When it comes to installing LED COB strips, selecting the appropriate driver is crucial for optimal performance. To illustrate this, let's take an 8W per meter COB strip as an example, and assume you are installing a 5-meter strip. To determine which power supply (driver) is needed, you can use the following calculation:
Step 1: Calculate Total Wattage Multiply the wattage per meter (8W/M) by the length of the strip (5 meters):
So, the total wattage required for a 5-meter strip is 40 watts.
Step 2: Add a Tolerance Margin It's essential to leave a tolerance margin when selecting a driver because running a driver at its maximum capacity may lead to decreased efficiency and potentially reduce its lifespan. A common practice is to add a 20% tolerance margin to the calculated wattage. This ensures that the driver operates comfortably and within its optimal range, which is typically up to 80% of its rated capacity.
So, with the 20% tolerance, the recommended wattage for the driver becomes 48 watts.
Step 3: Choose the Closest Driver Based on the calculated wattage with the added tolerance, you should select the closest available driver. In this case, the nearest driver selection would be 60 watts, ensuring that it comfortably accommodates the requirements of the 5-meter 8W per meter COB strip.
In summary, for a 5-meter COB strip with 8W per meter, the recommended driver wattage is 60 watts, which includes a 20% tolerance margin to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Selecting the right driver ensures that your LED COB strip operates efficiently and reliably.