Power supply 12 V for the LED strip: problems, models, prices

Not even worth talking about, how firmly established in our lives LEDs. They are used for lighting of industrial halls and streets. Can not do without them, and automotive. But still the most widely used, they have received at home. LEDs make it possible not only to arrange the perfect basic lightingBut also to create a unique interior the delimitation of the room to light using the area backlight. It does an excellent job with this task LED strip. the cost is not too high and opportunity may surprise. Today let's talk about unit 12V for LED strip: Is he for what is needed and how to select it.

power supply problem in the LED strip

At its core, the power supply for LEDs a transformer equipped with a rectifier. It can be compared with the charger smartphone higher power. Such devices are installed in PCs to enable a stable supply of complex electronics.

If we take the simplest source of this type of food, it works as follows. First, the voltage is lowered by means of a transformer. After passing through the diode bridge, the current is converted from AC to DC and then stabilized with the help of capacitors. There are power units, not having in the circuit of the transformer coils, but they are not for the light band used, and used mainly for "Rope" tape for decoration on the streets.

Positive and negative qualities of such devices

What sort of advantages has the use of 12 power supply unit? For LED strip (12 or 24) transducers are the only solution is possible in which correct operation. If you connect a light bar like the "Rope Light", there is a problem of burning-off of conductive tracks that can not withstand the power of the current flowing through it. About these connections we will discuss below.

Using the power supply for the LED 12 volts tilt also has the advantage in terms of Electrical - such tension can not injure a human being in the case of contact with current-carrying parts.

Among the shortcomings should be noted:

• The need to purchase additional equipment when mounting the light band;
• The power supply has to hide somewhere that is not very convenient;

Safety of human life and health are more important and override these shortcomings hundredfold, so the work is light tape through the converter is more than justified.

What types of power sources exist

Such devices may vary as the device on, and in the casing material, the degree of protection. There are the following types:

• The power supply in a plastic sealed housing;
• Unit in an aluminum sealed housing;
• Open-type unit;
• Compact AC power source.

If we talk about the technical characteristics, each of them has its advantages and disadvantages over the other. Try to understand what is good in each of them, but what they lose.

As you can see, the choice of the type of converter depends not only on the humidity in the room where it will be operated, but also the power itself LED tape.

Related article:

Wiring diagram LED strip to 220V.In this article we consider in detail the pros and cons of LED application areas. How to choose the right tape, their types and the average cost. And the secrets of the installation with their own hands.

How to calculate the power supply for LED strip power

To calculate the power transformer for LED strip 12V, do not need to have any special knowledge or skills - all done quite simply. Each light band containing a predetermined number of diodes, which have a certain capacity. All data can be found in the marking. Here are the most common ones.

Looking at this table to calculate the necessary power supply unit LED Tape will not be difficult.

Need to know! Calculation of the power supply for a particular strip is very important. This will allow the LEDs to work longer. But do not forget about the need to bookmark a small margin. To the resulting power consumed ribbon is usually added 30-35%.

Connecting the LED strip to the power supply: some subtleties

LED strip often sold bays of 5 m. And here is where many crucial mistakes, Considering that a more powerful power supply thereto can be connected in series such segment 2 length. Of course, the source in this case will not be affected and it is quite cope with the task, but the LED strip such relationships are not tolerated. So how do you connect multiple band segments to block for them to work correctly? Let us examine this in more detail.

Parallel connection segments LED strips

This connection diagram is suitable in the event that the length of all the segments in the amount of more than 5 m. For example, we have 3 Part 2 of the strip. Then two of them can be connected in series, receiving 4 m, but should be installed in third parallel. In this case, the system will work correctly. And what would happen if all the 6 m connected in series?

Series connection: mounting nuances

By connecting to the transformer LED strip over a length of 5 m, we get something similar to the above installation "Rope" from a network of 220 V. It is not necessary to carry out an exact analogy, it will be only a comparison.

LEDs in the stream are arranged so that, if desired, the strip can be cut into parts, each of which will work properly. But at the same power consumption will be significantly lower than that of the whole segment.

Very important! When extending band power increases. And if we take a piece of tape in 6-7m, the load on the conductor tracks to increase significantly, especially in the Middle to the power supply. As a result - they burn.

12V power supply for LED strip with your hands

If we talk about the full voltage converters for light band, then no special skills and knowledge in electronics make it unlikely. But just to make the power supply is quite able to even the novice master, able to hold in their hands soldering Iron.

The simplest option is to use a transformer 220/14 V and a diode bridge by car, popularly called the "horseshoe." Just have to buy and the microcontroller (the most easy to use LM2596). It is already assembled with the necessary parts can be bought for 170 rubles. However, it is more convenient, in this age of computer technology, take advantage of the Chinese online shopping. In this case, it will cost 35-40 rubles. including delivery.

Repair 12 voltage converters In

If such a power supply quality and purchased from a retailer, then no electronics skills and knowledge it is not necessary to climb. There are many services and repairs workshops where it will put in order. The cost of such services is low, and therefore is better to entrust this work to professionals. Especially if the system has gone out of the RGB-controller.

Where can I buy a power supply for LED strip

These power supplies can be purchased in retail stores and via the Internet. And while the network they are much cheaper, it is understood that the online seller should be checked.

Tip! If you decide to purchase the converter via the Internet, you need to carefully examine the seller review left by other buyers. Sometimes it can save from buying low-quality goods, and possibly fraud.

Let's consider the approximate prices for similar goods with certain characteristics.

Photo	Make and model	Power, W	Voltage,	protection class, IP	The average cost, rubles.
	Gauss LED STRIP PS 15W 12V	15	220-240	20	500
	Gauss 40W 12V	40	220-240	20	1000
	Gauss 30W 12V	30	220-240	66	850
	Crixled VN25-12	25	176-264	20	400

Of course, there are also more expensive power supplies LED belts - everything depends on the power and protection class.

Finally

Such equipment must be carefully chosen. Only then you can buy a quality power supply that will last a really long time. But much depends on the correct calculation, produced individually in each case. Summarizing the information note the main thing that you need to determine before you pick up a power supply. This required capacity of the device and its type. The rest, including the cost, up to the GM.

We hope that the information set out today was helpful to our dear readers. Our team will be happy to answer all your questions (if they appear) in the discussion of the article.

And finally, we offer watch a short video on the theme of connection to the LED strip power supply 12 V.