As we know, LED strip are customizable and have different parameter, the power you need will depend on the length and specifications of LED strips for the project.

It is easy to calculate and derive the correct power supply for your LED project. By following the steps and examples below, you will get what power supply for need.

In this article, we’ll take an example show how to get a correct power supply.

1 – What LED strip will you be using?

The first step is to choose the LED strip to use for your project. Each light strip has a different wattage or voltage. Select the series and length of LED strips you want to install.

Due to voltage drop, please keep in mind the recommended maximum length of use for the LED strip

The 24V versions of the STD and PRO series can be used up to a length of 10m (Max 10m).

If you need to use LED strips longer than 10m, you can do this by installing power supplies in parallel.

2 – what is the input voltage of the LED strip, 12V, 24V DC?

Check the product specification or label on the LED strip. This check is important because incorrect voltage input can lead to malfunctions or other safety hazards. In addition, some light strips use AC voltage and do not use a power supply.

In our next example, the STD series uses a 24V DC input.

3 – how many watts per meter your LED strip needs

It is very important to determine how much power you need. How much power (watts/meter) each strip consumes per meter. If insufficient power is supplied to the LED strip, it will cause the LED strip to dim, flicker, or not light at all. The wattage per meter can be found on the strip’s datasheet and the label.

STD series use 4.8-28.8w/m.

4 – Calculate the total wattage of the LED strip required

It is very important in determining the size of the power supply required. Again, it depends on the length & type of the LED strip.

The total power required for our 5m LED strip (ECS-C120-24V-8mm) is 14.4W/m x 5m = 72W

5 – Understand the 80% Configuration Power Rule

When choosing a power supply, it is best to ensure that you are only using 80% of the maximum rated power to extend the life of the power supply, this is to keep the power supply cool and prevent overheating. It is called derating usage. It is done by dividing the estimated total power of the LED strip by 0.8.

The example we continue with is 72W divided by 0.8 = 90W (minimum rated power supply).

It means you need a power supply with a minimum output of 90W at 24V DC.

6 – Determine Which Power Supply You Need

In above example, we determined that need a 24V DC power supply with a minimum output of 90W.

If you know the voltage and minimum wattage required for your LED strip, you can choose the power supply for the project.

Mean Well is a good brand for power supply – Outdoor/Indoor use, Long Warranty, High Power Output and Trusted Worldwide.