By now, you have probably experienced or heard about the power, beauty and versatility of LED lights. But behind every dazzling LED installation is a quiet workhorse, often overlooked but absolutely vital. This is the LED driver. But what is an LED driver, we hear you ask.
Ask any of the team here at Vision Lighting and they’ll tell you that LED drivers are as essential as the lights themselves. So understanding what an LED driver does, and how to connect one to your power source, is the key to unlocking reliable, long lasting lighting. Carry on reading for all things LED drivers explained, and to learn how to connect LED driver to power. You’ll discover how LED drivers work, why they matter, how to connect them safely, and how to calculate the perfect power supply for your needs.
Key features of LED lights
Before diving into the specifics of LED drivers, it’s worth taking a look at what LED lighting is and celebrating why LEDS have taken the world of lighting by storm. LED lighting, or Light Emitting Diode lighting, is a modern lighting technology that uses semiconductors to produce light when an electric current passes through them. Unlike traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, LEDs emit light in a highly efficient and targeted way, thanks to their solid-state design.
They are compact in size, which allows for creative and flexible design options in a wide variety of applications. They also offer a broad spectrum of colours, from crisp whites to vibrant reds, greens, and blues, often without the need for filters. Many modern LED lights are dimmable and can be easily integrated with smart controls, enabling you to adjust brightness and even colour with a remote or smartphone.
Because LEDs can be engineered for specific beam angles, they provide precise, focused lighting. This is ideal for accent, task, or ambient use in homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
For more information check out our other blog – What Are the Types of LED Lights?
Benefits of LED lights
- Highly energy efficient: LEDs use a fraction of the electricity consumed by old incandescent or halogen bulbs.
- Cost effective: Extremely long lifespan (often over 25,000 hours) means you save money in the long run.
- Durable: LEDs are tough, resistant to shocks and drops, and perfect for busy homes or commercial environments.
- Cool running: They emit very little heat, reducing fire risk and making them suitable for enclosed spaces.
- Instant light: LEDs reach full brightness instantly so you don’t have to wait for them to warm up.
- Versatile: Available in countless shapes, colours, and styles.
- Environmentally friendly: Lower power usage means a smaller carbon footprint.
- Controllable: Many LEDs can be dimmed or even controlled via smart devices for flexible, customisable lighting.
Check out our other blog – Benefits of LED Lighting – for a more detailed list.
What is an LED driver?
So with all those benefits, there is just one small catch. LEDs can’t just be plugged into the mains like an old-fashioned bulb. That’s where the LED driver comes in. In plain English, an LED driver is a device that provides your LEDs with the correct type and amount of electricity. As LED lights operate on low voltage, the driver acts as a power gatekeeper to safely reduce the power from the mains to what your LEDs need.
Most UK homes run on 230v alternating current (AC), but LEDs are low-voltage devices that require direct current (DC), usually at 12v or 24v. Plug an LED straight into the mains, and you’ll destroy it in seconds!
There’s a lot more to it than that, also. The job of the driver is also to protect the LED lights by compensating for temperature and electrical conductivity fluctuations, ensuring steady performance for thousands of hours.
LED drivers explained succinctly
- They convert high-voltage AC (from the mains) into low-voltage DC (for your LEDs).
- They regulate current and voltage, keeping your lights safe from surges and overheating.
- They prevent flickering, colour shifts, and premature failure.
- Advanced drivers can enable dimming, colour changes, and even smart control.
What does an LED driver do?
So now we know what one is, what does an LED driver do? It may help to think of it as a cross between a transformer and a highly sensitive guardian. Where older halogen or incandescent bulbs can usually handle fluctuations in power, LEDs do not handle them so well. They require a stable, narrow range of voltage and current.
If the power supply fluctuates, a good LED driver will step in, compensating for changes in temperature, voltage, and conductivity. Without this, LEDs can overheat, flicker annoyingly, change colour, or fade or fail completely. The LED driver prevents all this, keeping your lighting system healthy. Modern drivers can also shut off power in dangerous conditions, acting as an automatic safety feature.
Different LED driver types and features
Internal vs. External LED drivers
- Internal drivers: Built into many domestic LED bulbs for simple replacement. You usually screw them in and you’re good to go.
- External drivers: These are housed separately and used for outdoor lights, commercial fittings, or high powered installations.
Small, dimmable, and high power LED drivers
- Small drivers: Perfect for compact fixtures or decorative LED strings (often 4W or less).
- Dimmable drivers: Allows for smooth adjustment of brightness, making them ideal for mood lighting in living rooms or shops.
- High power drivers: Designed for larger, professional setups. As LED lighting evolves, drivers supporting up to 100W or more are increasingly common.
Cob and string LED drivers
- COB (Chip On Board) drivers: This consists of multiple LEDs in a cluster. They are often used in spotlights and commercial lighting. They can also often include dimming functionality.
- LED string drivers: Great for fairy lights or Christmas lights. Choose a mini driver with enough capacity for the whole string.
Constant current vs constant voltage LED drivers
Constant current LED drivers supply a fixed current (measured in milliamps or amps) while allowing voltage to vary. The LED driver is responsible for varying the voltage. Typical uses include lighting up outdoor features, advertisement boards, and high definition displays.
On the other hand, a constant Voltage LED driver provides a steady output voltage and lets the current adjust as needed. This is most commonly used for LED strip lights or parallel LED configurations. For most home users, constant voltage drivers will be the go to choice, but always check your product’s requirements.
Things to consider before selecting an LED driver
Choosing the right LED driver is a little more involved than grabbing the first one on the shelf. Here’s what you’ll need to consider:
- Type of LEDs: Are you using strips, downlights, or strings? How many, and what’s their total wattage and voltage?
- Constant current or constant voltage: Always match your product’s requirements.
- Input power: Are you connecting to UK mains (AC) or a DC system (like solar)?
- Space constraints: Will your driver fit in the space available?
- Features required: Dimming, remote control, colour changing, etc?
- Compliance: Ensure all drivers meet UK safety standards and certifications.
Does your LED driver need to be water resistant?
If you’re planning to use LED lighting outdoors, for street lighting, garden features, or even in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, it’s essential to choose a water resistant LED driver. The level of protection is shown by the device’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which tells you how well the device’s casing keeps out water, dust, and even insects.
For indoor applications such as kitchens and bathrooms, where splashes and humidity are common, look for LED drivers with at least an IP65 rating. For exterior lighting or anywhere the driver could be exposed to heavy rain, opt for a driver rated IP67 or higher to ensure reliable, long lasting performance.
How to connect LED driver to power
Installation might seem intimidating, but it’s manageable with the right information. For hardwired installations, always consult a professional electrician.
Check compatibility
Confirm that your driver’s voltage and current match your LED system.
Isolate power
Switch off mains power at the breaker. It’s always important to turn your electrics off before installing any power supplies – it goes without saying!
Wiring
- Identify positive (usually red/brown) and neutral (black/blue) wires for both the driver and the LED.
- Securely connect the driver’s input to the mains supply.
- Connect the driver’s output (SEC side) to the LED’s input wires.
- Always ground the driver (green/yellow wire).
Fixing
Mount the driver in a dry, accessible location away from excess heat or moisture.
Testing
Double check all connections, restore power, and observe for any signs of flicker, excessive heat, or failure.
Troubleshooting
If problems arise, switch off the power and recheck connections.
Choosing the right wattage and current
When thinking of how to connect LED driver to power, one of the most common questions is – what size power supply or LED driver do I need? You can follow this simple calculation:
- Total up your LED wattage: For example, 5 metres of LED strip light at 10W per metre equals 50W total.
- Add a safety margin: It is recommended to add 20% as LED lights can sometimes use a little more energy than anticipated. So 50W multiplied by 1.2 equals 60W.
- Match the voltage: Most strips will be either 12V or 24V.
- Calculate required current (amps): Watts divided by volts will give you the amps. So 60W divided by 12V equals 5A.
Choose a driver that matches or exceeds both the required wattage and current.
Common LED Setup Power Supplies
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LED Strip Length (m)
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Power per Metre (W)
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Total Power (W)
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Safety Margin (W × 1.2)
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Required Voltage (V)
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Minimum Current (A)
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Example Driver Size
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1
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10
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10
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12
|
12
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1.0
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12V 12W 1A
|
|
2
|
10
|
20
|
24
|
12
|
2.0
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12V 24W 2A
|
|
3
|
10
|
30
|
36
|
12
|
3.0
|
12V 36W 3A
|
|
5
|
10
|
50
|
60
|
12
|
5.0
|
12V 60W 5A
|
|
5
|
14.4
|
72
|
86.4
|
24
|
3.6
|
24V 90W 4A
|
|
10
|
10
|
100
|
120
|
24
|
5.0
|
24V 120W 5A
|
How to test LED drivers
There are a few reliable methods to check whether an LED driver is working as it should:
- Connect it to your LED lights and see if they power up and operate correctly.
- Use specialist electronic testing equipment, such as a load tester in constant voltage or constant resistance mode, to evaluate the driver’s performance.
- Attach a load resistor (which restricts current flow) to simulate a working load and check if the power supply is consistent.
If you’re ever unsure about any part of the process, it’s safest to seek assistance from a qualified engineer rather than risk damaging your equipment or your safety.
LED drivers explained and all your LED requirements met at Vision Lighting
Understanding what is an LED driver, and how it fits into your lighting setup, is crucial for anyone looking to make the most of modern LED technology. Whether you’re after energy efficiency, brilliant colours, or flexible installations, the right driver will keep your LEDs shining safely for years to come.
From how to connect an LED driver to power, to calculating the perfect supply for your project, we hope this guide has cleared away the confusion. When in doubt, consult the experts—Vision Lighting is here to help with everything from technical questions to product recommendations.
. Our team supplies only high-quality, certified LED drivers, with friendly support every step of the way.
Whether you’re retrofitting a home, upgrading shop displays, or installing garden lighting, we offer expert advice, rapid delivery (next day or weekend), and a 14-day returns policy for peace of mind.
If you would like more details on any of our products, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. You can give us a call on +44 (0) 1132 799745 or send an email to info@vision-lighting.co.uk.