LED Transformers
It is obvious that the consumption of LED light strips is increasing, and one in every of the newest surveys has explored that the LED lights are expected to become the foremost authoritarian form of lighting installation in both consumer-facing and industrial markets. On the opposite hand, the long lifespan of LED lighting systems requires proper installation and an appropriate power source. While LED drivers are a kind of power supply, certain kinds of LED lighting systems may require an LED light transformer, and guess why?
What is LED light transformer?
LED light transformer may be a style of power supply for LED lighting systems. The LED transformer can power any of the LED tapes or other LED lights as long because the load voltage matches the voltage of your transformer. Since the transformer is fully enclosed, it is safe to the touch and may be installed in most locations.
What is LED driver?
An LED driver is a device that regulates power to an LED or a string of LEDs. It is a vital piece to an LED circuit and to work without one will end in system failure.
When Is LED Transformer/Driver Necessary?
LED’s require a standardized power supply to control, but longer strips should use an LED transformer. Although LED drivers provide a constant output voltage, longer strip lengths require the next wattage to run at peak efficiency.
Drivers for LED lights supply this power, converting alternating (AC) current to electrical energy (DC) They make sure the power supply is constant and uninterrupted by balancing the changes within the temperature and electrical conductivity of the LED’s.
Furthermore, an LED transformer ensures the colour rendering index (CRI) is maintained throughout the strip’s length, and also the circuitry within an LED transformer is crucial to stop premature failure of the lighting system. This helps prevent the chance of fireside or electrical shorts within long strip lengths.
You might be wondering what the categories of LED transformers/drivers are:
Same as all the opposite components, LED drivers also are available in a very type of models with opposing specifications. With the provision of the input and output levels differ between models, together with efficiency, power ratings, and therefore the amount of environmental shielding, applied to guard the connection terminals.
FAQs and Answers
Which LED driver do I need?
- ormally the wattage (or the size) of the LED driver is decided by the load or total wattage of the LED tape. This is calculated by multiplying the wattage per meter by the total length of the LED tape. If you have an idea to go for an extra-long runs, you can connect multiple of LED drivers to the same circuit with the help of some amplifiers.
- The LED lights: LED ground and marker lights which need constant current and only require a 350mA-700mA current supply. Generally these LED lights require exact voltages so it is advisable to match them and to use manufacturers recommended products which are tested before.
Some manufactures don’t offer dimmable constant current LED drivers, if you’re looking for one and are not sure if it will work you need to follow these three rules:
- Match the milliamp rating which is usually 350ma or 700ma but could be 500ma, 1050ma and there are many others.
- Make sure the wattage of the driver is higher than the total wattage of the LED lights that are connected to it.
- Check that the voltage is correct. Constant current LED drivers have really strange voltage outputs, some have very wide ranges like 2-52 volts but some are very specific. If you’re connecting multiple lights to one driver you need to add up the required voltages of each and make sure they are within the range of the driver. If in doubt please contact us for advice.
Does my driver need to be water proof?
This depends where it’s being mounted. Most electrical products like LED drivers have an IP rating which stands for International Protection. This is an indication of a products resistance to dust and water, the first digit is for its resistance to dust and the second is for its resistance to water. Something with an IP65 rating is water and dust resistant but not resistant enough to be placed under water. For under water installations you’ll need an IP68 rated product.
If you're installing it outside, then it should be fully water and dust resistant and fitted inside an electrical enclosure.