LED Strip Power Supplies & Drivers

What Is an LED Strip Power Supply?

An LED strip power supply is an electrical device that converts an appropriate electrical input, commonly UK mains AC, into the regulated DC voltage required by compatible low-voltage LED strip lighting.

Most standard 12V and 24V LED tape installations require a constant-voltage LED driver. This maintains the specified output voltage while supplying current according to the connected lighting load, within the power supply's rated operating limits.

LED power supplies are also commonly described as LED transformers, LED strip drivers, LED tape power supplies or DC LED power units. However, not all LED drivers are electrically interchangeable.

The correct driver depends on voltage, wattage, current, control compatibility, installation location and the electrical requirements of the connected lighting.

Explore Our LED Strip Power Supply Range

24V LED Strip Power Supplies

24V LED power supplies provide regulated 24V DC output for compatible LED strips and lighting systems.

They are commonly used with 24V COB LED tape, single-colour LED strips, RGB and RGB+CCT lighting, kitchen cabinetry, ceiling coving, media walls and commercial lighting features.

A 24V power supply must be paired with lighting equipment specifically designed for the relevant 24V DC output.

12V LED Strip Power Supplies

12V LED drivers provide regulated 12V DC output for compatible 12V LED tape and other suitable low-voltage equipment.

They can be used in appropriate cabinet lighting, shelving, display features and specialist 12V installations.

Never connect a 12V LED strip to a 24V power supply. Incorrect voltage can damage the lighting equipment and create electrical or thermal hazards.

Ultra Slim 24V LED Drivers

Ultra slim LED power supplies are designed for installations where available mounting space is restricted.

Their compact housing makes selected models useful for cabinet lighting, furniture, shop displays, media walls and architectural recesses.

Our range includes an ultra-slim 24V 200W LED driver for compatible constant-voltage LED strip systems.

Shop 200W 24V Ultra Slim LED Power Supply

60W, 100W, 150W and 200W LED Drivers

Different LED strip installations require different amounts of electrical power. Manningham offers selected power supplies in common ratings including 60W, 100W, 150W and 200W.

A smaller LED installation may only require a low-wattage driver, while longer runs or high-output lighting may require a higher-capacity unit or multiple separately powered sections.

The correct wattage must be calculated from the actual connected LED load. A driver's advertised wattage is its rated capacity, not a requirement for the lighting to consume that amount.

Waterproof and Outdoor LED Power Supplies

Outdoor LED power supplies are designed with environmental protection appropriate to their specified installation conditions.

Selected products feature IP-rated enclosures for applications where dust, moisture or water exposure must be considered.

Our range includes selected IP67 LED driver models, including Mean Well power supplies.

Explore Mean Well 24V 200W IP67 LED Driver

Important: An IP67 rating does not automatically make a power supply suitable for permanent immersion or every outdoor installation. Always follow the manufacturer's mounting, temperature and wiring requirements.

How to Choose the Correct LED Strip Power Supply

Selecting the correct LED driver involves checking four essential requirements:

1. Output voltage: Match the driver's DC voltage to the LED strip specification, such as 12V or 24V.
2. Output type: Use a regulated constant-voltage supply where required by the LED strip.
3. Power rating: Calculate the connected LED wattage and select sufficient continuous capacity.
4. Installation environment: Check IP protection, ventilation, operating temperature and mounting conditions.

LED Strip Power Supply Wattage Calculator

To determine the required LED power supply capacity, multiply the strip's rated wattage per metre by the total installed length.

Spare capacity requirements vary by manufacturer and installation conditions. The 20% allowance above is an example, not a universal requirement for every driver.

Example LED Driver Wattage Requirements

These calculations are examples only. The 10W/m rating must not be assumed for every LED strip, and longer lighting systems may require multiple power feeds.

12V vs 24V LED Drivers – What's the Difference?

Both 12V and 24V LED drivers can power suitable low-voltage lighting, but they provide different regulated output voltages.

For the same electrical power, a 24V lighting system draws half the current of an equivalent 12V system.

For example, a 120W load draws approximately 10A at 12V or 5A at 24V.

Lower current can help reduce voltage drop in appropriately designed supply cables, but maximum LED strip run length still depends on the specific lighting product and wiring.

Never interchange 12V and 24V drivers unless the connected equipment and driver are specifically designed for the chosen voltage.

Constant Voltage vs Constant Current LED Drivers

Constant-voltage LED drivers maintain a specified DC output voltage, such as 12V or 24V, over their supported load range.

These are commonly used with standard flexible LED strip tape containing the required current-limiting circuitry.

Constant-current LED drivers regulate output current and are designed for compatible LED modules and luminaires.

A constant-current driver should not be substituted for a constant-voltage supply unless the lighting manufacturer explicitly specifies compatibility.

LED Drivers for COB, RGB and RGB+CCT Lighting

A suitably rated constant-voltage power supply may be used with compatible single-colour, COB, RGB, RGBW, CCT and RGB+CCT LED strip systems.

The driver provides the required electrical power, while a separate compatible controller may regulate brightness, colours or tunable-white output.

An ordinary 24V power supply does not automatically provide dimming, colour changing or smart control.

The exact wiring arrangement depends on the equipment. Some systems use integrated controllers or different dimming methods.

Explore LED Strip Dimmers & Controllers

Indoor vs Outdoor LED Power Supplies

LED power supplies must be suitable for the intended environmental conditions.

IP20 drivers: Generally intended for appropriate dry indoor locations without water exposure.

IP65 drivers: Enclosures classified as IP65 are dust-tight and protected against water jets.

IP67 drivers: Enclosures classified as IP67 are dust-tight and protected against specified temporary immersion.

Always check the product's environmental limitations, cable entries and mounting requirements. A waterproof enclosure does not make every connection waterproof.

Where Are LED Strip Power Supplies Used?

Kitchen Cabinet Lighting

Compact 12V and 24V drivers can power compatible LED tape for kitchen cabinets, worktops and integrated furniture lighting.

Ceiling Coving and Architectural Lighting

Suitable constant-voltage supplies can support concealed LED strips within ceilings, coving and architectural lighting features.

Media Walls and Entertainment Areas

Power suitable fixed-white, RGB and RGB+CCT LED tape used for media walls, shelving and entertainment furniture installations.

Commercial and Retail Lighting

LED drivers can supply compatible lighting systems for displays, reception counters, office furniture and retail installations.

Outdoor Garden and Patio Lighting

Appropriately rated 24V power supplies can be used with compatible outdoor LED lighting systems.

Outdoor installations require suitable environmental protection for drivers, cables and electrical connections.

LED Driver Installation and Safety

1. Confirm the LED strip's required DC voltage.
2. Calculate the total connected lighting wattage.
3. Select a driver with adequate continuous capacity.
4. Check the installation's IP and temperature requirements.
5. Allow suitable ventilation and installation clearances.
6. Use appropriately rated cabling, connections and protection.
7. Follow the manufacturer's wiring and mounting instructions.
8. Test the completed system before normal operation.

Electrical safety: LED power supplies connected to UK 230V mains must be installed safely and in accordance with the applicable electrical requirements. Mains-side work should be performed by a suitably competent professional.

Never cover an LED driver with insulation unless the manufacturer expressly permits the installation. Observe access and thermal management requirements.

LED Strip Power Supplies & Drivers – FAQs

What power supply do I need for LED strip lights?

Choose a driver matching the LED strip's specified output voltage and electrical requirements. Calculate the total wattage and allow appropriate capacity according to the manufacturer's guidance.

What is the difference between an LED driver and transformer?

The terms are often used interchangeably for LED lighting power supplies. Technically, an LED driver provides regulated electrical output for compatible LEDs, while a traditional transformer primarily changes AC voltage.

Do LED strips need a constant-voltage driver?

Most conventional 12V and 24V flexible LED tape requires a regulated constant-voltage DC supply. Always check the individual strip specifications.

Can I use a 200W LED driver for a 50W strip?

Usually yes, provided the voltage and output type match, the load is within the driver's permitted operating range, and all manufacturer requirements are satisfied.

Does a 200W LED driver always consume 200W?

No. The 200W rating indicates the driver's maximum rated output capacity. Actual input consumption depends on the connected load and driver efficiency.

Can I use a 12V power supply with 24V LED strip?

No. A 24V LED strip requires a suitable 24V DC supply. Using the wrong voltage can result in incorrect operation or equipment damage.

Can I connect a 24V LED strip directly to UK mains?

No. A 24V DC strip must not be connected directly to a 230V mains electrical supply. A suitable power supply is required.

How do I calculate LED driver wattage?

Multiply the LED strip's watts per metre by the total installed length. Select a driver meeting that electrical load with any required allowance.

Should I allow 20% spare LED driver capacity?

A 20% allowance is a common design approach, but it is not a universal rule. Follow the driver's continuous rating, operating conditions and manufacturer guidance.

Can one LED driver power multiple strips?

Yes, if the connected load, voltage, wiring and supply ratings are compatible. Multiple branches should be designed with appropriate current capacity and protection.

Why is my LED strip dim at the far end?

Voltage drop may be occurring along the strip or supply cables. Check cable sizing, maximum permitted run length and the need for additional parallel power feeds.

Can an LED power supply be dimmed?

Only if its specifications support the intended dimming method. Standard constant-voltage supplies are not automatically compatible with mains dimmer switches.

Does an RGB LED strip need a special power supply?

A compatible constant-voltage supply may power the RGB system. A suitable RGB controller is usually needed for independent colour adjustment.

Can I install a 24V driver outdoors?

Only where the driver and complete installation are appropriately protected against environmental exposure. Check the IP rating and manufacturer's instructions.

Why does my LED driver get warm?

Some heating is normal during power conversion. Excessive temperature can indicate poor ventilation, overloading or another fault. Follow the specified operating temperature limits.

Why is my LED strip flickering?

Possible causes include an unsuitable power supply, overloading, poor connections or controller incompatibility. Disconnect power before investigating electrical faults.

What is an IP67 LED power supply?

It is a power supply with an enclosure rated as dust-tight and protected against specified temporary immersion conditions. Its suitability still depends on correct installation.

What is a slimline LED driver?

A slimline LED driver is a power supply designed with a compact housing for locations where space is restricted. Check its dimensions and ventilation requirements.

Can I replace an existing LED driver?

Yes, if the replacement matches the necessary electrical output type, voltage, rated capacity, control requirements and installation conditions. Check the original equipment specifications before replacement.

Shop LED Strip Power Supplies at Manningham

Manningham Lighting & Electrical supplies 12V and 24V LED power supplies, slimline drivers and compatible lighting components for residential, trade and commercial projects.

Whether you require a compact driver for kitchen cabinet lighting or a higher-capacity supply for an architectural LED strip installation, our team can assist with compatible product selection.

Browse Our LED Power Supply Range

For assistance with COB LED strip wiring, power supply selection and installation planning, visit our COB LED Strip Lighting Guide .