What Size Transformer Do I Need for LED Strip Lights?

Picking the right transformer for your LED strip lights is crucial if you want them to run smoothly and safely. The size you need usually comes down to the total wattage of all your strips. The majority of the LED strips will have the wattage rating specified in watts per meter. The size of the transformer is found by taking the wattage per meter multiplied by the length you have, then taking an additional 10-20% to account for spikes. So you have 5W per meter on the strip, and you have 5 meters, you will want one that is adequate for 25-30W.

What Power Does an LED Strip Require?

LED strip lights don’t use much power, but their energy needs vary depending on how bright they are, what colour they produce, and how closely the LEDs are packed together. On average, single-colour strips use about 4 to 10 watts per meter, while RGB or high-density ones can draw anywhere from 14 to 20 watts per meter. Always check the product specs or packaging before buying a transformer—if it doesn’t supply enough power, your lights might flicker or wear out faster.

Do LED Strips Use a Transformer?

Most LED strips need a transformer, or to be precise, an LED driver. It converts your home’s AC power into the low-voltage DC that LEDs run on. If you plug an LED strip directly into the mains, it’ll burn out almost instantly.

Does LED Strip Light Use DC or AC?

LEDs can only run on DC power. Since the electricity in your home is AC, you’ll need a transformer or LED driver to safely convert it to DC, usually 12V or 24V, depending on the type of strip you’re using.

Will Any Transformer Fit for LED Lights?

All transformers are equally suitable for LED strips. You require a transformer with the same voltage you are working with the LED strip you have and capable of delivering the total wattage. Take a look at our set of compatible ones by visiting LED strip lights and accessories here.

How to Select an LED Driver for LED Strip Lights

In choosing an LED driver:

Voltage Match: Make sure the driver’s output voltage matches your LED strip’s voltage—usually 12V or 24V.

Power Capacitance: Ensure the driver wattage is considerably larger compared to the wattage of the entire LED strap by 10–20%.

Type of Driver: The most common type of strip lights is the constant voltage drivers. The constant current drivers are employed for high-power LEDs or special functions.

Dimming Compatibility: Make sure the driver is dimming compatible if you will dim.

Could We Replace the Transformer with a Driver?

Yes. As the LEDs pertain, the words "transformer" and "driver" are sometimes equated, but technically, "driver" is the term. Unlike drivers, transformers only switch AC to one of the reduced AC voltages. LED transformers are made to switch AC to the proper DC voltage and current control for the LED strips, so the current will never flicker or overcurrent.

Selecting the correct transformer or driver is difficult, but it will come together when you know the total wattage requirement and the need for voltage of the LED strip. To have an extensive set of compatible LED strips, try the LED strip lights from BLT Direct and select the most suitable match for the arrangement.