Choosing the Right LED Driver

How to Choose the Right LED Driver for Your Lighting System

Choosing the right LED driver is essential for ensuring your LED lights operate safely, efficiently, and at peak performance. Whether you’re installing LED strip lights, ground lights, or commercial LED systems, selecting the correct driver can save you headaches and protect your investment.

If you’ve read our guide on Understanding LED Drivers and How They Work, you already know some basics:

• All LED systems require an LED driver to function.

• Most drivers fall into two categories: constant voltage or constant current.

• Some LED lights, like household bulbs, have integrated drivers built in.

• LED systems without built-in drivers require external drivers to operate correctly.

---

Types of LED Drivers

LED drivers come in two main types based on their input power:

1. Low-Voltage DC Drivers (5–36V)

   • Recommended for smaller applications like LED tape or decorative lighting.

   • Offer reliability, efficiency, and advanced dimming options.

2. High-Voltage AC Drivers (90–277V)

   • Also called off-line drivers.

   • Ideal for large-scale residential or commercial lighting projects.

   • Can power multiple fixtures over longer distances.

---

Key Considerations When Choosing an LED Driver

When selecting an LED driver, several factors determine compatibility and performance:

1. Type and Configuration of LED Lights

• Series wiring: Requires a constant-current LED driver (common for ground lights or decking lights).

• Parallel wiring: Requires a constant-voltage LED driver (typical for LED tape or strip lights).

2. Current Rating (Amps or Milliamps)

• Ensure the LED driver’s output current matches the LED lights’ milliamp rating.

• Common ratings: 350mA and 700mA.

3. Wattage

• Total wattage of your lights must not exceed the driver’s rated wattage.

• Example: 5 × 3W ground lights = 15W minimum driver.

• For LED tape: multiply wattage per meter by total length (e.g., 15W/m × 3m = 45W driver).

4. Voltage Compatibility

• Output voltage of the driver must match your LED lights’ input voltage.

• Constant-current drivers may have wide voltage ranges (e.g., 6–24V).

• Using the wrong voltage can damage your LEDs, so always double-check specifications.

5. Dimming Capabilities

• Some drivers support dimming; others don’t.

• Check the driver’s dimming specifications if you plan to use dimmers.

---

Additional LED Driver Buying Factors

1. Output Voltage

   • Constant-current drivers: Consider both current and voltage ranges.

   • Constant-voltage drivers: Voltage is the main factor.

2. Input Voltage

   • Ensure your local electrical supply matches the driver’s input voltage.

   • Residential voltage: typically 120V; commercial/industrial: up to 277V.

3. Wattage Usage

   • Avoid using a driver that’s too small or too large for your lights.

   • Stay within 50–100% of the driver’s rated wattage for optimal performance.

---

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right LED driver doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering type, current, voltage, wattage, and dimming, you can ensure a safe and efficient LED lighting setup.

For assistance in choosing the perfect LED driver for your project, call us at 407-777-0942. Our experts are happy to help.