Finding the correct LED strip light power supply

Anyone who buys LED lighting strips should also look for a power supply. A power supply that is a peripheral is often connected using LED strips. This source is also commonly known as a driver or transformer. In most cases, unless the fixture is battery powered, a power source is needed for the LED fixture to work.

Varieties of energy sources

Power supplies come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some are the standard plug and play varieties, while others are more commercial type transformers that are usually hardwired into the mains. It is also not uncommon to learn that these power supplies are called transformers. This is mainly due to the fact that, in addition to providing power to the LED strips, these devices are also designed to convert the main two hundred and thirty volts of AC to a lower voltage of about twelve votes of DC, which makes the power is more applicable to the lighting used.

Plug and Play vs. Hardwired

There are several points that need to be considered when choosing the type of power supply for lighting.

To begin with, you need to determine if you want to plug it into a wall outlet or if you prefer to have the LED light strips connected to the light switch.

plug and play

If the answer to the above question is “YES”, then you need to use a typical plug and play unit. It is the most standard power supply on the market that allows quick and easy installation for many common applications in the home environment through a plug-in source. The complete device consists of a standard UK 3-pin plug kettle cable, a black transformer, a standard UK 3-pin plug kettle cable and a twelve volt male connector which clips onto the strip through its corresponding female connector. The entire unit is similar to a two meter long laptop charger.

hard wired

For applications that are more complex or in the event that a wall outlet is not available, an alternative power supply is available. Instead of a kettle cable, devices like these feature a long main cable that can then be connected directly to the mains.

Size

Also, when selecting the type of power supply, it will also be necessary to know the specific size. These devices come in a selection of different sizes. It can range anywhere from twenty watts to many times more than this number. These digits imply the maximum capacity that a power source can safely handle. The load of the LED strip is calculated by multiplying the power per meter by the number of meters to be used. For example, if the wattage per meter is seven point two watts and there are ten meters to be used, then the product or total load calculation should be seventy-two watts.

It is essential to ensure that the capacity does not exceed the maximum load requirement; otherwise you will experience performance issues with the lighting strips. Examples would be reduced lifespan and voltage drops on lights.