Do you know what accessories are there for LED soft light strips? Let’s-Meiji Lighting take a look at our explanation below.
- What are the accessories that work with the strip?
LED Power Supply (Driver): The LED strip driver is a power converter that converts the power supply into a specific voltage and current to drive the LED to emit light. Usually: the input of the LED strip driver includes high-voltage power frequency AC (i.e. mains), low-voltage DC, high-voltage DC, low-voltage high-frequency AC (such as the output of an electronic transformer), etc. The output of the LED strip driver is mostly a constant current source that can change the voltage as the forward voltage drop value of the LED changes.
LED Driver Type
Constant Current
This LED driver only requires a fixed amount of output current and a certain range of output voltage. Constant current is a specific output current measured in milliamperes or amperes, and its voltage range varies depending on the amount of LED used (its wattage or load).
Constant Voltage
Constant voltage LED drivers have a constant output voltage and maximum output current. LED modules also have a voltage-stabilized current system, which can be powered by a simple resistor or an internal constant current driver.
They only require a stable voltage, usually 12 or 24 volts DC.
Isolated LED Driver vs. Non-Isolated LED Driver
When we compare these two things, we refer to each of them as a switching power supply. According to UL and CE regulations, isolated designs usually work at 4Vin+2000V and 3750Vac, with good isolation between input and output voltages. Using highly insulated transformers instead of inductors as the part that transmits human power makes the system safer. Nevertheless, it also reduces efficiency (by 5%) and cost (by 50%). Insulation prevents high voltage from flowing from the input to the output. On the other hand, low-power built-in designs usually use non-isolated designs.
Dimmable vs. Non-Dimmable LED Driver
In this new era, every light has become dim. This is a big subject because there are many ways to dim the lights. Let’s talk about each one in turn.
1) 0-10V/1-10V Dimmable LED Driver
2) PWM Dimmable LED Driver
3) TRIAC Dimmable LED Power Supply
4) DALI Dimmable LED Power Supply
5) DMX Dimmable LED Power Supply
6) LED Driver Other Protocols
- Wall Plug Driver
Waterproof vs. Non-Waterproof LED Driver
IEC 60529 uses the IP (Ingress Protection) certification as the only way to classify the degree of waterproofing of LED drivers. The IP code consists of two numbers. The first number rates the protection against solid objects on a scale of 0 (no protection) to 6 (no dust ingress), and the second number rates the protection against liquids on a scale of 0 (no protection) to 7. (8 and 9) are not often seen in the lighting industry. LED drivers with an IP20 rating or lower are used internally, while waterproof drivers are used externally. But this does not always happen. For example, some indoor applications use waterproof LED drivers because they can output more power than lower IP drivers without the need for an active cooling system, making them more durable than IP-rated LED drivers.
How to Use an LED Driver?
Setup Instructions LED Driver
1) Make sure your LED driver is appropriate for the LED system you are connecting to and the power supply you are using. The amperage and voltage ratings must be the same.
2) Make sure the driver does not have to deal with issues that the environment is not supposed to deal with. For example, if you want to put the LEDs outdoors, make sure the driver can handle water well.
3) Once you know which wires are positive and negative, unplug the outlet from the grid.
4) Connect the driver to the LED system using the correct color screws.
5) Connect the positive and negative wires from the LED system to the correct terminals on the driver.
6) Connect the ground terminal to the green ground wire (GND) coming from the driver.
7) Connect the positive and negative wires from the power outlet to the positive and negative terminals of the driver.
8) Double check the installation to make sure all connections are tight and in the correct position, and that no heat is generated. If there is a problem, turn off the power and find out what the problem is.
Why do we need an LED power supply?
Because most of our LED light strips work at a low voltage of 12Vdc or 24Vdc, we cannot connect the LED light strip directly to the mains 110Vac or 220Vac, which will damage the LED light strip. Therefore, we need an LED power supply, also called an LED transformer, to convert the mains into the corresponding voltage required by the LED light strip, 12Vdc or 24Vdc.
Note: Mistakes that 90% of people will make
Chart (Comparison chart of constant voltage and constant current LED light strips)
There are 2 types of LED light strips in the market, constant voltage LED light strips and constant current LED light strips. More than 90% of people think (even some salesmen who have been selling LED light strips for several years think so) that constant voltage LED light strips need to be driven by constant voltage power supplies, while constant current LED light strips need to be driven by constant current power supplies.
In fact, this is wrong. Whether it is a constant voltage LED light strip or a constant current LED light strip, it needs to be driven by a constant voltage power supply.
- Connectors – What are connectors ?
LED strip connectors, also known as LED strip solderless connectors. It allows you to connect LED strips to wires, and LED strips to LED strips, without soldering.
Types of connectors
▼Solderless connectors These connectors are the easiest to use and do not require any special tools or skills to install.
▼Wire-to-wire connectors These connectors are used to connect two separate LED strips together.
▼Snap-in connectors Snap-in connectors are designed to snap into LED strips and provide a secure connection without any tools or soldering.
▼Waterproof connectors
▼Terminal block connectors
- Controllers
Controllers: LED controllers are devices that support the light control function of LED strips. Different types of LED strips require specific variants of LED controllers to dim or change light settings. Therefore, not all controllers are suitable for every LED strip. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the types, uses, and connection procedures of LED controllers before purchasing them.
Types and features of LED controllers
There are different types of LED controllers. Each of them has its specific functions and limitations. So before buying for your LED light strip, check out the following categories of LED controllers:
IR Light Controller
IR stands for “Infrared Radiation”. This type of controller is often used at home because it is cheap and easy to use compared to other types.
Pros: No electromagnetic interference Low cost
Cons: Short control distance, devices that do not meet the same requirements cannot receive their signals.
RF LED Controller
It is called radio frequency. It connects two devices through some kind of signal. This type of controller is considered to have a medium range.
Pros: Best for long commutes Signals can penetrate objects and walls No face-to-face contact with the light Cons: A bit expensive
Wi-Fi LED Controller
You can assume from the name that it requires a Wi-Fi signal to connect to the sender. Using a phone, remote control, or any other wireless device, you can connect to it. Compared to other controllers, Wi-Fi LED controllers have the widest range of features.
Pros: Wide coverage area No cables or wires required Compatible with smartphones APP allows voice control Cons: Low networking capabilities Limited expansion, mainly used in homes
Bluetooth LED Controller
This type of controller utilizes Bluetooth signals to connect the sender and the controller.
Also, since it does not require a network connection or run, it is the best backup option when there is no network.
Pros: Easy to install Good user experience Low power consumption Compatible with smartphone APP Allows voice control Low cost
Cons: Incompatible protocols between different devices Limited control distance
0/1-10V LED controller
RGBW 0-10V LED controller offers full touch control. It provides fast color adjustment, brightness control, and multiple styles and effects for each RGBW.
Pros: Reduced power usage No additional switches required Suitable for multi-purpose lighting
Cons: Incompatible with drivers.
DMX LED controller
The digital control system used in the lighting world is called DMX controller or digital multiplexing. Most manufacturers use it to light tables and projectors. It acts as a communication conduit between gadgets and their controllers.
Pros: Runs on low voltage Allows lighting customization Independent control between lighting sections Versatile lighting options Suitable for controlling larger lighting installations Can be synchronized with music
Cons: Requires more cables Increased wiring Increased setup time Expensive.
DALI RGB controller
Digital Addressable Lighting Interface Abbreviated as “DALI RGB controller”. It is a two-way communication controller suitable for professional settings that connect multiple lighting devices through only one light source.
Advantages: Fast and accurate control Easy installation Reduced maintenance cost Daylight sensing option Disadvantages: Expensive.
- Dimmer
The dimming function in the dimmer is mainly achieved by changing the current or voltage. In LED light strips, the dimming module usually consists of a controller and a dimming circuit. The controller can control the working state of the dimming circuit according to the input signal to adjust the brightness of the light. The dimming circuit can adjust the input current or voltage to achieve the desired brightness effect.
Common dimming methods include PWM dimming, voltage dimming and current dimming.
1) PWM dimming is the most common dimming method, with a wide dimming range and high dimming accuracy. In PWM dimming mode, LED light strips can achieve continuous dimming from full brightness to full darkness, and there will be no flickering or flashing during the dimming process.
2) Compared with PWM dimming, voltage dimming and current dimming have a narrower dimming range and lower dimming accuracy. In voltage dimming mode, the dimming range of LED light strips is usually between 20% and 100%, and the dimming effect of full darkness cannot be achieved. In current dimming mode, the dimming range of LED light strips is also relatively narrow, usually between 30% and 100%.
5. 3M Glue
3M Glue: 3M™ Double-Sided Tape 9080HL is a double-sided non-woven tape with a multi-coated paper liner. High-viscosity adhesive, suitable for high temperature and bonding LSE materials.
Genuine 3M adhesive: mainly white adhesive, 200MP yellow, 300SLE yellow and red adhesive Ordinary: blue heat dissipation adhesive, white adhesive and imitation 3M adhesive High-end: Tesa adhesive High-end products are all made of genuine 3M adhesive or Tesa adhesive.
In LED light strips, white 3M and yellow 3M adhesive are mostly used.
