Do LED strip lights need a driver?

Most LEDs require a driver, a few are designed to run on AC current. LED strips also require a driver, but you can buy strip lights separately from the driver, and one driver can supply electricity to multiple LED strips!

How do I choose an LED driver for my LED?

Use an LED driver with at least the same value as your LED(s). The driver must have a higher output power than your LEDs require for extra safety. If the output is equivalent to the LED power requirements, it is running at full power. Running at full power may cause the driver to have a shorter life span.

What does a driver do for LED lights?

An LED driver is an electrical device that regulates power to an LED or a string of LEDs. Forward Voltage is the amount of volts the light emitting diode requires to conduct electricity and light up. As temperature increases, the forward voltage of the LED decreases, causing the LED to draw more current.

What is a LED driver power supply?

LED drivers, or LED power supplies, provide LED light bulbs with the electricity required for peak performance, much like a fluorescent lamp’s magnetic ballast or a low-voltage bulb transformer.

How many types of LED drivers are there?

There are two main types of external LED drivers, constant-current and constant-voltage, as well as a third type of driver called an AC LED driver which will also be discussed. Each type of driver is designed to operate LEDs with a different set of electrical requirements.

What is the difference between LED driver and transformer?

A transformer converts AC to AC; e.g., 240V AC to 12V AC. An LED driver typically supplies a constant current (e.g, 150mA DC) to a fairly-low voltage load (e.g., 36V DC; 12x 3V series LEDs, probably paralleled), while being powered by a high-voltage (e.g., 240V AC) input.

Where do I put LED driver?

Firstly, the LED driver should be placed in a ventilated space and an access route should be made available for common maintenance purposes. Additionally, the IP, or International Protection Code or rating of the driver must be considered before finalizing the location for mounting the LED driver.