Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Power Supply for Your LED Setup

Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Power Supply for Your LED Setup

Start with your control method — then choose the matching power supply.

1. Decide Your Control Type First
   
   Pick the control or dimming method that fits your lighting application:

• Triac Dimmer – Standard wall switch dimmer (common in homes)
• 0-10V Dimmer – Commercial dimming systems
• ELV Dimmer – Reverse phase dimming (quiet, smoother dimming)
• RGB/RGBW Controller – For color-changing LED strips
• No Dimming – Basic on/off control

2. Choose the Right Power Supply to Match
   
   Select a power supply compatible with your control type:

• Triac Dimmer → Triac Dimmable Power Supply
• 0-10V Dimmer → 0-10V Dimmable Power Supply
• ELV Dimmer → ELV Dimmable Power Supply
• RGB/RGBW Controller → Standard Non-Dimmable Power Supply
• No Dimming → Standard Non-Dimmable Power Supply

3. Match the Output Voltage
   
   Make sure your power supply output matches your LED strip voltage:

• 12V LED strips → Use a 12V power supply
• 24V LED strips → Use a 24V power supply

4. Size the Wattage Properly
   
   Choose a power supply rated for more wattage than your LEDs consume:

• Indoor Installations → Total LED wattage × 1.25 (125%)
• Outdoor Installations → Total LED wattage × 1.5–2.0 (150–200%)

This provides:

• Overload protection
• Cooler operation
• Longer lifespan