How to Connect an LED Driver to Power

LED driver is a crucial component in lighting technology, functioning as the power supply for all LED systems.

Drivers manage the power required by the LEDs, providing a constant quantity of electricity to ensure optimal performance despite fluctuations in the input power.

The primary role of an LED driver is to convert higher voltage, alternating current (AC) to low voltage, direct current (DC), while also regulating the current flowing to the LED to protect it from voltage spikes and variations that can cause overheating or failure.

Correct installation of an LED driver is not just a matter of efficiency — it’s essential for both the performance and safety of the lighting system. Improperly installed LED drivers can lead to electrical hazards, reduce the lifespan of the lighting system, and compromise the effectiveness of the LEDs themselves.

That’s why understanding how to correctly connect an LED driver to power is crucial.

Uses of LED Drivers

LED drivers are versatile components used across a broad range of lighting applications, each benefiting from the unique features that LED technology offers. Here are some of the primary uses of LED drivers:

Residential Lighting

In homes, LED drivers are used to power bulbs in overhead lights, task lighting, and ambient lighting setups. They ensure that LEDs operate smoothly, providing consistent lighting without flickering, which is crucial for both comfort and energy efficiency. LED drivers also allow for dimming capabilities, which can enhance the ambiance and reduce energy consumption.

Commercial Lighting

Commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, and galleries rely on LED drivers for a variety of lighting solutions. They are essential for panel lights, downlights, and track lighting, where maintaining consistent brightness and color accuracy is important.

LED drivers in these environments support extended operational hours and reduce maintenance needs due to their efficiency and long lifespan.

Industrial Applications

In industrial settings, LED drivers are critical for ensuring high-quality lighting that withstands the harsh conditions often present. This includes high-bay lighting in warehouses, machine lighting in factories, and area lighting in large facilities.

Industrial LED drivers are designed to be particularly robust, providing reliable performance even in extreme temperatures, dusty environments, and areas with high vibration.

Automotive Lighting

LED drivers are integral to the automotive industry, where they are used in headlights, tail lights, and interior lights. They ensure that lighting responds immediately and functions reliably, which is vital for safety.

Additionally, the compact size of LED drivers allows for innovative designs and improved aesthetics in vehicle lighting.

Specialized Uses

LED drivers also find applications in specialized fields such as medical lighting and horticultural lighting:

Medical lighting – In medical settings, such as surgical theatres and examination rooms, lighting must meet high standards for color accuracy and intensity. LED drivers help control the lighting precisely to ensure optimal conditions for medical examinations and procedures.
Horticultural lighting – In indoor farming, LED drivers control grow lights that simulate sunlight, promoting plant growth by providing various spectrums of light. This control helps maximize yield and can be adjusted according to the growth stage of the plant.

Tools You’ll Need for Connecting LED Drivers to Power

Proper installation of an LED driver requires specific tools to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. Here is a list of essential tools you’ll need before beginning the installation process:

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head) – Essential for handling different screws while mounting the LED driver and making electrical connections.
Wire strippers – Crucial for safely exposing the copper wire without damaging it, ensuring secure electrical connections.
Voltage tester – Used to verify there is no live power in the wires before beginning work, preventing electric shocks.
Needle nose pliers – Useful for bending, re-positioning, or snipping wires, especially in tight spaces.
Wire connectors – Ensure a stable connection between the wiring of your power source, the LED driver, and the LED fixtures.
Safety goggles and gloves: Protect your eyes from sparks or debris and your hands from electrical shocks and sharp edges.

Safety Precautions

When installing an LED driver, taking the appropriate safety measures is paramount to prevent accidents and ensure a successful setup. Here are the key safety precautions to follow:

Turning off power at the circuit breaker – Before starting any installation, ensure that all power is turned off at the circuit breaker. This is the most effective way to prevent electric shock.
Using insulated tools – Tools with insulated handles provide an additional layer of safety against accidental electric shocks. Ensure that all tools used are suitable for electrical work.
Ensuring a dry, well-lit workspace – Work in a dry area to avoid electrical hazards. Good lighting is essential to clearly see your work area and avoid mistakes.
Verifying all connections are secure – Loose wires can lead to short circuits and potential fire hazards. Double-check that all connections are tight and secure during and after installation.

How to Connect an LED Driver to Power: Step-by-Step Process

Installing an LED driver can be straightforward if you follow these detailed steps. Ensure you have all the necessary tools and have taken the safety precautions mentioned earlier.

1. Preparation

Gather tools – Ensure you have all the required tools listed in the previous sections.
Turn off power – Always start by turning off the power at the circuit breaker to avoid any electrical hazards.
Prepare the LED driver and fixtures – Unpack the LED driver and the LED fixtures, and have them ready for installation.

2. Wiring the LED Driver

Connect input wires – Locate the input wires on the LED driver (often marked as L for Live and N for Neutral). Using wire strippers, prepare the ends of the power source wires and connect them to their respective terminals on the LED driver.
Secure connections – Ensure that each connection is tight and secure to prevent any loose connections which could lead to electrical failures or hazards.

3. Connecting to LED Fixtures

Attach output wires – Identify the output wires on the LED driver and connect them to the corresponding wires on your LED fixtures. This is usually straightforward but always check for correct polarity to ensure proper functionality.
Use wire connectors – Secure all connections with wire connectors to ensure they remain stable and are protected from short circuits.

4. Final Assembly

Secure connections – Double-check that all electrical connections are tight and secure.
Mount the driver – If required, mount the LED driver onto a surface or in an enclosure as specified by the installation instructions.

5. Testing

Brief power on – Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and activate the switch to the LED fixtures. This is to test if the lights operate correctly.
Observe and adjust – Check for any immediate issues like flickering or non-functioning lights. If everything looks good, turn off the power again to finalize the setup.

6. Safety Check and Cleanup

Final safety inspection – With the power off, do a final safety check to make sure all connections are secure and there are no loose wires.
Clean up workspace – Remove any tools, packaging, and debris from your work area.
Fully power the system – Turn the power back on permanently to start using your newly installed LED system.

Common Issues and Solutions

Even with careful installation, you might encounter some common issues with LED drivers and their connected lighting systems. Here are a few typical problems and how to resolve them:

Flickering Lights

Check connections – Loose connections can cause intermittent contact which may result in flickering. Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
Compatible dimmer switch – If you are using a dimmer switch, ensure it is compatible with your LED driver and fixtures. Incompatible dimmers can lead to flickering lights.

No Power to LEDs

Secure connections – Double-check that all connections are correctly made and secure. This includes checking both the connections at the driver and at the fixtures.
Circuit breaker or fuse – Check your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses, and reset or replace them as necessary.

Overheating of LED Driver

Check load specifications – Ensure that the total wattage of the connected LED fixtures does not exceed the output capacity of the LED driver.
Proper ventilation – Verify that the LED driver is not covered or enclosed in a way that restricts airflow. Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating.

Short Lifespan of LEDs

Match driver output to LED requirements – The output voltage and current of the LED driver should match the specifications required by your LED fixtures. Using a mismatched driver can lead to premature failure of the LEDs.
Check environmental factors – Ensure that the LEDs are not subjected to conditions outside their operating specifications, such as excessive moisture or high temperatures, which could reduce their lifespan.

Make the Most of Your LED Investments By Understanding LED Driver Installation

Successfully installing an LED driver is key to maximizing the efficiency and longevity of your LED lighting solutions.

By familiarizing yourself with the necessary tools, following the detailed installation steps, and being aware of how to troubleshoot common issues, you can ensure that your LED systems operate at their best.

This not only enhances the quality of lighting in your environment but also contributes to energy savings and reduces the need for frequent maintenance.

Remember: a little effort in installation can lead to significant benefits in performance and durability, truly making the most of your LED investments.

GAN FET LED Lighting: The Next Generation of Energy-Efficient Illumination

In today’s world, energy consumption and sustainability are significant concerns, and rising energy costs are a given.

Unsurprisingly, academics and industrialists are constantly searching for ways to produce more energy-efficient technology. One such technology that has the potential to revolutionize the lighting industry is GaN FET LED.

As LED tech enthusiasts, let’s dive into the fundamentals of GaN FET LED technology, including its efficiency, advantages and disadvantages, and the commercial implications of this innovative technology.

WHAT IS A GAN FET LED?

A GaN FET LED is a type of LED light based on a compound material called gallium nitride. This technology’s FET (field-effect transistor) acts as an amplifier, allowing for voltage and current flow control.

With this control, the lighting system can operate more efficiently, extending the life of the components.

How Does a GaN LED work?

GaN LEDs are based on a thin layer of electrically conductive materials grown on other materials such as sapphire or silicon. Electric current flows into the active region of the LED, from which it emits light. The active region consists of very thin alternating layers of GaN and another semiconductor, usually indium gallium nitride (InGaN), which produces different colors when doped with different impurities. (Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride)

What is the Difference Between a GaN LED and a Regular LED?

The primary difference between GaN and traditional LEDs lies in the materials used. Regular LEDs are built from materials such as aluminum gallium arsenide, which is less efficient than GaN. GaN LEDs are more efficient because they are based on a more energy-efficient material, gallium nitride.

GAN LED ADVANTAGES

GaN LED technology offers many benefits — some of the primary ones include:

Energy Efficiency – GaN LEDs are highly energy-efficient, which is one of their most significant advantages. They can convert a large portion of the electrical energy they receive into visible light. This efficiency results in lower electricity consumption, making them an excellent choice for lighting applications where energy conservation is a priority. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, GaN LEDs can save substantial electricity, contributing to reduced energy bills and a lower carbon footprint.
Longer Lifespan – GaN LEDs have a significantly longer operational lifespan when compared to traditional lighting technologies. They are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. This longevity means that GaN LEDs require less frequent replacement, reducing maintenance costs and waste from discarded bulbs. In practical terms, GaN LEDs can last tens of thousands of hours, making them a cost-effective lighting solution over time.
High Power Density – GaN LED technology allows for generating high-intensity light in a compact form factor. This feature is especially valuable in applications where a concentrated and bright light source is needed, such as high-power flashlight beams, projectors, or high-resolution displays. GaN LEDs can produce significant light from a small chip, making them ideal for various compact and portable lighting solutions.
High Color Rendering Index (CRI) – GaN LEDs produce light with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI), which measures how accurately the light source renders colors compared to natural daylight. GaN LEDs typically have a CRI close to or exceeding 90, making them suitable for applications where color accuracy and vibrancy are important, such as photography studios, art galleries, or retail spaces. This attribute enhances the visual appeal of illuminated objects and spaces.

GAN LED DISADVANTAGES

As is the case with any type of lighting technology, GaN LEDs aren’t without their drawbacks.

Here are a few of those:

Higher Production Cost – One drawback of GaN LED technology is its relatively high production cost. The manufacturing process for GaN LEDs can be intricate and requires specialized equipment and materials. As a result, the upfront costs associated with producing GaN LEDs can be prohibitive, making it challenging for smaller companies or startups to enter the market. These higher production costs can also translate to a premium price for GaN LED products.
Sensitivity to Heat – GaN LEDs are susceptible to heat. Exposure to elevated temperatures can cause the GaN semiconductor material to degrade, leading to reduced performance and a shorter operational lifespan. This heat sensitivity is a critical factor in designing LED lighting systems, as inadequate heat management can result in premature LED failure. Efficient heat sinking and thermal management strategies are essential to maintain the performance and longevity of GaN LEDs, adding complexity and cost to LED system designs.

THE FUTURE OF GAN FET LED TECHNOLOGY

The future of Gallium Nitride Field-Effect Transistor (GaN FET) LED technology is highly promising, with ongoing advancements poised to revolutionize the lighting industry and usher in a new era of energy-efficient illumination. Several vital developments and leading research entities are shaping the path forward for this technology.

Advancements in Efficiency and Durability

Researchers and engineers are diligently working to enhance the efficiency and durability of GaN FET LED bulbs. This drive is essential for achieving even more significant energy savings and reducing the environmental footprint of lighting solutions. Improved efficiency means that GaN FET LEDs can produce more light with less power, reducing electricity consumption. The durability aspect focuses on increasing the operational lifespan of these bulbs, reducing the need for replacements, and minimizing waste. As a result, future GaN FET LEDs are expected to provide consumers with longer-lasting and more cost-effective lighting options.

Cost Reduction

Another key aspect of the future of GaN FET LED technology is cost reduction.

As with any emerging technology, initial production costs tend to be relatively high. However, researchers and manufacturers are actively working to streamline production processes, optimize materials, and scale up production.

As these efforts succeed, anticipated costs of GaN FET LEDs will decrease, making them more accessible to a broader range of consumers and businesses. This cost reduction will further drive the adoption of GaN FET LEDs in various applications.

Expanded Range of Applications

GaN FET LED technology is versatile and adaptable, and its future involves an expanded range of applications. Beyond general lighting, GaN FET LEDs have the potential to revolutionize areas such as displays, automotive lighting, horticultural lighting, and beyond. Their high efficiency, small form factor, and ability to emit high-quality light make them suitable for a wide array of applications. Researchers and industry players are exploring how to tailor GaN FET LEDs for specific use cases, unlocking new possibilities in various industries.

Leading Research and Development Entities

Several institutions and companies are at the forefront of GaN FET LED research and development. Scientists from Cambridge, Manchester, Bath, and Strathclyde are pooling their expertise to understand what limits the efficiency and find solutions that will benefit future generations.

The Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology and National Cheng Kung University have been pivotal in advancing related technologies since 2017. Their research has contributed to developing specialized GaN FET LEDs with unique structures, incorporating materials like GaN and InGaN grown on sapphire substrates. Using Silicon Implantation techniques with Silicon Dioxide layers to scatter ions has resulted in innovative LED designs.

Additionally, companies like Maxima and Nichia Corporation specialize in GaN FET LED research and development, continuously pushing the boundaries of what this technology can achieve. These organizations are pivotal in driving the evolution of GaN FET LED technology and ensuring it remains at the forefront of energy-efficient lighting solutions.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS FOR GAN FET LED TECHNOLOGY

GaN FET LED technology offers various commercial applications that can significantly impact multiple sectors. The implications of GaN FET LED technology extend beyond energy efficiency and cost reduction, directly contributing to sustainable development. Some noteworthy commercial applications include:

Commercial Lighting – Commercial establishments, including offices, retail stores, and restaurants, can benefit from GaN FET LED technology. These energy-efficient lights provide excellent color rendering and a comfortable environment for employees and customers. Additionally, the extended lifespan of GaN FET LEDs reduces maintenance costs and minimizes disruptions due to frequent bulb replacements.
Industrial Lighting – In industrial settings, where lighting often operates continuously, GaN FET LED technology’s energy efficiency is invaluable. It leads to substantial cost savings for large manufacturing facilities and warehouses, making GaN FET LEDs a compelling choice for high-intensity lighting requirements.
Mobile Device Displays – The screens of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, rely on advanced display technologies. GaN FET LEDs can enhance the quality of these displays by providing high-quality and energy-efficient backlighting. The result is brighter, more vivid screens that consume less power, leading to longer battery life for mobile devices.
Automotive Lighting – GaN FET LED technology is increasingly utilized in automotive lighting systems, including headlights, taillights, and interior lighting. These LEDs offer superior brightness and visibility, enhancing safety on the road. The reduced power consumption of GaN FET LEDs contributes to fuel efficiency in electric and hybrid vehicles, making them a vital component in the automotive industry’s pursuit of sustainability.

GaN FET LED technology is innovative and significantly impacts the lighting industry. It offers superior energy efficiency and a longer lifespan, making it an ideal alternative to traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. Though the manufacturing process can be complex and costly, researchers are continually working on improving the efficiency and durability of GAN FET LED bulbs. As technology becomes more widely available, the future becomes more attractive, revolutionizing the lighting industry and ushering in a new era of energy-efficient illumination.

CHECK OUT OUR TECH SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION

We’re coming out with new articles on the regular covering all topics in the LED space, from GaN FETs to color temperature and much more.

Read more about LED lighting topics here.

LED Driver

OSRAM LED Drivers Review

As we’ve already covered in an earlier post, there are several types of LED drivers. All these LED drivers have wide application from households, agriculture, to industry. As you can imagine, there are many manufacturers all over the world, making and selling drivers of various shapes and sizes. In order to simplify the selection process, we have decided to do a series on different types of drivers, made by different manufacturers, emphasizing their qualities.

Today we’re going to present OSRAM, a German lighting manufacturer, founded in 1919. Their LED portfolio includes LEDs for general lighting as well as industries, automotive and consumer applications, and much more. They deliver a range of compact LED drivers and we have picked out 4 for today’s post.

OPTOTRONIC FIT D L

Optotronic FIT D L is a linear/area constant current, non-dimmable LED driver suitable for offices, classrooms, industrial and storage areas as well as for retail. It can also be installed in emergency lighting systems. Fit for any luminary of protection class I. Small in design but highly efficient, with a lifetime up to 100,000 h. Comes with overload, over-temperature and Hot Plug protection.

Optotronic FIT D L Features

Frequency: 0 Hz | 50 Hz | 60 Hz
Output power range: up to 50 W
Supply voltage: 220…240 V
Output current range: up to 350 mA
Non-isolated driver

OPTOTRONIC Intelligent

OPTOTRONIC Intelligent is a constant current, dimmable LED driver suitable for linear lighting in offices, office, education, industry, storage areas and retail. It can also be installed in emergency lighting and is ideal for luminaries of protection class I. Due to DALI technology, it can be used in corridors and restrooms and dimming can be easily controlled through a pushbutton or a sensor. It produces high quality light, with low standby power consumption, and it is fully programmable via DALI interface. Lifetime expectancy is up to 100,000 hours.

Optotronic Intelligent Features

Frequency: 0 Hz | 50 Hz | 60 Hz
Supply voltage: 220…240 V
Output current range: up to 2,100 mA
Constant Lumen Output (CLO)
Integrated customizable thermal management (Driver Guard)
SELV and non-isolated versions available
DALI-2 certified

OPTOTRONIC Intelligent

Non-dimmable OPTOTRONIC Outdoor

The OPTOTRONIC Outdoor constant current, non-dimmable LED drivers comes in a range of wattages, with input voltage of 120 to 270V. It’s equipped with surge protection as well as protection against overheating. It is suitable for outdoor application, from street lights, various urban installations to industrial lighting. OPTOTRONIC power supply comes with an IP65 protection and it is highly reliable and efficient. It’s used with luminaries with protection class I. Features below vary depending on the specific driver you pick.

Non-dimmable OPTOTRONIC Features:

Wattage: 50 W, 100 W, 180 W, 250 W
Input voltage: 120…277 V
Output current: 700mA
Overtemperature protection

Non-dimmable OPTOTRONIC Outdoor

Dimmable OPTOTRONIC Outdoor

Areas of application for dimmable OPTOTRONIC Outdoor LED drivers street and urban lighting as well as industries. They are suitable for external LED lightings with IP protection over 65 and protection class I and II. One of the benefits of these drivers is a wide operation range, from -40°C to 55/60°C. They are easily programmable, through a wireless system, and are highly efficient.

Dimmable OPTOTRONIC Outdoor Features

Voltage: 220…240 V
Output range: 70…1,050 mA
Easy and fast wireless programming
Flexible current setting
AstroDIM for autonomous dimming with five independent levels
Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
Constant Lumen Output (CLO)
Overtemperature protection
Integrated customizable thermal management

Dimmable OPTOTRONIC Outdoor

LED Driver

Five ways LED drivers impact architectural lighting

Lighting can have the single most impact on the aesthetic of a space. While it functions primarily to illuminate spaces indoors, it plays a critical part in the beauty of building design. And in modern building engineering, it also is the focus of energy efficiency strategies. These aspects challenge architects to provide the functional lighting requirements dictated by specifications, architectural design that meets the building owner’s wants, and also lighting with the smallest impact on energy consumption. LED lighting is almost always the answer, and drivers create a wide variety of styles that allow designers to marry design wants with the functional needs of a building. To get the most from LED lighting, architects should understand how LED drivers effect it and how to use that to their advantage.

Consistent Output

While LEDs are low voltage light sources, once they are connected in series the voltage increases. Changes in voltage can cause a disproportionate current which can cause the light output to vary. This can be a problem when designing a lighting scheme. This is why the driver is so important. LED drivers are the power supply for LEDs and operate much like a ballast for fluorescent lights. They regulate the current and can protect the LEDs from line-voltage fluctuations.

Dimming Control

Dimming is a feature used by many designers to create an ambiance in spaces like theatres and restaurants. But traditional dimming has had issues with fluctuations and loss in efficiency. With the use of a driver, LEDs can dim from 100 percent to 0 percent output. There is no loss of efficiency as the LEDs use the same voltage and current during dimming that they do during full output. Using drivers for LED dimming controls can also lengthen the life span of LEDs because dimming can reduce the operating temperatures.

Color Sequencing

LEDs are also great for architectural designs that require color changing and sequencing. Drivers can allow dimming for various color LEDs to create a coloring and lighting effect. The drivers can also work with a sequencer which receives the voltage output and converts it to a three channel output in red, green, and blue that can then make an array of color combinations.

Flexibility in Design

Drivers for LEDs can be constant voltage or constant current types. They can also be customized for individual LED fixtures or for an array. You can also find drivers that adapt to most types of LED lighting. There are drivers to fit any lighting situation, freeing the designer from the constraints of typical lighting power supplies. Drivers are small enough to fit inside of junction boxes, so they never have to be incorporated into the design.

Energy Efficiency

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of LEDs is for energy efficiency. With lower thermal energy produced and longer lifespans, the energy savings are easily calculated. But energy-efficient lighting design also should incorporate ways to reduce usage altogether. These means lighting schedules and shut off times in unoccupied areas. Drivers work easily with occupancy sensors, lighting controls, dimmers and automation systems. With these tools, a lighting design can be created to shut off lights in every building space if unoccupied for a set period of time. They can also shut off entire areas or whole building lights at certain times with controls and automation systems. These can create huge energy savings for the entire building.

Lighting is fundamental to any building design. The right lighting system can be as inviting as it is functional, and with drivers they can also save the building owner money. While LEDs are the standard in lighting efficiency, it’s their drivers that enable them to adapt to any design and provide constant, efficient lighting. They’re small, convertible, and often interchangeable. Whether you’re designing signage for an opera house or lighting for a university library, drivers are the efficient and easy way to achieve the lighting design you want.

LED Driver

How do LED Drivers Work

What is an LED driver

LED lighting has proven to be more effective compared to incandescent or fluorescent lights, due to their high efficiency and long lifespan. Even though they are becoming more popular and are suitable for many applications, from households to horticultural lighting, many people are still unaware of how do they work. Just like any other technological innovation, they need something to drive them, and that’s an LED driver.

LED driver is a device that provides power to light bulbs. Since LEDs need DC current to operate, and the current flowing in households as well as in power lines is AC, the driver converts the current to DC and provides it to the bulbs. However, LED drivers are not solely providers of the current, they also act as the protection to the bulb itself.

How do LED drivers work

There are three types of drivers: constant current, constant voltage, and constant current/constant voltage drivers. They are meant for different situations. It is important to make sure they’re used properly since they do not provide the same thing.

Constant current drivers are applied for LEDs that need constant current and different amount of voltage within a fixture. This is not a common situation in LEDs since most of them require 12V to operate. Constant current drivers are used when the lamps don’t have the current resistor already installed. The type of LEDs that require current driver are supposed to be supplied by a specified current usually displayed in milliamps (mA) or amps (A). Higher current makes the LED brighter but in case it’s not regulated, it can consume more current which further leads to excess current that shortens the life of an LED. By applying the constant current driver, LEDs are supplied by constant current and maintain brightness and efficiency.

Constant voltage drivers are used when a light assembly needs stable voltage since the current is usually already managed inside the lamp or an assembly. These LEDs require one stable voltage and maximum output power, so the driver provides either 12V DC or 24V DC. This is usually specified on the light itself. The type of power which is typically found in our homes is 120-277VAC. Constant voltage drivers switch the alternating current voltage to low direct current voltage and maintain it for proper operation of the LED.

Constant current/constant voltage drivers feature both options, just like their name suggests. They run as constant voltage but they switch to constant current in case when output current passes the rated limit. Constant current/constant voltage drivers are used in applications where flexibility is required.

Does your LED driver need water/dust protection?

If an LED driver is installed in a place where it may come in contact with water or dust, it needs to be properly protected. Just like any electrical enclosure, it can come with a rated IP protection (Ingress Protection – used to define levels of sealing effectiveness against intrusion from foreign bodies and moisture). IP number usually consists of 2 digits, first one represents solid objects and second one represents liquids. So, if you are looking for a driver that can come in contact with water and dust, you can use an IP65 driver.

Here’s a list of definitions:

	Solid	Liquid
0	No protection	No protection
1	Protection against solid objects >50mm	Protection against water droplets
2	Protection against solid objects >12.5mm	Protection against water droplets at a 15° angle
3	Protection against solid objects >2.5mm	Protection against water spray at 60° angle
4	Protection against solid objects >1mm	Protection against water spray at any angle
5	Dust protected	Protection against water jets from any angle
6	Dust tight	Protection against powerful jets
7		Protection against temporary submersion up to 1m
8		Protection against submersion in water over 1m

Life expectancy of an LED driver

All drivers have MTBF, or mean time before failure, and in order to maximize their lifespan and decrease maintenance costs, it’s best to run the LED driver at recommended outputs.

What lies ahead for LED drivers

LED lights and drivers are one of the most developing technologies today. US Department of Energy estimates that LED efficiency will reach 258 lumens per watt by 2020, or, 2.5 times more than standard fluorescent lamps. This will result in about 90% power savings. By then, the prices will drop thus making LED lights available to more households. One of the key points in the technology in the rise are LED drivers but many are unaware of their importance. Other than driving power to the bulbs, they are essential in providing a vast range of lightning designs. Each lighting solution needs a driver design, and the drivers themselves provide saving, ambience and definition to lighting installations. And last, drivers are the one responsible for efficiency and durability of LEDs.