What LED Driver do I need?

6 June 2023
what_led_driver_do_i_need

To work out what LED driver you need, you first of all have to ask yourself 5 simple questions:

 

Do I need a Constant Current or Constant Voltage LED driver?

This will depend on the type of light fitting or LED you have.

Some LEDs require a constant voltage to prevent flickering, others require a constant current.

MEAN WELL LCM-25DA2 LED DRIVER
MEAN WELL LCM-25DA2 LED Driver

 

If there is any fluctuation in your 240VAC power supply the LED driver will ensure that either the voltage, or current output remains constant.

What is the required output?

This will either be the required voltage, or required current.

12V & 24V are the most common voltage outputs, but it could be something different.

Current outputs are usually expressed a milliamps. For example 350mA or 700mA.

For constant current LED drivers you will also need to the know the voltage range this has to be delivered within. Typically you will see something like: 350mA (24-48V).

How powerful does the LED driver need to be?

This is the wattage of the LED driver. You don't need to worry too much about this if you are looking for a constant current LED driver and know the required voltage range the current has to be delivered at.

For constant volatge drivers you need to know how much power the LEDs are likely to draw from the LED driver.

Is 16W going to be enough, or do you need something as large as a 600W led driver?

MEAN WELL HLG-600H LED Driver
MEAN WELL HLG-600H LED Driver

 

You won't damage the LEDs by using a larger LED driver.

However, if the power supply is too small you could overload it, which has the potential to cause a failure that wouldn't be covered by the warranty.

Where is the LED driver going to situated?

If it is going in the roof space then a plastic bodied LED driver will be fine. However, if it is going to be exposed to the elements, you will need a weatherproof LED driver.

Please note: Never mount a LED driver in direct sunlight. This will lead to the temperature inside the LED driver exceeding its maximum operating temperatiue range. This too has the potential to lead to a failure that would not be covered by the warranty. 

Do you want to dim the LEDs?

If you want to DIM the LEDs then you will need to know what type of output your dimming controller has. The most common types are:

  • Resistance
  • 0-10VDC or 1-10VDC
  • PWM Signal
  • Push Button
  • DALI
  • AC Phase Cut (for leading edge and trailing edge dimmers)
MEAN WELL PWM-60 Dimmable LED Driver
MEAN WELL PWM-60 Dimmable LED Driver

 

What next?

Simply contact MEAN WELL Australia. Using your answers we will be able to advise what suitable LED drivers are available.