What kind of LED power supply to choose? Technical tips and advice

17.01.2025 2 min

Choosing the right power supply for LED strips is a key step in designing effective and durable LED lighting. The choice of power supply should be well thought out to ensure optimal performance of the entire system, prevent technical problems and avoid unnecessary costs.

Here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose a power supply for LED strip, taking into account various technical and practical aspects.

What will you learn from this article?

What is an LED power supply and why is it necessary?

An LED power supply is a device that converts the voltage from an outlet (230V) to a voltage suitable for LEDs, which usually operate at 12V or 24V. In the case of LED strips, the choice of the right power supply is crucial for their proper operation. Improper selection of a power supply for the strip can lead to voltage spikes, overheating and even permanent damage to the LED strip or the entire system.

How to calculate the power supply power?

Calculating the power supply for an LED strip is a basic step in choosing the right device. To calculate the power supply power, you need to take into account:

  • The power rating of the LED strip per running meter – you will find this information in the product specifications. For example, if the LED strip draws 10W/m and its length is 5 meters, you need a power supply of 50W.
  • Power reserve – to ensure the durability and stability of the system, you need to add a power reserve of about 20-30% of the total power of the tape. In the above case, this means a power supply of about 65W.
  • Strip length – in the case of a 5m LED strip, you can add up the power of all the sections and include the power reserve to avoid overloading the power supply.

How to choose a power supply for LED?

When choosing a power supply, keep in mind several important technical aspects:

  • Output voltage – it must match the voltage of the LED strip (e.g. 12V, 24V). In the case of a 12V LED strip, using a power supply with a different voltage may cause failure.
  • Power rating of the power supply – a power supply with a power too low in relation to the requirements of the LED strip will not perform its function, and a device with a power too high will be uneconomical.
  • Leakage rating – the choice of an airtight power supply is necessary in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor spaces. Airtight power supplies provide additional protection against water and dust.
  • Type of power supply – popular models include modular power supplies, dedicated to LED lighting in professional installations, and hermetic power supplies, designed for places that require protection from moisture.

How to connect the power supply to the LED?

Proper connection of the power supply is essential for the stability of the system. Keep in mind the following steps:

  1. Choose the right power supply – when choosing a power supply for your LED strip, make sure that its output voltage and power rating match the specifications of the LED strip.
  2. Power supply wires – use color-coded wires, such as red and black, to maintain polarity compatibility.
  3. Connection to an outlet – connect the LED power supply to a 230V outlet.
  4. Connection to LED strip – connect the output of the power supply to the terminals of the LED strip, making sure that the voltage and polarity are compatible.

Which LED power supplies to choose depending on the conditions?

The choice of power supply depends on the place of installation and the conditions of use:

  • Interiors – for dry interiors, a standard modular power supply is sufficient. Its power and product specifications should be matched to the LED strip.
  • Rooms with higher humidity – in such places, hermetic power supplies are necessary. They provide protection from moisture, which extends the life of the rest of the set.
  • Outdoor applications – here, the power supply’s waterproof class should be at least IP65 to protect it from water and dust.

Practical tips for choosing a power supply

Choosing the right power supply for LED strips may seem complicated, but paying attention to a few important issues will help you make the best decision:

  • Product specifications – always check the information on the voltage and wattage of the LED strip before buying.
  • Power reserve – add 20-30% to the calculated total power.
  • Class of waterproofing – if the installation is in an area exposed to moisture, choose an airtight power supply.
  • LED strip power supply – should be compatible with the length and type of strip.

What kind of power supply for LED? Summary

Choosing the right power supply for LED is a process that requires consideration of technical specifications and installation conditions. When choosing a power supply for an LED strip, it is important to consider the appropriate power, leakage class and output voltage. The correct choice of power supply for the strip will ensure the stability, performance and durability of the entire lighting system.

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