What is Class 2 of LED Power Supply?

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When designing safe and reliable low-voltage electronic systems—whether it’s for LED lighting, smart home gadgets, or industrial controls. Understanding Class 2 power is essential. What is Class 2?


Class 2 is a safety classification defined by the U.S. NEC (National Electrical Code) and UL standards (UL 1310). It applies to Limited Power Source (LPS) circuits and places restrictions on voltage and power output to minimize the risk of fire or electric shock, with the following characteristics:

 

Features of a Class 2 Power Supply:

  1. Voltage Limit:
    • Output voltage must be ≤ 60V DC (or ≤ 30V AC RMS)
  2. Power Limit:
    • Maximum output power must be ≤ 100W

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  1. Inherent Hight Safety:
    • Due to voltage and power limit, Class 2 circuits are considered safe to touch under most conditions and generally do not require additional wiring protection (e.g., metal conduits).
  2. Common Applications:
    • Low-voltage LED lighting, smart thermostats, doorbells, surveillance systems, and other electronics designed for residential and commercial settings.

How Can a High Wattage(>100W) Power Supply Meet Class 2 Requirements? (Example: 600W 24V Power Supply)


A 600W power supply cannot be directly classified as Class 2 because it exceeds the 100W power limit. However, it can be designed to partially meet Class 2 requirements using the following methods:

 Method 1: Multiple Independent Class 2 Outputs

  • Design the power supply with multiple output channels, each limited to ≤100W.
  • For example: a 600W power supply split into 6 channels of 100W each, with independent protection per channel, so each one complies with Class 2. Result: Each output meets Class 2 requirements individually, even though the total power of the unit is much higher. 

This approach is common in modular LED drivers or multi-zone power hubs in commercial systems.

 Method 2: Class P Certification + Limited Power Design

  • “Class P” is a designation under UL 8750 for LED drivers. It ensures certain construction and performance characteristics, including safety and thermal protection.
  • A high-wattage power supply may internally implement safety features that effectively create LPS (Limited Power Source) conditions for specific outputs.
  • While not officially “Class 2” as a whole, these outputs may still meet comparable safety standards.

This method is more flexible but requires careful documentation and certification to ensure regulatory compliance.

Why Class 2 Matters?

Using Class 2-rated power sources reduces:
• The need for complex wiring and metal conduits
• The risk of electric shock or fire
• Installation and inspection costs

It also ensures compliance with UL, NEC, and other regional safety codes especially important for contractors, architects, and product manufacturers.

Final Takeaway

1. Class 2 = Safety + Simplicity for low-voltage power.
2. 600W supplies can’t be Class 2 by default—but with smart engineering, they can provide multiple Class 2 outputs.
3. Whether you’re building LED systems, smart home devices, or custom electronics, understanding how to use or design for Class 2 power can make your projects safer, more scalable, and code-compliant.

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