How to Choose a Power Supply for LED Strips

LED strips are now available in low-voltage 12V and 24V, so we need to choose a suitable power supply to convert room electricity. Many people are not very clear about how to choose a power supply. In fact, it is not responsible. We need to consider some factors. In addition to considering power and voltage, there are many other factors that may affect your choice. When you choose the right power supply for your LED strip, please refer to this article. We will provide you with a comprehensive explanation. And help you choose the right LED power supply. More details, pls read How to Choose 12V vs. 24V LED Strip Lights?

What is the Function of the Power Supply of LED Strips?

If you are using low-voltage 12v and 24v power supplies to convert to indoor voltage. The main function is to convert high-voltage AC into low-voltage DC, which is required by LED light strips. But no additional power supply is needed if it is a 110v or 220v high-voltage LED light strip.

Most LED strips use 12V or 24V DC voltage because it is safer. It is mainly used for architectural and indoor decorative lighting. Therefore, the power supply is essential to ensure that the light strip works properly and safely.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Power Supply for LED Strips

Once you have purchased the LED strips, we need to consider the LED power supply. When choosing the right power supply for LED strips, there are a few key points to consider:

Matching voltage

LED strips usually use 12V or 24V DC. So, when choosing a power supply, first make sure that the power supply output voltage is consistent with the operating voltage of the LED strip. If you choose a 24V strip, then you need to choose a 24V voltage. If you choose 12V, it may cause the strip to be damaged or not work properly.

Power requirements

Calculating the power of the LED strip is very important for choosing the right power supply. Usually, the power consumption of LED strips is expressed in watts/meter (W/m). You need to determine the power of the power supply based on the length and wattage of the strip.

Generally, when we match the power of the power supply, it is recommended that the rated power of the power supply should be 20%-30% higher than the total power consumption of the LED strip to ensure that the power supply is not in full load for a long time.

Waterproof power supply requirements

If the LED strip is used outdoors or in a humid environment, a waterproof power supply needs to be selected. The protection level (IP rating) of the power supply should match the use environment. For example, IP67 or IP68 waterproof power supplies are suitable for outdoor use and can prevent the intrusion of dust and water.

Dimming compatibility

If you need to adjust the brightness of the LED strip, make sure the power supply is compatible with the dimmer. Some LED strip systems may require a specific type of dimming power supply, such as a 0-10V dimming power supply or a PWM dimming power supply, to achieve flicker-free brightness adjustment.

Summary

To choose a suitable LED power supply for LED strips, you need to consider factors such as voltage, power, waterproofing, etc. If you don’t know how to calculate the wattage of the power supply, you can also consult us, we can help you calculate and assist you in choosing a suitable power supply.