Selecting the right power supply is just as important as choosing the LED strip itself. An undersized or mismatched driver leads to flickering, overheating, or premature failure. This guide will help you get it right the first time.
12V vs 24V: Which Voltage Should You Choose?
Most modern LED strip installations use 24V DC power supplies, and for good reason:
- Longer runs without voltage drop — 24V strips can run up to 10 meters without significant dimming at the far end
- Lower current for the same wattage — reduces cable thickness and heat
- Better compatibility — most dimmers, controllers, and drivers now default to 24V
Use 12V only when your existing system requires it, or for very short runs under 3 meters.
How to Calculate the Wattage You Need
The formula is simple:
Total wattage = Strip wattage per meter × Total meters × 1.2 (20% safety buffer)
Example: A 10-meter run of 14.4W/m COB LED strip needs at minimum: 10 × 14.4 × 1.2 = 172.8W. Choose a 200W power supply.
Never run a power supply at 100% capacity — it reduces lifespan significantly. Always leave 20% headroom.
IP Rating: Indoor vs Outdoor Power Supplies
- IP20 — Dry indoor locations only (living rooms, offices, display cabinets)
- IP65 — Splash-proof, suitable for bathrooms and covered outdoor areas
- IP67/IP68 — Fully waterproof, for outdoor signage and underwater feature lighting
Soft-Start Power Supplies: Do You Need One?
Soft-start (also called slow-start) drivers gradually ramp up current when switched on, rather than hitting full power instantly. Benefits include:
- Extends LED strip and driver lifespan by reducing inrush current stress
- Prevents MCB (circuit breaker) trips on large installations
- Eliminates the brief flash you sometimes see at switch-on
We recommend soft-start drivers for any installation over 100W or in commercial/hospitality settings where reliability is critical.
YIZEE LED Strip Power Supply Range
YIZEE manufactures a complete range of 12V and 24V power supplies from 35W to 400W, with IP20 and IP67 options, including soft-start models. All products are CE and RoHS certified, with a standard 2-year warranty. OEM and custom output voltage options are available for large orders.