The most important thing for you if you are new to LED strip lights but want to install them is determining how to give the correct power input to the LED strip so it will illuminate. Setup techniques might vary depending on where you bought your LED power supply and LED strip. Below, we'll discuss the most typical configurations.
Make sure the power supply and LED strip are electrically compatible.
Most LED strip lights run on low voltage DC. Common DC voltages are 12V and 24V.
First and foremost, make sure the power supply is rated for the appropriate voltage corresponding the LED strip. Undervoltage to the LED strip will cause it to run at lower brightness or no light output at all; overvoltage will burn out your LEDs.
Secondly, ensure the length of LED strip in use determines the power supply capacity. Examining the LED strip's specifications sheet-usually one that shows the current or power draw per length-helps one to determine this.
Electrically speaking, we are good to go if both of these criteria are satisfied.
Next, we have to consider whether the LED strip and power supply are physically compatible in the manner of plugs and connectors. LED strips and power supplies can be a little confusing because they come in many different connection types. So, to clarify (pun intended!)
This graph should be read as follows:
First, identify the kind of connection on the "Power Supply Side" (shaded green). Next, identify the kind of connection on the "LED Strip Side" (shaded blue). Below are thorough directions on how to identify the kind.
Then, locate the row-column intersection relevant to your configuration. For instance, if your power supply has "Open Wires" and your LED strip has "DC Receptacles," consult the bottom right square in the table.
Text explains the tools and parts required as well as how the connection is made. Look below for more information:
Finding the DC Output Connector of the Power Supply
We begin by examining the connector kind of the power supply on the DC output side.
A DC male plug is the most frequent connector.
In other situations, like with Meanwell power supplies, there might not even be a plug-only two wires labelled red and white:
Though both kinds can operate with an LED strip, the connection method will vary; therefore, make sure to decide this before proceeding.
Then, verify the LED strip's connection kind.
Nearly all LED strips feature copper pads marked (+) and (-) on the actual strip. Here is where the final feeding of electrical inputs goes. Depending on your specific circumstances, you will probably come across three distinct possible outcomes.
Should you have sliced up any portions of an LED strip reel, you will discover (approximately) half-circular copper pads left at the end of each segment in the first scenario (first row of chart).
Should you buy a full reel, the maker has probably already installed some wires on the LED strip ends. The wires can either be open leads with exposed wire (second scenario), or end with a DC receptacle (third scenario). Should you cut the LED strip into shorter pieces, at least one segment will fall under the first scenario.
Remember some fundamental electrical concepts: the end objective is to link the positive wire (usually red) of the power supply's DC output to the (+) copper pad, and the negative or ground (usually black or white) of the power supply's DC output to the (-) copper pads.
Changing Copper Pads to Wires
Cutting the LED strip into shorter pieces will almost certainly leave you with copper pads lacking wires. Many how-to videos and guides will quickly recommend soldering wires onto those copper pads to create an electrical connection. Soldering, however, is not for everyone. It can be untidy and calls for some experience to perform well.
Rather, we advise using solderless connections. Designed to clip onto the ends of the LED strip, these connectors let the wires contact the copper pads securely. No solder is required since the clips fasten firmly.
In just seconds, you can turn copper pads on the end of an LED strip segment into wires just as this.
Shenzhen Benwei Lighting Technology Co., Ltd was established in 2010. It is a national high-tech enterprise integrating design, R&D, production and sales of indoor and outdoor lighting products and also can do OEM ,ODM .For more details about our offerings, please contact us at bwzm18@ledbenweilighting.com
