Power supply units

A power supply for an LED strip is an essential component of high-quality lighting

Buying a power supply for an LED strip is a necessary step for its productive operation. It is needed, first of all, to reduce the voltage that comes into the strip from the network. It is also used for other lighting devices, since it serves to stabilize the voltage, which is very important for their long and productive operation. A reliable power supply increases the service life of the LED strip, due to the fact that it has protection against short circuits, overload of the system, overvoltage and overheating.

There are several types of power supplies for diode strips, so when choosing a device, two main parameters should be taken into account - this is the supply voltage and the power consumption of the LED strip itself. How is this calculated? The first parameter, as a rule, is already present in the characteristics of the LED strip or on the packaging. To find out the second, you need to multiply its power by the length. Add 20 - 30% of the power that will go to the conductors, round the number and get the desired figure. The power of the LED strip is measured in watts (W).

Power supply for the LED strip - how to connect?

The power supply for the strip is connected using terminals marked:

L - phase;
N - zero;
G - for grounding;
-V and +V - for the LED strip.

L and N - these are the main inputs of the adapter, where the 220 V network power is connected. If there is no grounding in your circuit, simply leave this terminal empty. The V outputs are intended for shorting the LED strip.  

Why are some power supplies perforated? Made of aluminum, they provide better heat dissipation. Since any work is associated with heating devices, this technique provides the adapter with passive cooling - the heat is distributed more evenly throughout the case. There are also options for units with active cooling, when a fan is built into the case. Such models are smaller in size, but during operation, they create a little noise.

Power supply for LED strip - a few more tangible advantages of the adapter

Among other things, power supplies for LED strip are distinguished by the particularly durable case, and sealed ones - and also resistant to any environmental conditions, such as moisture, pollution or temperature instability. 

Other advantages include:

• compact size of the units;
• small weight of the adapter;
• simplicity of design;
• built-in dimmer allows you to adjust the brightness of the glow and the color of the backlight;
• some models can be controlled remotely using the remote control;
• high-quality components provide it with long and productive operation;
• manufacturer's warranty from 2 to 5 years, depending on the selected model.

LED strip power supply - application practice

LED strip power supply, which you can buy right now, is calculated proportionally. For example, when connecting 5 meters of 12 V tape, the difference in brightness between the first and last diode will be imperceptible. But if you increase the length of the tape to 10 meters, then at the end it will shine dimmer than at the beginning. Therefore, in order not to "lose the light", it is necessary to use a more powerful adapter. It is better to connect several adapters in a chain, but only a parallel connection should be used.

Consultants of the ARTLED online store will definitely help you choose power supplies for LED strips, calculate their number, according to power and more. We have a service for calculating a ready-made solution in the basic configuration, so we will select for you all the necessary additional elements, according to your needs. We work with designers and companies that carry out author's supervision of turnkey repairs - directly. From a small home project to a large multifunctional backlight - we will provide without difficulty, due to the rich and varied assortment, which is always in stock. Fast delivery is another nice bonus from our company.