How to Easily Connect an LED Strip to a Power Supply
Understanding the Basics
LED lights have become popular due to their versatility and decorative effects. However, many people are unsure of how to connect these lights to a power supply. In this article, we will guide you through the process and answer common questions you may have.
Exploring LED Strip Installation
Before we dive into the details, let’s cover some essential points about LED strip installation. Here are a few topics we’ll address:
How to cut LED strip lights
Connecting two light strips together
Wiring single-color LED strip lights
Wiring tunable white/CCT LED strip lights
Wiring RGB color-changing LED strip lights
Wiring RGBW LED strips
Wiring RGBCCT LED strip lights
Wiring addressable LED strips
Ensuring Compatibility
Before connecting your LED strip lights to a power supply, it’s crucial to ensure electrical compatibility between the two. Here’s what you need to know:
Check if the output voltage of the LED driver matches the LED strip light (usually 12VDC or 24VDC).
Ensure the LED power supply’s input voltage matches the AC power available in your country.
Make sure the power rating of the LED driver is greater than the LED strip’s wattage, leaving about 20% power space for safety.
Plug-in Power Supply
If your LED strip has a female plug, it corresponds to a male plug on the LED driver. Here are some common plug-in power adapters:
DC5V Plastic Shell Power Adapter
DC12V Plastic Shell Power Adapter
DC24V Plastic Shell Power Adapter
DC5V MW UL-Listed Class II Power Adapter
DC12V MW UL-Listed Class II Power Adapter
DC24V MW UL-Listed Class II Power Adapter
Connecting LED Strip with Bare Wires
If your LED strip doesn’t have a plug, you can purchase a matching plug separately to establish the connection.
Connecting Cut LED Strips
When you cut an LED strip, you might need to connect it to a power supply. You can do this by using a solderless cable connector or by soldering a female plug to the lightstrip.
Powering LED Strip with a Lithium Battery
Utilizing the best LED light strips is made even more convenient when powered by a lithium battery. This eliminates the hassle of dealing with intricate wiring, making it an ideal portable solution for various occasions, such as picnics and camping trips. Our high-quality 12V lithium battery is capable of providing a power range spanning from 36W to 720W, ensuring extended operation durations for your LED light strip.
Hardwired Power Supply
A hardwired LED power supply requires careful operation to avoid connection errors. Follow these steps for a successful hardwired connection:
For LED light strips and power supplies with bare wires, use the appropriate power supply:
DC5V Waterproof Power Supply
DC12V Waterproof Power Supply
DC24V Waterproof Power Supply
TRIAC 0/1-10V PWM Dimmable Driver
LED TRIAC 0-10V 2in1 Dimmable Driver
Connect the red wires together and cover them with a wire nut. Repeat the process for the black wires. Make sure to match the red with red and black with black.
If the LED strip has bare wires but the power supply doesn’t have wires or plugs, follow these steps:
LED Ultra Slim Mini Power Supply
DC5V MW UL-Listed Power Supply
DC12V MW UL-Listed Power Supply
DC24V MW UL-Listed Power Supply
Rainproof Power Supply
LED TRIAC 0-10V 2in1 Dimmable Driver
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws on the power supply.
Insert the LED strip wires into the corresponding screw holes, following their marked functions.
Tighten the screws with a screwdriver and check the connection’s firmness.
Connect the AC power plug in the same manner.
Connecting Multiple LED Strips to One Power Supply
Yes, you can connect multiple LED strips to a single power supply. Here are two ways to do it:
Series Connection:
When connecting multiple LED light strips in series, there may be a voltage drop, resulting in decreased brightness at the end of the strip. To mitigate this, supply power to both ends simultaneously for consistent brightness and color.
Parallel Connection:
To avoid uneven brightness, it’s best to power each light strip separately. You can use the same power supply for multiple light strips or provide individual power supplies for each strip.
If you need to span obstacles or have the power supply located far from the strip lights, consider using light strip extension cords.
By following these guidelines provided by Edgar M. Downs - LED light specialist, you'll effortlessly establish the connection between your LED strip lights and a power supply. Embrace the ambiance and explore the creative potential that these lights can bring to your space!
