constant-current LED driver or constant-current driver is used to regulate the amount of current that is supplied to an LED or LED array to maximize LED lifetime. If current is not regulated, LED brightness can fluctuate and life span can be shortened. The constant-current driver is used for LEDs or light fixtures that require a stable output current and operate within a range of voltages. Most finished LED products already have a constant-current driver or resistors to regulate current. If you’re building an LED fixture or replacing a constant-current driver, it’s important to verify that the output current and voltage of the driver is compatible with the LEDs’ current and voltage. If your LED product already has a constant-current driver or uses resistors in the LED array, you might need a constant-voltage power supply.

If your LEDs are dimmable and you want to change their brightness, choose a Magnitude Dimmable Power Supplies. These dimmable power supplies work by varying the power on the AC input side of the power supply by means of a TRIAC dimmer. This change in power on the AC input side will vary the voltage on the DC output side and control the intensity of the LEDs. TRIAC dimmers are common hardware store and household dimmers, which include brand names such as Lutron and Leviton.

Pulse-Width Modulation Dimming: Pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming can be used to control dimmable power supplies such as Mean Well LPF Series. This type of dimming control adjusts the output current based on the duty cycle. As the duty cycle increases, current will increase and the LEDs will be brighter. Conversely, if the duty cycle decreases, the current will decrease and the LEDs will be dimmer. Pulse-width modulation for these drivers is based on a 10-volt signal level with a frequency between 100Hz-3KHz. The MLD-5A are compatible for this application.

Resistive Dimming: Resistive dimming can be used to control dimmable power supplies such as 12-Volt Mean Well HLG-40-240 Series or 12-Volt Mean Well HLG-600 Series or here.

The efficiency of a power supply or driver indicates the percentage of power that goes toward making your LED product function. An efficiency of 80 percent or higher is recommended for operating LEDs. 

When choosing a driver or power supply, the size of an LED product’s housing or area of installation is important. If you wish to put a constant-current LED driver inside of a product, the driver must be small enough to fit in the product’s housing. Similarly, if the driver or power supply is used outside of the product’s housing, it should fit the area of installation. Drivers and power supplies are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs.

A Class 2 driver or power supply is in accordance with limited power levels defined by the National Electric Code (NEC) and fulfills the requirements of Standard UL 1310. Output is limited to 60 volts DC and 100 watts. Because power sources with this rating have limited output, it might not be possible to power as many LEDs or lights as those that don’t have a Class 2 rating. However, these power supplies and drivers provide protection from fire and electric shock.

A Class II rating refers to a double insulation layer between AC input and DC output wires. These drivers and power supplies do not require a ground connection.

If you have ever dreamed about running your home on solar power, but have always chalked it up to one of those fantasies you will never see come true, think again. Solar power is becoming more and more popular with today’s technology and the world’s desire to save our natural resources. Relying on the sun to power your home isn’t something that is reserved for those who live in the backwoods areas. Every person can equip their home with solar panels and begin to take advantage of the free energy the sun provides. An electrician in Beverly Hills can help your dream of using clean, renewable energy a reality. You will find a team of electricians at The Electric Connection who are familiar with the installation of solar power panels.

Nowadays, solar panels are much more compact as well as aesthetically appealing. They will typically comply with any covenants a neighborhood may impose. The panels are mounted directly to the roof and do not take up any space in your landscaping. There are several different types and brands of solar panels you can talk about with your electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will want to choose what is right for their needs.

In many cases, homeowners are simply looking for a way to offset their electric bill, but are not trying to rely completely on solar power to power the home. This is an excellent way to save money every month. Your solar installer will know which panels will work best for your home’s locations and your needs. Not all panels are created equal. If you lived in a heavily shaded area, you will need a panel that has a higher conversion rate. All of this is information you can get from the folks at The Electric Connection when you call today.