LED Drivers

What Is an LED Driver

LED lighting drivers provide LED power supply. In general, they are not much different from fluorescent lamp ballasts or incandescent bulb transformers.

There are two reasons LEDs need drivers, and both have to do with the voltage. LEDs are intended to run on a low-voltage direct-current electricity of up to 24V. An LED driver rectifies alternating current to direct current, making it possible to use LEDs in places that supply higher voltage. In a similar way, LED drivers also shield the fixture from voltage fluctuations. LED light output is proportionate to the current supply, and an unstable current can cause the light output to vary or degrade.

LED Light Driver Types

LEDs that require an external driver include cove lights, tape lights, panels and outdoor-rated lights. These bulbs are commonly used outdoors for roadway lighting and commercial purposes.

LEDs designed for household use often contain internal lighting drivers.

There are two main types of external drivers available: constant-current (CC) LED light driver and constant-voltage (CV) LED light driver. Each type of driver is composed to operate LEDs with a different set of electrical specifications.

The Difference Between CV and CC in Lighting Driver

LED drivers can feature CV, CC, or both options. Choosing the right one depends on the LED or module it will be powering.

CC (Constant Current) lighting drivers are the most common choice for LED applications that require a fixed output current with a range of voltages. A constant current LED driver maintains a steady electric current flow through a circuit with the help of variable voltage. These models are suitable for single bulbs as well as a chain of LEDs mounted together. 

Constant voltage (CV) LED drivers are power supplies with the set voltage, ideal for running multiple LEDs depending on a fixed output voltage with a maximum output current. In these LEDs, the current is already regulated by internal CC driver or simple resistors. One example is LED strips with a current limiting resistor. The voltage output must be equivalent to the voltage requirement of the complete LED string.

On average, CCs offer better control and more efficient usage than constant voltage. One issue with CC LED drivers is that if the circuit gets broken in any way, no bulb can work. 

Some LED drivers come with both CV and CC options available. CV is a standard mode until the output current exceeds the rated limit, after which a CC mode activates. This is suitable for applications that require flexibility.

Where to Use LED Drivers

• CC LED Drivers: Residential LED lighting, office and retail lighting, entertainment lighting, LED Downlights, LED Signs.
• CV LED Drivers: LED strips, LEDs in parallel, LED light engines, moving signs, stage lighting, street lighting, outdoor lighting.

LED Drivers IP Rating

LED drivers can be more or less resistant to water and dust, and that is displayed through its IP rating. For average use, and IP65 rated driver will suffice. This means it is protected from dust and any water projected at it.

Resistance to dust is displayed in the first number, from 0 to 6. While the zero marks no protection, rating 5 means “protected,” while number 6 marks “dust-tight” LED driver. 

The second number is liquid protection. 0-2 measures angled droplets resistance, 3-4 is a water spray protection, rating 5-6 can resist water jets, while anything above means the LED driver can be submerged. 

Output Power (W) VS. Output Voltage

Output power is given in watts (W). LED driver’s output power value should at least match the LED’s. Ideally, the lighting driver should have a higher output power for extra safety. With output equivalent to the LED power requirements, the LED driver is running at full capacity, which may affect its life span. 

The output voltage is given in volts (V). For CV LED drivers, it requires the same output as LEDs. For multiple LEDs, the overall LED voltage requirement is summed up to provide a total value.

Lighting Driver’s Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy of LED light drivers is known as “mean time before failure” or MTBF and measures in thousands of hours. Running LED power supply driver at the recommended outputs will extend its life span, reduce maintenance, and lower the costs.

Packaging

Open frame LED drivers are smaller and allow for customisation. Encapsulations provide IP ratings and security for stand-alone LED drivers.

If you need help to determine what kind of LED driver you need, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.