In an LED lighting application, 12V is a common working voltage, as many people think, as long as a 12V power supply is used for the LED light. In fact, when the LED light flicks, unusual heat, shortened lifespan problems, and this misconception.
The actual 12V is not equal to the LED power supplies. For LED lighting, you choose the true 12V LED power supply improtant than the voltage reading.
12V power supply is right, but not all power supply design for LED lights
Traditional linear loads mean that the electricity system, current, and voltage are directly proportional. Loads that follow Ohm’s law are mainly composed of resistance (R), inductance (L), and capacitance (C), such as incandescent lamps and heaters. However, an LED driver essentially is a semiconductor device, not a simple resistance. If the voltage is a little high, the current may increase twice. An LED power supply is prone to overcurrent, overheating, and burnout. And the temperature is higher, the current is larger. This will lead to LED power supply heat, the turn-on voltage will decrease, and the current will increase. These usually say thermal runaway. At the same time, the LED power supply usually has rectification, filtering, and a switching circuit. For the power supply, it is constantly drawing current, which does not allow for stable absorption.
So the LED power supply is not a traditional mean linear load, and is a nonlinear electronic load, which has more requirements for stability of power supply, current control capacity, and ripple level. Common 12V power supply, this is usually designed for routers, control board or electronic devices. 12V LED power supply advances in LED features, that it to keep a stable output in a dynamic load. These are why two label same 12V power supply and have different performance in the LED light system.
Common problems when using a standard 12V power supply instead of an LED power supply.
In an LED power supply, one common mistake is that a direct general-purpose 12V power supply is not a dedicated LED power supply.
A standard 12V power supply usually focuses on whether the voltage meets the standards, but an LED power supply still needs to focus on the stability of the output voltage in load changes, the current match capacity, and the lighting performance of low ripple and low flicker. When the LED light appears uneven brightness, flicker, and premature aging problems, that mean use wrong 12V LED power supply.
Many LED fault not only voltage wrong, but also a current capacity shortage. Just as one 12V LED strip light’s actual wattage is 48W and 4A current. If you choose the LED power supply, it only provides 3A, even if the light can light up, and the system stays in a fully loaded or overloaded state for a long time. In this solution, the common results include brightness fluctuations, temperature of the power supply, and reliability of the whole system. So you choose a 12V LED power supply, we usually suggest reserving 20%-30% wattage margin and make sure work stable for a long time.
Choosing the wrong constant voltage and constant current affects the LED light lifespan.
Not all LED light systems are powered by constant voltage. A lot of 12V LED light strips need a constant voltage, and some LED modules or high wattage light must match a constant current drive. Use a constant current drive powered by 12V LED light strips, and use a standard constant voltage power supply powered by a constant current LED module. Two solutions will lead to LED overheating, color shift, and irreversible broken. Therefore, you must make sure the power is supplied by way of an LED light before choosing the LED power supply.
Of course, the key to LED light application is ripple and noise. Some bad quality 12V power supply, if the voltage meets the standard, the output ripple is larger. The LED light causes visible flicker and triggers eye strain. A professional LED power supply not only focuses on the voltage accuracy, and more focus lighting comfort and stability in the long term, especially in indoor and commercial lighting.
Lack of a protection feature bring safe problems.
The 12V LED power supply will have a shortage of protective features. A reliable LED power supply usually has overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, and over-temperature protection, so that cutting output in unnormal solution in time. In professional light projects, the safe certification of the power supply cannot be ignored. The ordinary 12V power supply is not suitable for the lighting application’s needs, according to the relevant standards. Maybe meet the problems in the stage of project acceptance and market access. Only choose a verified 12V LED power supply to help guarantee safe use and reduce the compliance risk in project progress.
How to choose the right 12V LED power supply
You can judge according to the following:
- Is this a dedicated power supply for LED lights
- Is this output a stable 12V constant voltage
- Is this reserve enough power margin
- Is this control of ripple and flicker
- Is have complete protection feature
- Is conform to requipment of the relevant safety certification
These factor common decide the LED system’s stability and lifespan. You can choose the right LED power supply before thinking of these factors.
Usage error: 12V LED power supply is not failing, but the problem is gradually appearing when using long time–From flickering and overheating to shortened lifespan and even safety hazards. For LED light, say, 12V is just a start. The real decision system performance and reliable if choose suitable professional power supply solution for LED applications.
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