How to calculate the LED Power Supply needed for your LED Strip

Do you ever find yourself asking, "How do I figure out what power supply I need for my LED strip?" Well, you're not alone. This is a common question we receive from our customers. The good news is that it's actually quite simple to calculate the power supply you need. Let's dive in and break it down step by step.

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Step 1: Check the Data Sheet

The first thing you need to do is check the data sheet of the LED strip you plan to use. This data sheet should provide you with crucial information, such as the power consumption in Watts per Meter. Typically, you'll see it displayed as something like 14W/m (14 Watts per Meter).

Step 2: Calculate the Total Power Consumption

Once you have the power consumption per meter, you can determine the total power consumption by multiplying it with the length of the strip you intend to use in meters. Let's say you're using an 8.5m LED strip with a power consumption of 14W/m. Simply multiply 14W/m by 8.5m, and you get a total power consumption of 119 Watts. So, in this case, you'll need an LED power supply (also known as an LED driver) that can deliver at least 119 Watts.

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Consider Unintentional Overloads

To be on the safe side and account for any unintentional overloads, we recommend that you only use about 80% of the rated load of the power supply. So, in our previous example, you'd most likely want to go for a 150 Watt power supply.

Find the Perfect LED Power Supply

Now that you know the power supply requirements for your LED strip, you can browse through our range of LED drivers to find the most suitable model. Make sure to double-check the actual power output in the product data sheet, as it can vary from model to model within a series of LED drivers. For instance, an HLG-240H-24 offers a power output of 240 Watts, while the HLG-240H-12 provides 192 Watts.

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Dimmable LED Power Supply Considerations

If you're considering using a dimmable LED driver, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind. Many dimmable LED drivers adjust the current delivered to the LEDs to control the dimming. If you're using multiple power supplies to power multiple LED strips, you must match the load on each driver as closely as possible to maintain synchronized dimming. Failure to do so may result in uneven dimming levels.

However, if your dimmable LED power supply has a PWM type output, such as the MEAN WELL PWM series or Power Source TRIAC Dimmable LED Drivers, they will dim evenly regardless of the load. We stock these LED drivers in both 12V and 24V models at Power Supplies Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a power supply with a higher wattage than I need?

A: It's generally safe to use a power supply with a higher wattage than you actually need. In fact, it's often recommended to leave some headroom for future expansions or unforeseen power requirements.

Q: What happens if I use a power supply with a lower wattage than I need?

A: Using a power supply with a lower wattage than you need can cause overheating and potential damage to both the power supply and the LED strip. Always ensure that the power supply you choose can meet or exceed the total power consumption of your LED strip.

Q: Can I connect multiple LED strips to one power supply?

A: Yes, you can connect multiple LED strips to one power supply, as long as the total power consumption of all the LED strips does not exceed the maximum power output of the power supply.

If you still have any questions or need further assistance in selecting the correct LED power supply for your LED strip, our team at Power Supplies Australia is here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Follow For More: Dawn Russell

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