Everything requires energy and power, whether in the form of magnetism, chemistry, or electricity. It’s not any different for LED setups. LEDs can’t be powered by the standard alternating current (AC) found in traditional wall outlets; instead, they require direct current (DC). Therefore, an LED power supply must convert the AC power to the DC power that the LED system needs.
Different kinds of LED power supplies
LEDs have two different power types: 1. A power source with a constant voltage, also called a lighting transformer. 2. A constant LED driver with constant current output.
1. Constant voltage power supply/LED lighting transformer
Constant voltage LED power supplies are sometimes known as lighting transformers. This implies that the output voltage is stable. It works great with the LED system, which has current-limiting resistors. Such as LED tapes, LED billboards, LED displays, and so on. DC 5V, DC 12V, and DC24V are three standard output voltages for LED power adapters.
2. LED driver with constant current
A constant current LED driver maintains a fixed output current regardless of changes in input voltage. That means the LED driver will supply a constant current to the LED lights, guaranteeing their consistent operation. It can power the LED systems without a current limiting device (like a resistor).
LED power supply vs. LED driver
The voltage or current regulation is the main difference between the LED power adapter and the constant current LED driver. The LED power adaptor regulates the voltage, while the LED driver regulates the current.
The type of LED makes a difference in terms of practicality. We need a constant current supply if we need to limit the current flowing through a LED. A constant voltage power supply is also workable if there’s a current limiting resistor.
Some LED lights and tapes have built-in current limiters, which can be powered by any constant power adapters with enough current.
How to choose the right LED power supply?
Now that we’ve covered the types of LED power supplies. Let’s talk about how to pick the best one. Below are some tips:
Wattage
Get the wattage of the led light first. If we want to power multiple LED lights with one power supply, we need to add up the wattage of all the LED lights.
Furthermore, remember the following: Use 80% of the power supply wattage. So, please apply the following formula: LED system wattage / 0.8 = LED power supply wattage. For example, the total LED system power is 100W, and the wattage of the LED power supply is 100W / 0.8= 125W. So we need a power supply with 125W or higher wattage.
Voltage/Current
Inspecting the LED system’s input voltage is critical since this will determine the power supply’s output voltage. Contact us if you need more information, or feel free to contact the company that made the LED system to find out more.
PFC(Power Factor Correction) or not
Utility power/mains supply benefits from power factor correction (PFC). As a result, the power supply costs will rise. A PFC is required in the LED business if the power supply exceeds 25W in wattage.
Safety Certificate
Certificates of compliance with local safety regulations may also be necessary. Use a power supply that complies with local safety regulations. Not all LED power supplies are on the UL list for the US market. Prowin’s power adapters have passed the tests that UL requires for the LED industry.
Dimmable or not
Determine if the LED system needs dimming capabilities or to be adjusted for brightness. If that’s the case, double-check that your LED’s power source supports dimming. Specify whether a power source is dimmable and what kind of dimming control it uses. There are typically 5 different types of dimming controls: TRIAC dimming, 0-10 volt dimming, resistive dimming, 1-10 volt dimming, and pulse-width modulation dimming.
Application environment
Confirm the optimal location for the LED lighting system’s installation. It will be safe to install the power supply with the proper casing. The IP level indicates whether the power supply unit is dust-proof and waterproof. The power supply rated IP20 is often for indoor use, while those rated IP65 or IP67 are typically for outdoor LED systems.
Conclusion
The power supply for an LED system is a vital part of the whole. It verifies the proper operation of the LED lighting system. It’s not always clear if we require a constant voltage power adaptor or a constant current LED driver. Differences between the two will aid in our search for a solution. We need the correct power supply for our LED systems, and the above-mentioned six elements are crucial. When working with electronics, they must be risk-free and reliable. Contact our staff at +8615013765242 if you need help deciding which power supply to employ for your LED project.