection is well secured and compatible with LED strip light requirements. Use the right cables and connectors to prevent voltage drops. 

2. Placement & Ventilation

Power supply placement has a great say in its overall durability and performance. Ensure that the power supply is kept in a ventilated area to stop overheating. Do not place in enclosed spaces. Adequate airflow cools the power supply and regulates its temperature.

3. Weatherproofing

If you are going to place your power supply in an outdoor space, then choose a supply with a high weatherproof rating. A power supply with an IP65 rating or above guarantees resistance against water and dust. 

Troubleshooting and Common Issues for LED Strip Light Power

1. Flickering Lights

You may encounter flickering often due to poor connection or improper power supply issues. Make sure that the power supply aligns with the current needed for the LED strips. Check each connector has a secure fit. If you are still encountering the issue, try to upgrade your power supply to high capacity.

2. Overheating

Overheating mostly occurs due to the overworking of the power supply at its maximum capacity. Ensure your power supply is placed in a well-ventilated space. Check its cooling system and install an external additional cooling system to cool it down and prevent overheating.

3. Voltage Drops

Voltage drops may be seen as uneven or dim lighting. Check whether the power supply is giving enough voltage that is required for the total LED strip lights. Minimize the distance between the LED strip lights and their power supply to reduce the overall voltage drops.

Abschluss

For LED strips, selecting an appropriate power supply is important to achieve optimal performance, longevity, and safety. Try to understand current requirements, voltage, and suitable power supply for your LED light strips. Consider important elements such as safety certification,  efficiency, and wattage to make decisions that meet the needs of your project.

Genuine installation and troubleshooting operations enhance the performance and reliability of LED lighting units. No matter whether you are dealing with a little DIY project or a large-scale commercial installation, the appropriate power supply is important to illuminate your house efficiently and effectively.

Bei Vorlane, we ensure that we provide a compatible power supply that is specified for the needs and requirements of LED strip lights. For more information, visit our site.

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