Which LED driver should you choose for your LED strips?

An LED driver (also known as an LED power supply) is an electrical device that converts your mains voltage (typically 230V) into a lower voltage suitable for LED strips (usually 12V or 24V). It also regulates the current to prevent power surges that could damage your lights. The driver also allows to convert AC to DC.

Here are the different types of LED drivers, each of which meets specific needs and applications:

• Constant Voltage Drivers (12V or 24V): 

  This is the most common type used for LED strips. These drivers provide a fixed voltage, making them ideal for single-colour LED strips. Example: a 24V LED strip requires a 24V constant voltage driver. 

• Dimmable LED Drivers: 

  These allow you to adjust the brightness using a compatible dimmer (phase-cut, 1-10V, or DALI). Perfect for creating custom lighting atmospheres.

• Waterproof LED Drivers (IP65/IP67): 

  Essential for outdoor installations or damp environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, or gardens. Example: an IP65 waterproof driver is ideal for terrace LED strip lighting.

It's important to keep the correct distance between the LED driver and the LED strip to avoid voltage drops. We recommend not connecting more than two LED strip rolls (10 metres) in series, as the brightness may noticeably decrease beyond that point, and there's a risk of overheating the circuit tracks, which can damage the strip. However, you can connect multiple rolls in parallel to the same LED driver, as long as the total power consumption stays within 90% of the driver's rated capacity.

How to calculate the right LED driver power:

To choose the right driver, a simple calculation can help you determine the required power. Multiply the wattage per metre (W/m) by the total length of your LED strip. Example: For a 24V LED strip with a power consumption of 14.4 W/m and a total length of 5 metres: 14.4 W/m × 5 m = 72 W

To avoid overloading the driver and to extend its lifespan, it's recommended to allow a safety margin of 20–30%. 72 W × 1.25 = 90 W → A driver with a minimum power of 90 W is recommended.

Step-by-step installation for LED strip drivers

✓  Switch off the power at the circuit breaker.

✓ Connect the driver to the mains (230V), following the wiring diagram (live, neutral, and earth if required).

✓ Connect the output of the driver to the LED strip, ensuring correct polarity (+ / -).

✓ Secure the setup inside a junction box, false ceiling, or driver enclosure.

Safety tips for a reliable installation

✓  Never overload your LED driver.

✓ Use appropriately sized cables for longer distances.

✓ If powering multiple LED strips, use a higher-capacity driver or multiple drivers in parallel.

As we mentionned earlier, a LED driver can be waterproof. It is very much needed if you want to install your LED strips outside or in a wet room. Moisture, humidity, and direct contact with water can damage standard drivers, which is why choosing a waterproof version is essential for environments like gardens, terraces, bathrooms, or kitchens. When looking for a waterproof driver, it’s important to pay attention to the IP rating — for example, IP65 is suitable for damp indoor spaces, while IP67 or IP68 is ideal for outdoor installations or areas exposed to heavy splashing or even immersion. 

Installing a waterproof LED driver requires a bit of care to ensure long-lasting performance. Even though the driver itself is sealed, it’s best to place it in a protected spot and use waterproof connectors to keep the entire system safe. Make sure there’s enough ventilation to prevent overheating, and avoid enclosing it too tightly.

If you're unsure which driver suits your setup, don’t hesitate to reach out, our team is happy to help you find the right solution for your project.

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