LED strip power supplies

A 12V or 24V LED strip only shines properly with the right power supply: stable, flicker-free and just as bright at the end of the run. Choose a plug-in adapter for behind furniture or inside a cabinet, a driver for fixed mounting, or a waterproof power supply for bathrooms and outdoors. Size it with the rule below and you will always get it right.

How powerful should the power supply be?

Add up the watts of all strips and divide by 0.8. That way you load the power supply to 80% at most, which extends its life.

3 meters at 9.6 W/m = 29 W, so a power supply of at least 36 W
5 meters at 10 W/m = 50 W, so at least 63 W, for example 72 W
10 meters at 10 W/m = 100 W, so at least 125 W, for example 145 W
15 meters at 8 W/m = 120 W, so at least 150 W

The watts per meter are listed with every strip. Always choose a power supply with the same voltage as the strip: 12V for a 12V strip, 24V for a 24V strip.

Which power supply suits your situation?

Plug-in adapter (12 to 150 W): plug it into the socket, no electrician needed. Handy behind a TV unit, in a cabinet or with a set. See the 12V and 24V strips.
Driver for fixed mounting (35 to 350 W): hard-wired to the mains, for example above a suspended ceiling or in a cabinet. Suitable for several strips and longer runs. Have the 230V connection made by a qualified electrician.
Waterproof IP67 power supply (30 to 200 W): for bathrooms, carports and outdoors under a roof, together with a waterproof LED strip.
MeanWell drivers: for projects where a premium-brand power supply is required.

Power supply and control in one

The Mi-Light smart drivers combine a 75 W 24V power supply with a wireless RGB or RGBW controller: one device that powers the strip and controls it with a remote or app. For other combinations, place a separate controller between the power supply and the strip. See the dimmers and controllers.

Long runs

At 12V you usually feed power every 5 meters, at 24V up to about 10 meters. If the run is longer, feed power at both ends or spread the strip over several power supplies. Tens of meters without power supplies? Then a 230V LED strip is the simplest solution.

Frequently asked questions about LED strip power supplies

What is the difference between a driver and an adapter?

Both convert 230V to 12V or 24V. An adapter has a plug and is meant for stand-alone use. A driver is hard-wired and meant for fixed installations and higher wattages.

Can I connect several strips to one power supply?

Yes, as long as the total stays below 80% of the power supply’s rating and all strips have the same voltage.

Can a power supply be more powerful than needed?

Yes. A strip only draws the power it needs. A power supply that is too small runs hot and fails sooner.

Can I dim the power supply with a wall dimmer?

No, a standard 230V wall dimmer does not work on a standard LED strip power supply. Dim with an LED strip dimmer or controller between the power supply and the strip.

What do I need to connect the strip to the power supply?

A connector with cable or a DC connector that matches the strip width. See the LED strip connectors.