LED strip lights are highly favored for their adaptability. The capability to sever LED strip lights to any preferred length represents a significant advancement in lighting and is typically relatively simple to implement. What occurs when we must extend LED strip lights over a greater distance, such as tens or even hundreds of feet? This is where complexities may arise, necessitating careful layout planning and configuration.
When designing the length of each LED strip run for extended installations, we often consider three main restrictions.
The maximum run length parameter of the LED strip lamp
The standard for the maximum capacity of the power supply
Considerations regarding electrical codes
Depending on the installation, one or more of these constraints may serve as the limiting factor in determining the maximum length of your LED strip sections. We examine each of these constraints in depth below.
The maximum run length specification for the LED strip light
The maximum run length of an LED strip is defined as the longest allowable length of an LED strip that may be connected to a single power source. This constraint is established by the manufacturer and is generally indicated on the specification sheet.
The maximum run length for LED strip lights is dictated by voltage.
DC 12 volts: 16.4 feet
DC 24 volts: 32.8 feet
The maximum run length standard is determined by the design and configuration of LED strip lights. Due to the configuration of LED strips as elongated linear circuit boards, each point along the strip must be able to conduct the electrical current required to power all subsequent LEDs. Longer LED strip runs necessitate a greater electrical current, especially in the initial inches of the strip next to the power source.
Under no circumstances should you exceed these maximum run length settings. Exceeding the maximum length of an LED strip run may result in voltage drop or other performance and safety concerns.
Do solderless connectors and additional wires contribute to the maximum run length?
Wires and connectors are excluded from the maximum run length. For instance, two 8-foot LED strip segments connected by a 10-foot cable would extend to 26 feet; however, as the LED strip segments do not surpass 16.4 feet, this does not violate the maximum run length regulation.
Is it permissible to connect many LED strip segments in parallel if the cumulative length surpasses the maximum run length?
This is permitted as none of the LED strip light segments will exceed the maximum specified current levels. A prompt inquiry would be: does any segment of the LED strip light exceed the maximum run length when linked downstream?
The Specification for Maximum Capacity of the Power Supply
The power supply unit for low voltage DC lighting systems transforms AC line voltage (e.g., 120 volts) to low voltage DC (e.g., 12 volts). The power supply unit possesses a maximum capacity that determines the amount of electrical current it can convert from AC line voltage to low voltage DC at any moment. This is generally represented in amperes (A) or watts (W). For consistency, we will utilize watts (W) in this example. A typical power capacity is 120 watts, equivalent to 5 amps at 24 volts.
The fundamental principle is that the power supply's capacity must exceed the power consumption of the LED strip operation. Surpassing the power supply's capacity may harm the unit and pose safety risks.
The capacity of the power supply is prominently indicated by manufacturers on the product datasheet and is quite easy to ascertain. In certain instances, it may be necessary to convert watts to amps and vice versa utilizing the formula [Power (watts) = Current (amps) x Voltage (volts)].
Subsequently, we must ascertain the power consumption of the LED strip operation. Examine the LED strip light's datasheet, which will detail the power consumption in watts per foot.
Subsequently, multiply the power consumption (in watts per foot) by the length of the run (in feet). The aforementioned 32.8 ft run length necessitates 180.4 watts (5.5 watts per foot multiplied by 32.8 feet equals 180.4 watts).
The power source must possess a minimum capacity of 180.4 watts, with an optimal recommendation of 216.5 watts, allowing for a 20% overhead, for a 32.8 foot run.
If the contemplated power supply unit lacks adequate power capacity for a specific LED strip run, you must either seek a higher capacity power supply or decrease the LED strip run length and employ several power supply units.
Is it possible to connect many power supply units to a single wall switch and dimmer?
Indeed, they are capable! As conventional wall switches and dimmers are installed on the AC line voltage side and allow for numerous lights to be connected in parallel, power supplies may also be connected in parallel to the same wall switch or dimmer. This functionality enables the control of many LED strip lines from a singular control point.
Electrical Code Considerations for Optimal LED Strip Run Length
The initial two limits we have examined pertain to fundamental concepts of electricity. Depending on the installation type and its permanence, it is advisable to consider electrical codes and other safety factors. New residential and commercial installations, along with major modifications, typically require fire marshal inspections to ensure compliance of all electrical components.
The principal rules and regulations governing electrical standards in the United States originate from the National Electrical Code. LED strip lights typically classify as "low voltage lighting systems" according to NEC article 411. The primary consideration is that Article 411 mandates the utilization of a listed Class 2 power supply.
A listed, Class 2 power supply typically must satisfy two criteria:
The power output is constrained to 60 volts, 4 amps, and 100 watts.
The power supply has undergone safety testing and meets Class 2 performance standards, and is certified by a laboratory such as UL.
The primary consideration is the 100-watt restriction, which stipulates that no circuits may above 100 watts at any time. The maximum run length for strip lights at 5.5 watts per foot is roughly 18.2 feet, before exceeding the 100 watt restriction.
Consequently, the pragmatic proposal is to utilize one Class 2 power supply for each reel (16.4 ft) of LED strip lights, so ensuring compliance with Class 2 stipulations under NEC Article 411 and facilitating the successful passage of electrical and fire safety inspections
for the LED strip light installation.
Integrating All Components
LED strip light installations can get complex, particularly as the scale of the installation expands. Numerous installations must comply with all three LED strip run length limits described today, and a comprehensive grasp of each restriction will be advantageous before finalizing your LED strip layout design.
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
