LED Drivers – 12 V and 24 V for Indoor Use

12 V or 24 V LED driver: which one?

LED strips and most low-voltage LED fittings run on direct current: they need an LED driver, also called an LED power supply, which converts 230 V AC into 12 V or 24 V DC. The golden rule: match the voltage printed on your strip. A 12 V strip must never be connected to a 24 V driver.

For the same power, a 24 V strip draws half the current of a 12 V strip: voltage drop is lower, which helps on long runs. Our drivers are constant-voltage units, the type used for LED strips.

Working out the driver rating

Multiply the strip power in watts per metre by its length, then add 25% headroom: a driver running at around 80% of its rating lasts longer. Example: 5 m of strip at 14.4 W/m draws 72 W; with headroom you need 90 W, so a 100 W model. Several strips can share one driver as long as their total power, headroom included, stays below its rating.

Our LED drivers

• 12 V IP20 LED power supply: 35, 60 or 100 W.
• 24 V IP20 LED power supply: 35, 60, 100 or 150 W.

A compact 12 V DC power supply from 60 to 200 W (190–240 V input, output within ±3 to 5%, aluminium case) is also available.

IP20: for dry indoor locations only

IP20 protects against finger contact with live parts but not against water: these drivers must be fitted indoors, in a dry and ventilated place (accessible ceiling void, cabinet, enclosure). Outdoors or in damp rooms, choose the IP67 waterproof power supply, from 60 to 300 W. Our protection ratings page explains each level.

Connecting an LED driver

Isolate the supply before any work and have the 230 V connection made by a qualified person. On the low-voltage side, observe the + / − polarity of the strip and use a wire size suited to the current and length. For other 12 V and 24 V DC uses (motors, automation, higher power), see our AC/DC power supplies. Business customers get 5% off the whole site with a pro account.