Technology advancement in the LED lighting industry has led to the explosive growth of the industry and greater energy efficiency. The outdoor area lighting is one area that manufacturers have expanded their offerings by introducing reliable, long-lasting LED power supply regardless of whether you are building new LED fixtures or fixing the existing ones. This includes the LED waterproof power supply, a development that ensures optimal lighting performance under all weather conditions. In this article, we will highlight some important factors that will help you choose the right power supply for your LEDs.
- Voltage/Current
When installing or replacing the power supply, it is important to ensure that the output voltage is compatible with your LEDs voltage. Also, most LED products come with inbuilt current regulators to help you determine the correct input voltage. This helps to ensure that you have a power supply that can handle the input power of your LEDs.
- Weather and Temperature
Most people tend to overlook the environment the power supply will be used in. LED power supplies are designed to operate in specific weather parameters and specified areas. To prevent led power supply problems, ensure that they work within a safe temperature range, and also ensure proper ventilation. Your LED power supply will also require protection against solids and liquids. The level of protection is denoted by an ingress-protection (IP) rating whereby the higher the rating, the higher the level of protection and vice versa.
- Size
Power supplies come in different shapes and sizes to fit different needs. When choosing one for your LED project, you’ll first need to determine where it will be fitted or installed. Indoor applications tend to have limited options when it comes to mounting positions. You may also be limited to the size to ensure that it fits in the space provided. Outdoor scenarios, on the other hand, are more flexible than indoors settings when it comes to installation space. However, the power supply should mount close by.
- Wattage
Just as with voltage requirements, you’ll need to establish the number of watts your LED lights will consume before you install its power supply. A led strip consumption calculator can help you find the total number of watts used easily. Also, to ensure that you have enough power supply, it is recommended that you choose a power supply with a 20% cushion over the total wattage.
- Efficiency Level
The efficiency of a power supply is an indicator of the amount of power required to make your LEDs light up. It is always recommended that you choose a higher efficiency rating of more than 80% to help you save more power. On the same note, if your LEDs have dimming capabilities, ensure to select a dimmable LED power supply. This will help you adjust the brightness to the desired level.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has been helpful in your search for the right LED power supply replacement. Although there are plentiful options to choose from, the choice of the power supply will depend on the nature of your project. That said, it is crucial to take your time to choose one that fits your needs and one that meets safety requirements.
