Want to repair defective LED luminaires? Choosing the right driver can be tricky, especially since 99% of the time, there's no information about the LED board you want to power.
This article will help you identify the important factors for choosing an equivalent driver to replace a defective one.
What is an LED Driver?
The driver is commonly referred to as a transformer, power supply, ballast, or even a "LED pilot" if directly translated by Google. In fact, it’s a device that transforms input current into a current capable of powering a series of LEDs. However, an LED driver is much more than just a simple transformer!
First, the two most popular types of drivers that power LEDs are:
1. Constant Voltage Drivers (CV)
This type of driver maintains a constant voltage equal to the forward voltage (Vf) of the LEDs and the overall circuit resistance. They are commonly used for low-voltage LEDs such as LED strips, LED ropes, and some LED bulbs. To maintain a fixed forward voltage, the LED configuration (series or parallel) must be precisely calculated to match the Vf.
2. Constant Current Drivers (CC)
This type of driver adjusts the voltage (V) to maintain a stable current (I). They are commonly used for high-power LEDs. Most LED luminaires use this type of driver. Suitable for a wide variety of LED configurations, these drivers also feature protections to prevent damage to LEDs in case of overvoltage.
Our commercial, industrial, and agricultural lighting products exclusively use constant current (CC) LED drivers.
Key Characteristics to Consider When Choosing an LED Driver
Dimming
Some drivers feature dimming capabilities, allowing you to adjust the brightness of the LEDs. This provides added flexibility in lighting control. Dimming is usually achieved via low voltage 0-10V, with wires identified as "DIM+" and "DIM-".
Wattage Adjustment
Most distributors are unaware that drivers are adjustable. As a manufacturer, we reveal this hidden feature. We can manually adjust either the current or the voltage to match the LED array configuration.
Control Features
Some drivers are equipped with outputs to manage control devices like photocells, occupancy sensors, etc. You can find control options on our product pages. Often, drivers control these components through a 12VDC output.
Overcurrent and Short-Circuit Protection
LED drivers often incorporate protective devices against overcurrents and short circuits to ensure system safety and prevent LED damage. They feature a fuse and a MOV (metal-oxide varistor). The MOV is crucial because it absorbs voltage surges and sacrifices itself to protect the LED PCB. Typically, our indoor luminaires withstand surges from 2KV to 4KV, while our outdoor luminaires resist from 4KV to 6KV, which ranks among the best in the industry. It is also possible to install a surge protection device (SPD) for lighting fixtures exposed to environments more susceptible to surges.
Mandatory Electrical Safety Standards
LED drivers must comply with specific standards to ensure their compatibility and safety. Safety standards such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ETL (Intertek), or CSA certifications are mandatory in Canada and the United States.
How to Choose a Compatible Replacement Driver
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Input Voltage: Must match the voltage of the electrical panel supplying the luminaires. Most of our drivers range from 120-347VAC to simplify the selection. Here's a list of our drivers.
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Output Voltage: Must match the voltage accepted by the LED PCB. Normally, you can obtain this information from the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can check if the output voltage of the new driver is similar to that of the old driver.
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Output Current: Should be almost identical to the original driver, with a tolerance of no more than +/-10%.
Besides these three crucial elements for ensuring the proper operation of the replacement driver, you should also verify if the luminaire requires dimming capabilities or control features (such as a photocell or occupancy sensor).
If you are unsure about choosing a replacement driver, do not hesitate to contact us at info@speclite.ca and one of our lighting specialists will guide you in selecting the right one.
