Which Power Supply Unit For LED Strip Is Better To Choose By Type

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• Calculation of the parameters of the power supply
• Selection of the right option
• Block options for execution
• The main options for connecting ice tapes to the power supply
• Installation features

In order to ensure the reliable operation of LEDs in a 220V network, it is required to install a power supply unit for the LED strip. The selection rules for this device include power calculation and type determination. And during the installation process, you need to take into account some of the nuances.

LED strips have long been among the most popular lighting sources and are used both in everyday life and in industry. However, direct connection of such devices to a regular 220V network is impossible - the LEDs will fail almost immediately. In order to use modern technologies using a standard outlet, you should purchase a power supply for the LED strip - a relatively inexpensive device, which, however, will take some time to choose.

Most often, the problem of selecting a suitable power supply unit is encountered when using 12V tapes, which are common because of their affordable price. And the main ways to solve it are to calculate the required power and the number of sources. And, finally, the final stages can be called the selection of a suitable model according to the type of performance and functionality, and then the installation of the selected device.

Calculation of the parameters of the power supply

You can choose the right power supply for a 12V LED strip, knowing its main characteristics and comparing them with the parameters of power supply models available on the market. First of all, take into account the power and length of the device used for lighting. The performance is usually indicated by the manufacturers of the tape in its characteristics on the packaging (for most models, its value is 4-30 V / m - the more power, the brighter the LEDs will light up). And the length required to create the necessary conditions is determined by a tape measure.

The known parameters of the lighting equipment are taken into account when choosing a unit, the voltage is also 12V, and the power is a calculated value. The latter indicator can be called the main one, and the method of its determination is relatively simple. Although it requires taking into account a small margin of performance (within 10-30%) to ensure correct operation and dimensions of the selected power supply.

Tip: The size of the source can make a difference if you want to mask it. A device that is too large is best replaced with several PSUs with lower performance, which are easier to hide - for example, behind plasterboard on the ceiling, under a baseboard or using a special shelf. A large unit requires placement inside a specially made wall niche or furniture.

In order to better understand how to calculate the power supply for the LED strip, you can consider an example of a lighting device for the kitchen working area:

1. The total perimeter length is 8 meters;
2. For lighting, a tape of the type SMD 5050 Epistar brand with 60 diodes measuring 5x5 mm per 1 meter of length was chosen. The selection is carried out according to the height of the LEDs (1 m), the luminous flux generated by them (1200 lm / m) and the illumination level of the machine required by the standard (not less than 1000 lux);
3. Taking into account the indicator of 14.4 W / m, taken from the packaging of the device or from the site selling such equipment, the consumption is determined - 14.4x8 = 115 W;
4. A 30% margin is taken, at which the power is 115x1.3 = 149.5 W;
5. Find a 150W power supply.
6. All commercially available sources are large enough to fit two smaller 75W models.

When dividing the tape into several parts, each is connected to its own source. As a rule, the distance between them is within 5-10 m. If, when installing the power supply unit, it is necessary to cut the tape, this is done only in specially marked places. If there are no marks, it is recommended to make cuts between groups of 3 LEDs.

Visual table of power supply unit for 1 meter of Led strip

D iodine per 1 meter	Power
SMD 3528	60	4.8W
SMD 3528	120	7.2 watts
SMD 3528	240	16 watts
SMD 5050	thirty	7.2 watts
SMD 5050	60	14 watts
SMD 5050	120	25 watts

Selection of the right option

After calculating the power supply for the LED strip, and determining its power, they choose such characteristics as the cooling of the device, its functionality and the type of execution. The cooling systems of the PSU are designed to reduce the temperature of the source and extend its life. Such cooling can be active (with a fan in the case), the most compact, but requiring periodic cleaning from dust and noisier. The second option, a passive system, will take up more space, but it is more convenient to operate and quiet in operation.

By functionality, the source can be:

• conventional, providing only the operation of the tape;
• with a built-in control device (dimmer) that allows you to change colors or turn on only part of the LEDs;
• with remote control (via radio channel or infrared channel);
• equipped with the maximum number of devices - both a dimmer and a remote control. This option allows you to avoid installing additional equipment in different places.

Block options for execution

The next step is to determine which power supply for the LED strip will be by type of execution - sealed, semi-sealed or completely open. They choose the appropriate option depending on which room is illuminated with the LED strip - a bathroom, kitchen, living room or production area. The maximum level of protection is needed for illuminated areas located outdoors.

The simplest and most popular option is an open model in a plastic case. Such a power supply for LED strips is partially protected only from dust and is suitable for use exclusively indoors or in cars. In the car, the source can be used to power the ceiling or dashboard lighting. In apartments, the standard power supply IP20 is mainly intended for lighting the living area. Due to the relatively low power of the sources (up to 75 W), 2-3 devices can be installed in each room, usually masked behind a false ceiling.

Sealed models are blocks in enclosures that are protected from almost any external influence. The device board is completely filled with silicone and is located inside a transparent glass. Such sources are suitable for creating exterior lighting of a car, for building facades, as well as in conditions of high humidity and dustiness. Their size and weight are noticeably larger compared to conventional sources, but such parameters as:

• power (up to 100 W), which allows feeding a longer tape;
• reliability and protection from moisture penetration, thanks to which the power supplies can be installed both in the building and on the street. Most often they are used to illuminate signage.

The peculiarity of the semi-hermetic block is its medium size and relatively affordable price. They are installed in rooms with high humidity, but with a small probability of water getting into the power source. For example, in the bathroom or in the kitchen, and even outdoors - for lighting fixtures under awnings. Their purpose can also be power supply of LEDs used in industry. For the production site shown in the example, a semi-hermetic option is sufficient.

The main options for connecting ice tapes to the power supply

Installation features

The calculation of the power supply for the LED strip and the purchase of the source itself may not be the last stages of preparation for the installation of lighting. If one device is needed for a simple one-color system, simply connect it to the fixture. If it is necessary to install several units (preferably of the same power and connected to parts of the tape at an equal distance), they should be triggered by a common panel or regulator.

More complex systems using, for example, multi-colored RGB tape require more than just power supplies. Additional devices are controllers and amplifiers. The first task is to control colors and adjust the illumination level, the second is to transmit a signal from one group of LEDs to another while maintaining the brightness and synchronization of color changes. It is desirable that each device be powered from a separate source.

By using power supplies for RGB LED strip and strip LEDs themselves, it is possible to provide periodic changes in lighting indoors or outdoors. Therefore, such systems are popular as lighting for shop windows, cars, fountains, and even columns or stairs. Devices of this type are installed both on suspended ceilings and in any hard-to-reach places, which allows for the flexibility of strip LEDs.

Tip: To simplify the design, the amplifier and controller can be connected to the same power supply as the tape itself. However, this significantly increases the size of the sources

In addition, when installing a block of any type, it is required:

ensure during the installation process the air circulation necessary to cool the source. Installation of the device in rooms with complete lack of ventilation is not recommended

• provide access to the unit to simplify its maintenance or replacement in case of failure;
• install sources not close to the LED strip or other units, but at some distance.

It is also recommended that the temperature in the room where the power supply unit for the LED strip is installed is within the range of –10 - +45 degrees. If these conditions are not met, sealed sources with a degree of protection IP67 are used. They can be used in the temperature range from –25 to +85 degrees.

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