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What is Driver Rating

Horace He

Last Updated: December 26, 2023

What is Driver Rating

Driver rating is a metric used to assess the quality and performance of LED drivers. LED drivers are important in regulating the electricity supplied to LED strip lights, converting the alternating current (AC) from the mains to a lower, direct current (DC) voltage required by the LEDs. They ensure a consistent power supply to the LED lights, even when the electrical properties of the LED tape change due to heating.

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In LED drivers, the wattage rating is also an important factor to consider. It ensures that the wattage rating of the LED driver is equal to or greater than the total wattage of all the lights connected to it. For example, if you have five 3-watt outdoor strip lights, the driver should have a wattage rating of at least 15 watts to provide sufficient power.

Additionally, when using LED tape, it is necessary to calculate the required wattage based on the length of the tape. By multiplying the length of the tape by the wattage rating per meter, you can determine the minimum wattage requirement for the LED driver. For instance, if the tape is powered at 15 watts per meter and the total length is 3 meters, the LED driver should have a minimum rating of 45 watts.

By considering the wattage rating and ensuring compatibility with the connected lights, the driver rating provides valuable information about the manufacturer and the performance of the LED driver. It helps users make informed decisions when selecting LED drivers for their lighting setups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many LEDs Can You Run With a Driver

There is no specific limit to the number of LED lights that can be powered by a driver. However, the driver’s capacity is determined by the total wattage of the LED lights it is powering.

How Many Years Do LED Drivers Last

The lifespan of LED drivers can vary depending on factors such as design features, heat sink efficiency, capacitor construction, and overall quality. It can range from 10,000 to over 50,000 hours. The graph above provides a comparison of the lifespans of different types of lighting.

Why Are LED Drivers So Expensive

LED drivers are more expensive because LED bulbs are more complex than halogens. The technology used in LED bulbs, as well as the manufacturing process, is more sophisticated. LED bulbs require more parts to be made, and certain components, such as bulbs containing a driver, can be costly even before construction.

What Fails in LED Driver

If the selected LED driver’s maximum output voltage is lower than VoH, it may not be able to provide the necessary power at low temperatures. Conversely, if the selected LED driver’s minimum voltage is higher than the driver output, it may exceed the working range at high temperatures.

What Happens if You Overload an LED Driver

It is indeed true that increasing the power to an LED will make it brighter. However, it is important to note that the increase in brightness diminishes as you continue to overload the LED driver. For instance, if your LED bulb is designed to handle a current of 200 mA, and you drive it with a constant current driver at 400 mA, you will not achieve double the lumen output.

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