Do you need a driver for LED lights?

Why do you need a driver for LED lights? Because LEDs require a constant direct current of 12v or 24v, which is much lower than the voltage that the mains power supplies, all LED lights need an LED driver to convert the power supply into a more suitable one. This helps to prevent burnout and can lower the risk of fire.

What is a LED light engine?

A light engine is the LED equivalent of a conventional lamp. It normally consists of a LED chip mounted on a circuit board that has electrical and mechanical fixings, meaning it is ready to be fixed in the luminaire.

What is a driver for an LED light?

An LED driver is a self contained power supply which regulates the power required for an LED or array of LEDs. The light emitting diodes are low energy, lighting devices with a long lifespan and low energy consumption, hence the requirement for specialized power supplies.

What is the difference between LED driver and transformer?

LED drivers and electronic transformers for retrofit LED lighting are not interchangeable. They differ in output and load compatibility i.e. which LED lights they will work with. The fundamental difference between the two is that LED drivers output DC while electronic halogen transformers output 12VAC.

What are light engines?

A light engine is the LED equivalent of a conventional lamp. It normally consists of the LED chip mounted on a circuit board which has electrical and mechanical fixings. I.e. the light engine is ready to be fixed in the luminaire.

What are LED modules made of?

diodes
LED light engines and modules function as traditional light bulb substitutes. However, unlike the traditional light bulb design, LED light engines and modules consist of diodes arranged on a board.

Why do LED drivers fail?

The LEDs usually fail, because they have been connected to a constant LED driver in parallel. If the LEDs have failed you may want to also replace the LED driver. We usually recommend using a model with an adjustable output, and trimming down the output voltage slightly, to avoid over powering the LEDs.

How long does a LED driver last?

Namely, the life of the driving circuit expires prior to when the LED stops emitting light or has its brightness dropped. The typical nominal lifetime of these elements is often times less than 25,000 hours, while the lifetime of LED itself could be as long as 50,000-100,000 hours.

Do 12v LEDs need a driver?

Because LEDs require a constant DC of 12v or 24v, LED drivers are required in all LED systems (except those which are specifically developed to be controlled by mains voltage power supplies such as mains voltage tape or LED bulbs).

Do all LED lights need a transformer?

All mains powered LED bulbs require a transformer. Depending on the bulb type, the transformer/driver may be built in to the bulb casing or may be located externally. The purpose of the transformer is to reduce mains voltage (240V) to the desired level relative to the bulb being powered (e.g. 12V or 24V).