Selecting a power supply for your LED strip project

LED strips, regrettably, are not as straightforward as conventional incandescent light bulbs regarding installation and setup. Due to their operation on low voltage DC, they necessitate a power supply unit that transforms 120V/240V AC (depending on your geographical area) into the voltage signal compatible with LED strips. Presented herein is our uncomplicated, stress-free, three-step guidance designed to assist you in selecting a power supply.

Step 1: Ascertain the voltage of the LED strip

The initial step is to ascertain the voltage of the LED strip. The predominant LED strips on the market operate at 12V DC. Others predominantly operate at 24V DC.
Verification can be achieved by examining the product image. Most LED strips will display a designation indicating 12V or 24V.
Verify whether the voltage parameters of the power supply correspond with those of the LED strip. The power supply is also 12V, hence we are prepared to go.
Please verify that the input voltage on the AC side corresponds to your country's standard voltage (120V for North America, etc.).
Bonus tip: If you possess a power supply at home, you may examine the label on the reverse side to ascertain whether the voltage is indicated there.
 

Step 2: Ascertain the power consumption of the LED strip

Subsequently, seek either a wattage (W) or amperage (A) specification for the LED strip. This may be expressed as W/m or A/m, or merely as W or A.
The LED strip specifies a total wattage of 24 Watts, equating to 4.8 Watts per meter. This is accurate, as there are 5 meters per reel, and 4.8 Watts per meter multiplied by 5 meters is 24 Watts.
While not explicitly stated, we may determine the amperage using the formula P = V x A, where P represents watts, V denotes voltage, and A signifies amperage. To determine A (amperage), substitute 24 for wattage and 12 for voltage, then compute: 24 = 12 x A A = 2.0 Amps.
At 12V, this LED strip consumes approximately 24 Watts per reel (5 meters), equating to about 2.0 Amps.
Let us now examine the power supply.
It has a rating of 36W, equivalent to 3A. Once more, utilizing the formula P = V x A confirms this, as it pertains to a 12V power supply.
This indicates that the power source can deliver a maximum of 36 Watts, equivalent to around 3.0 Amps.
The power supply's capacity exceeds the LED strip's power consumption, allowing us to confidently assert that these two goods can be combined.
The wattage and amperage ratings of power supplies can perplex and intimidate certain individuals. It is reasonable to presume that a power source delivering 36 Watts to a 24 Watt LED strip could result in harm. Moreover, what if you chose to sever that LED strip, transforming it into a 12 Watt LED strip?
This is why we prioritize capability and capacity above. A power supply rated at 36 Watts does not guarantee that it will deliver that amount of power. Conversely, the power supply will provide only the necessary amount of power, adjusting its output according to the connected load. Should the power draw surpass the capacity of the power source, it may result in irregular functioning and potential damage to the unit.
This power supply is suitable for any LED strip that consumes between 0 Watts and 36 Watts.

Step 3: Identify the connection mechanism

This will presumably be indicated as 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm. Exercise caution, as 5.5 mm x 2.5 mm may be incompatible with LED strip connectors.
If so, it must be compatible with the power supply plug, allowing direct connection of the power supply to the wall on one end and to the LED strip on the other end.
You must locate an adapter that facilitates the connection between the power supply's connector and the LED strip. Subsequently, you may connect the exposed wire ends to the adapter, which subsequently connects to the power source.