Know about Choosing the right LED Drivers as per your needs

Today we would answer a very common FAQ and this is with regards to LED Drivers. Since LED strip lights have current and voltage requirements that are different in comparison with mains power supply, a separate unit is needed by them named LED drivers so that the work is done.

What are LED drivers?

Sometimes, LED drivers are also referred as transformers or power supply and are self-contained ones that perfectly match the output to the current and voltage requirements of the devices. It works similar to the 12V transformers in MR16 spotlight systems. With LED Drivers, the mains electricity supply is taken and is changed to 12V DC.

Which LED drivers are needed?

These LED drivers come in various sizes and shapes and are not suited for all the purposes. While choosing the driver, the following things must be considered:

• The power outlet that is being used
• The size of LED Strip Lights

There are two types of LED drivers; Mains ready and plug and play

Just as the name is suggestive of, plug and play ones are designed for easy and quick installation and minimal expertise is needed. The connection of the driver is done to the mains supply through a standard UK-3 pin plug and strip lights corresponding female and male connectors. The design of Mains ready drivers is done in such a way so that one can use it for advanced installations and can be hardwired directly into the household mains. Usually, this is done with a domestic household switch that has a fully integrated lighting experience. With an IP67 rating, they become quite suitable for use in damp and wet conditions.

Just like the type of the driver, a perfectly sized driver also has to be chosen. The measurement of the driver size is done in watts and should be matched perfectly to the consumption of power or the load of LED Strip Lights.

For calculating the load of the strip lights, the wattage has to be multiplied per meter by the total number of meters that have to run off a single driver. The calculation of this is done as follows:

Wattage per mete multiplied by number of meters = total consumption of power or load.

For example, if 10 meters of LED strip lights is used, the consumption of which is 7.2 watts per meter, the compete load would be 10x7.2 = 72 watts. In this example, it is sufficient to use a 100 watt driver. Remember, that running over 1 strip light off a single driver is easily possible. A professional electrician must be consulted before any attempts are made on mains electrical work.

Another thing that needs verification before purchasing the driver is the kind of power outlet that is being used. With this, you would get a clue related to the products that are purchased as well as where they need to be purchased.

Article Source: http://www.find4sites.com/Tips_articles_business.php?aid=10313

About the Author:

The Author of the article has extensive knowledge about the LED Drivers & LED Strip Lights.

The author of the article has an extensive knowledge about the energy saving bulbs.