How to choose a power supply for an LED strip

Modern design solutions often use strips with diodes. For proper operation of the backlight, it is recommended to select batteries with the required parameters. In the article we will tell you in detail how to choose a power supply for an LED strip based on a number of criteria, and also show you how to correctly calculate the required power - after which we suggest you make the calculation using our online calculator and choose a transformer in our store.

Basic parameters when choosing batteries

Transformers are blocks that are responsible for the operation of the backlight by converting voltage from the network. Often LED backlighting is powered by 12 or 24 volt units. Before choosing a transformer for the LED strip, you must also consider the following parameters:

indicator of protection from environmental influences;
transformer operating voltage;
backlight lengths;
power consumed per 1 meter of illumination;
battery dimensions.

Using elements with insufficient power ratings increases the likelihood of the tape overheating. A constant increase in temperature will lead to early failure. Since the unit operates at maximum power, the tape may burn out. Even aluminum profiles, which contribute to additional heat dissipation, will not help maintain the service life of the backlight if the transformer power is insufficient.

If the user does not know how to choose the right power supply or transformer for the LED strip and calculate the necessary parameters, it is recommended to use a calculator. It sets LED lighting indicators. Next, the system will display the necessary parameters.

Pulse or transformer

For many decades, network power supplies were built according to the following scheme: step-down transformer - rectifier - filter. This principle has not outlived its usefulness even now; in many cases it is the best option . But with the development of electronics, switching power supplies began to be used more and more often. Despite the complexity of the circuitry, they have undeniable advantages:

ease;
small dimensions;
high efficiency, which in theory can be equal to 100%.

Impulse power block.
Disadvantages include the generation of high-frequency interference into the network (which can lead to malfunctions of sensitive devices powered from the same network) and into the load. To combat the first problem, power supplies are equipped with filters at the input (in inexpensive sources they are made according to a simple scheme or are absent). The second problem is not important for LEDs. Therefore, the choice has been made - light and powerful switching power supplies are used to power LED devices.

Selecting a transformer for LED strip

LED backlighting requires the correct choice of battery. The cooling of the transformer, the degree of safety and the installation location depend on it. Next, we’ll talk about each indicator to ensure maximum safety during operation and heat dissipation.

Operating voltage

Transformers with operating values of 12 and 24 V are most often used. Power for a large section of the tape is provided by 36V units. The voltage value must match the output value of the transformer.

There are blocks in which several channels are located, allowing you to power 2 or more backlights. Also, this type of transformers is used when connecting several strips in series to illuminate the entire perimeter of a room. It can be used to power the strip used as the main source of lighting, as well as additional lighting.

Precautions when using high-power LEDs

The greater the power of the LED, the more carefully you need to approach the installation and operation of the product. By following a few rules, you will protect yourself from trouble.

Firstly, the tape should not be damaged. Secondly, consider the electrical polarity when connecting the products. Third, beware of unbalanced voltage drops, which can damage the LEDs. Fourthly, connect the pieces of tape only in parallel. Connecting high-power LEDs in series can cause them to burn out.

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How to choose a power supply for LED strip according to the degree of protection

Depending on the room in which the LED strip will be installed, a power supply with a certain degree of protection is selected. This parameter is indicated by two letters IP and a number that corresponds to the degree of moisture protection. There are batteries with the following indicators:

IP20. Batteries with this indicator are suitable for installing the tape in rooms where the risk of mechanical stress is minimal. Do not come into contact with water. There is protection against small objects of at least 12.5 mm. Suitable for lighting in the living room, bedroom, children's room.
IP65. Transformers with this degree of protection are suitable for installation in the kitchen. They are protected from water jets and dust. However, it should not be installed outdoors or in rooms with high humidity. They do not withstand prolonged contact with water.
IP67. These blocks are completely sealed and can withstand immersion under water up to 1 meter. Suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors. They do not fail when exposed to drops of water or fine dust. If the user needs to install the tape at a greater depth, use IP69 transformers that have maximum tightness.

It is important to choose a protection level that is the same as that of an LED strip. If you install elements with different values, one of them may fail before the other, given the common environment in which they are located.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the transformer depend on the room and surrounding objects. Provide free space near the unit for additional cooling and air circulation. Large transformers should not be installed near equipment that generates heat. Additional heating contributes to early burnout of diodes.

On units with high power, cooling elements are often installed. It is recommended to choose transformers in which the cooler is located perpendicular to the board elements.

RGB strip allows you to change the color lighting in the room depending on your mood. To use the remote control to change colors, a dimmer or controller is placed between the block and the tape. For a good signal from the remote control, it is recommended to install it in an accessible place. Install a transformer for RGB LED strip indoors with minimal risk of mechanical damage.

LED Size

Power directly depends on the size and number of its individual elements. They allow you to create the required glow intensity. First of all, it is necessary to consider the issue of diode sizes. Product labeling allows you to understand what type of illuminator is on sale.

First, this designation indicates the type of product (RGB or SMD). Further marking contains 4 digits. This is the size of the diodes. If, for example, the marking says SMD3528, this means that its lighting elements have a length and width of 3.5 x 2.8 mm.

There are also larger diodes - 5050 or 5630. The brightness of the SMD3528 is 5 lumens. This is a specific measure of the glow of the tape. Power and 5630 will be more. The luminous flux emitted by these diodes will be 15 and 18 lumens, respectively. Thanks to these qualities, an LED strip can replace a conventional energy-saving light bulb in terms of lighting brightness.

How to choose a power supply for an LED strip - calculation method

Independent calculation of the required indicators is carried out according to the formula: N=L*U*K, where N is the calculated power, U is the consumed power of the tape, calculated per 1 meter, L is the length of the LED backlight with diodes, K is the safety factor (20%).

The calculation takes into account the safety factor. Part of the energy is spent on losses in the wires during operation of the tape. If you do not take this coefficient into account, the power supply will operate at maximum power, which will lead to heating of the element. In the worst case, a short circuit will occur and the backlight will malfunction.

To make the right choice of indicators, it is recommended to use a calculator for calculating the power supply for an LED strip. A transformer with correctly selected power will ensure stable operation of LED lighting in the room, reducing the likelihood of diodes overheating. We invite you to use our online calculator to calculate the power supply for the LED strip.

Principle of operation

The current flowing through the electrode into the lighting installation must be limited in some way, otherwise, as soon as the lamp lights up, its value will increase to an excessively high value. This regulation is carried out using electromagnetic conductors mounted in the core of the device; they provide strict control of the strength of the electric current within fairly narrow limits.

Magnetic shunts dissipate some of the electromagnetic energy that is produced by the primary coil and then spreads along the metal core of the transformer. As the current consumed by the secondary winding increases, most of the primary electromagnetic flux is diverted through the magnetic shunt. As a result, in those areas of the core frame where the secondary coils are located, the intensity of the magnetic current is much weaker.

Some current converters may have more than one secondary winding and more than one secondary shunt. If the converter is equipped with two secondary windings, then the midpoint connection between them can be grounded on the device body. Depending on the exact configuration of shunts and secondary windings, neon lamp transformers may be balanced or unbalanced.

Dimming

Now many users prefer LED strips with a dimmer. The device allows you to change the intensity of the backlight by adjusting the amount of energy that is transferred from the network to the backlight.

Owners of LED strips often look for dimmable power supplies, believing that the brightness of LED lighting can be changed using a rheostatic dimmer, which is located in the circuit in front of the block. This is a common mistake, since the LED strip is actually controlled by separate controllers and dimmers that are installed between the transformer and the light source. That is, dimmable power supplies are not needed, since control is carried out after the block.

However, demand creates supply, and dimmable drivers are now widely available. But their use is accompanied by difficulties, since such power supplies are unstable and less reliable than standard devices. In addition, dimming does not occur smoothly, but in jerks, and the user cannot reduce the brightness below a certain threshold of 10-30% of the total brightness of the light source.

This happens because the majority of modern LED strips with classic dimmers do not work correctly. Old dimmers are designed for more powerful light sources; they do not accept the minimum load from LEDs at reduced brightness. “Regulators” begin to work only when the consumption of the light source overcomes a certain threshold, which is individual for each dimmer.

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