Power supplies for LEDs: how they work, how to choose them and calculate the right power.
Because we choose a reliable brand like Mean Well.
In my personal experience, I can say that for a good LED lighting project, certainly the product we are going to use (LED Modules, Strips, RBGs) must meet the characteristics that allow for an excellent result and that this is durable over time.
Whether we are talking about a large or small sign or an indoor project, at home, in a commercial environment, in a camper, in addition to identifying the lighting element to be used, the choice of the power supply can make the difference.
On the market you can find everything, whether it is outdoor or indoor.
But it is certain that at a global level one manufacturer among all is always a guarantee of quality, reliability, also offering a complete range of products, which adapts to every need.
I’m talking about the brand that I have chosen to offer to my customers as well, always with great satisfaction.
Those in the field have already understood that I am talking about MEAN WELL. Established in 1982, it is still one of the leading companies in the production of electronic ballasts and is among the top 5 manufacturers in the world in this category.
For the vastness of the range offered, Mean Well is certainly the undisputed leader, providing, as already mentioned, solutions for any sector, from industrial to domestic, with more than 9000 models available.
I obviously select the products that support the activity of LEDs, improving their performance and guaranteeing the maximum result over time.
You can see our Top Selling Power Supplies here The production of LED power supplies is based on efficient and durable materials, with extremely high quality standards.
In this regard, Mean Well has been offering absolutely reliable, long-lasting products suitable for any request for many years.
HOW DOES AN LED POWER SUPPLY WORK?
An LED emits light when a voltage is applied to its ends and current flows inside it.
The voltage must be EQUAL TO OR GREATER than the direct voltage drop on the LED.
But be careful: if the voltage applied is higher than the rated voltage of the LED, the current will increase, causing the temperature of the LED chips to rise, which could cause device failure.
Practically the power supply must have an output voltage higher than the direct voltage of our LED device and the current must be limited to its maximum value by means of a resistor.
POWER SUPPLY OR TRANSFORMER?
To all intents and purposes, the power supply can also be considered and therefore also called a transformer, since it transforms the standard current from 220 V to 12/24/48 V
HOW TO CHOOSE POWER SUPPLIES
The factors that affect the choice of a power supply for LEDs are certainly many.
Let’s see the fundamentals:
- Environmental factor: whether the LED should be used OUTSIDE or INSIDE a structure
- The suitable degree of protection: for example, if used outdoors, the power supply must obviously be WATERPROOF
- Compliance with current Safety Regulations.
This is why we choose a great brand like Mean Well, well known for having all the safety certifications required worldwide.
Insiders know that when working on specifications or projects, Mean Well power supplies are often requested from the start for this very reason. - the correct power for the light device to be powered.
This is why I answer this simple but recurring question:
HOW TO CALCULATE THE RIGHT POWER SUPPLY FOR LEDS?
In general, I have already answered this question, but if I wanted to summarize in a rule of thumb I would say that you always calculate 15-20% more than the value required by the device.
So if we have to power a 100 W LED light device, for example, we can use a 120 W power supply. In this article I wanted to answer the basic questions about Power Supplies and I hope you find the information given useful.
I have often received more technical and precise questions, such as “how to connect a power supply?” or “how to place or hide a power supply?”
I will answer this soon too, follow the release of the next Easy Led Store videos and don’t forget to view in our catalog the selection of Mean Well Power Supplies, for us Best Product and Best Price 2019, highlighted in our Winter Energy campaign.
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