Generally, "series" will be more straightforward, but may lead to some issues with voltage drop. If you're trying to connect more than one LED strip segment to a single power supply, you may suddenly realize that you could connect the first segment to the second segment in "series" or connect to two segments independently to the same power supply. (We also have solderless connectors to connect two LED strip segments.) Should LED strip sections be connected in "parallel" or "series"? Just like this, in a matter of seconds, you can convert copper pads on the end of an LED strip segment into wires.Īnd, best of all, you can simply undo the latch to release and remove the LED strip from the connector. Because the clips attach securely, no solder is needed. These connectors are designed to clip onto the ends of the LED strip so that the wires make secure contact with the copper pads. Instead, we recommend using solderless connectors. It can be messy and requires some practice to do well. Many tutorials and instructional videos will immediately suggest soldering wires onto those copper pads to achieve an electrical connection. If you're cutting the LED strip into shorter segments, you will very likely end up with copper pads without any wires. Keep in mind some basic electronics principles: the end goal is to connect 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 pad. Reference the chart above to determine how to connect each of these scenarios to the power supply. If you do cut the LED strip into shorter segments, you will end up with at least one segment that falls under the first scenario. The wires can either be open leads with exposed wire (second scenario), or terminate with a DC receptacle (third scenario). If you've purchased an entire reel, the manufacturer has likely provided some wires already mounted onto the ends of the LED strip. In the first scenario (first row of chart), if you've cut up any segments of an LED strip reel, you will find that at the end of each segment remain (roughly) half-circular copper pads. So, to help shed some light (pun intended!) we've put together the chart below.Ĭlick here for a downloadable PDF version which may help if you are having trouble with the text size. Because LED strips and power supplies come in a variety of connection types, it can get a bit confusing. Next, we'll need to look at whether the power supply and LED strip are physically compatible in the way of connectors and plugs. Waveform Lighting's LED Strip Connection Guide Chart If both of these conditions are met, electrically speaking, we are good to go. This can be calculated by looking at the LED strip's specifications sheet, which typically lists the current or power draw per length. Secondly, make sure that the power supply capacity is sufficient for the length of LED strip being used. Undervoltage to the LED strip will result in the LED strip operating at lower brightness or no light output at all, and overvoltage will burn out your LEDs. Common DC voltages used are 12V and 24V.įirst and foremost, check that the power supply is rated for the correct voltage that matches the LED strip voltage. Most LED strip light products operate on low voltage DC. Ensure Electrical Compatibility of the LED Strip and Power Supply Below, we'll go over the most common setups. Depending on where you purchased your LED strip and LED power supply, set up methods may differ. If you're new to LED strip lights but are eager to get them up and running, the most critical step is figuring out how to provide the appropriate power input to the LED strip in order to get it to light up.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |