The switch to LED lighting technology is trending tremendously in the commercial industry. Due to their long-life spans and energy-efficiency, many contractors are beginning to understand the benefits of this light-emitting diode. Learn more about LED’s with The Only LED Guide You Will Ever Need
…So, how do you power LED’s?
Because LED’s operate with a low voltage, they require specialized equipment to power them. LED light fixtures require a specialized device called an LED driver. These drivers provide LED light bulbs with the electricity to function properly; similar to how a ballast powers a fluorescent lamp or a transformer powers a low-voltage incandescent bulb.
Some LED lights already include an integrated driver within the bulb. LED lights designed for household use (bulbs with E26 / E27 or GU24 / GU10 bases and that run on 120V) typically include the necessary internal drivers.
However, low-voltage LED light sources, such as some MR-bulbs (MR GU5.3s, MR8s, and MR11s) and LED strip lighting, as well as certain fixtures, panels, or outdoor-rated lights, usually require an external driver.
When an LED light that requires an external driver to operate correctly stops working before the end of its rated lifetime, it can usually be saved if the driver is replaced.
LED lighting is designed to run on low voltage (12-24V), direct current electricity. However, most places supply higher voltage (120-277V), alternating current electricity. An LED driver's main purpose is to rectify higher voltage, alternating current to low voltage, direct current. So, LED drivers regulate the voltage for LED lighting.
Additionally, LED drivers work to protect the LED system from voltage or current fluctuations. A change in voltage could cause a change in the current being supplied to the LEDs.
LED light output is proportional to its current supply, and LEDs are rated to operate within a certain current range (measured in amps). Too much or too little current can therefore cause light output to vary or degrade faster due to higher temperatures within the LED.
In sum, LED drivers serve two purposes: to convert higher voltage, alternating current to low voltage, direct current, and to keep the voltage or electrical current flowing through the circuit at its rated level.
There are two main types of external LED drivers, constant-current and constant-voltage LED drivers, as well as a third type of driver called an AC LED driver, which will also be discussed. Each type of driver is designed to operate LED lights with a different set of electrical requirements.
When replacing a driver, the old driver's input/output requirements must be matched as closely as possible. Key differences are detailed below.