Guideline: Which power supply for which application?
Power supply buying guide - Find the right and best power supply for your LED system
In the following table we explain what is important and what the main differences are. Basically all LED DC power supplies must comply with DIN61347. Only then they are allowed to be used with LEDs. A feature we pay attention to.
| Power supply types | LED transformer Constant voltage power supply*) | LED driver Constant current power supply |
| Main feature: Voltage (Volt) | impressed/fixed, constant. Example values: 12Volt, 24V, 48V | depending on the connected LED module, LED spot, LED string. Specifications correspond to a "working range", determined by the number of LEDs. (independent of the current). Example values: 350mA/700mA .... 1050mA |
| Main feature: Current (amps, milliamps) | depending on the number and power of the connected e.g. LED strips. (can be set to a max. value with some power supplies). | set current is fixed. Drives (!) a defined current through the LED string. |
| Power (Watt) | 16W to 600W | 1,4W to 100W |
| Areas of application: | Low voltage LED modules, LED boards with integrated electronics for the LEDs. Main application: LED strips, LED strips, as well as their control electronics. | Pure COB LED chips, LED ceiling recessed spotlights, LED boards in luminaires for direct constant current operation. It is mandatory to pay attention to the current specification. |
| Flicker/Dimming | Output brightness control via PWM (pulse width control). Flicker depending on modulation method and frequency. | Mostly PWM control, is increasingly replaced by versch. innovative solutions such as hybrid dimming or completely flicker-free linear control (AM, - amplitude modulation). (Look for the "AM" symbol). |
| Light control | For both types brightness control via common technologies such as phase dimming, DALI, 0/1-10V, touch dimming, or control via radio (Casambi, Bluetooth, Enocean, Zigbee) is possible. (Use our filter function to quickly narrow down) | |
| Housing | Available housing forms are sheet metal, aluminum and plastic housings, fully encapsulated with high IP protection, as a device with strain relief (for e.g. operation as an external power supply in false ceilings) or as a recessed version for integration into an LED luminaire system. Versions in plug form, top-hat rail or box installation are also available. | |
| Cooling | All our devices in the store are quiet power supplies and work with passive cooling. During operation, we recommend compliance with the test point Tc specified maximum temperature. This ensures a long service life. | |
| Power supply manufacturer in store (only renowned Brands) | Meanwell, Pur-LED, Arditi, Lunatone, TCI, Eldoled, Enertex, Code Mercenaries, Tridonic | |
| alternative names | LED power supply, LED transformer, DC power supply, mains transformer, transformer power supply, fixed voltage power supply, electronic transformer, constant voltage source | Constant current source, constant current Driver, |
*) Attention: These are direct current (DC) power supplies and differ in application from alternating current transformers as with specifications of 12V AC.
It is imperative to pay attention to the exact specification on the lamp.
For closer containment, we have set up filter functions on our pages for closer containment and is highly recommended by us. You are also welcome to send us a mail for further help.
