Electrical Supplies
Power Supplies
We offer reliable, commercial-grade power supplies for a wide variety of industries and are dedicated to providing dependable and trustworthy products.
From Our Knowledge Base
The Difference Between Constant Voltage vs Constant Current
Constant current drivers regulate a steady current supplied to LEDs, and constant voltage power supplies maintain a steady output voltage. Learn more here.
What Is A Photocell and How Does It Work?
A photocell is a device that can automatically turn on or off an LED light based on the amount of ambient light available. It is particularly useful for outdoor area lighting.
Choosing A Controller, Dimmer, & Power Supply for LED Strip Lights
With multiple strip light controllers, dimmers, and power supplies on the market, it can be hard to find the right product. Luckily, we've outlined what you need to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know if My LED Lights Work With a Sensor or Dimmer?
Use the filters on the side of the product category page to search for dimmable products. You can also look under the ‘Accessories & Power Supplies’ section for specific dimmer and sensor recommendations for that fixture.
For our ‘sensor-ready’ products that can be installed with photocells or motion sensors, it will be indicated in the product name and feature this logo:
What Is the Best Dimmer Switch for LED Lights?
The dimmer switch you need will depend on the specifications of your light. First ensure the dimmer is compatible with LEDs and that it uses the needed dimming type. The most common types of dimming you’ll see for LEDs include 0-10V dimming, PWM dimming, and TRIAC ELV and MLV dimming. Ensure the dimmer’s wattage can handle the LED load.
What’s the Difference Between SMD and COB LEDs?
SMD (surface-mounted device) and COB (chip on board) refer to the method in which the LEDs are mounted onto the printed circuit board. SMD LEDs are mounted directly on the circuit board. Depending on the density and series of strip light, there could be 18 or 36 LEDs per foot. COB LEDs are built into the circuit board consecutively. Due to the consecutive installation, COB strips are known to deliver a ‘singular line of light’, eliminating the look of hot spots. Because of the difference in chip spacing, resulting in a higher density, COB lights tend to provide increased illumination.
Is It Illegal To Have LED Lights in Your Car?
LED headlights can usually be legally installed in a vehicle’s headlights when factory-installed by manufacturers. If LEDs were not installed in your car by the manufacturer, they should only be used for off-road use; however, LED fog light applications are legal.
Note: LED bulbs are approved for use in the USA for off-road and fog light applications only. They are not street legal in the USA for use as headlights and are not compliant with DOT/FMVS108 standards. Only permissible for off-road applications such as ATV's, snowmobiles, and off-road racing. International legality varies. This restriction applies universally to all LED bulbs, regardless of brand or marketing claims, for use in halogen headlight housings in the USA.
How Do I Connect LED Strip Lights?
We carry a wide selection of solderless clamp-on LED connectors to make strip light connections easier. Verify the connector has the correct wire gauge and is suitable for the application, i.e., single color strips, RGB strips, etc. For a more permanent connection, you can connect your strip lights through soldering. Twist-on wire connectors are also available to connect multiple power wires together.
How Do I Choose the Correct Gauge Wire Size for My Lighting Installation?
The wire gauge size indicates the thickness of the wire. To ensure the gauge matches your application, it must be able to provide enough wattage throughout the length of the installation. Typically, the wire gauge for lighting will range from 12-24 AWG. To ensure the wire gauge will be sufficient to minimize voltage drop, calculate voltage drop by multiplying the length of the wire by the light's wattage, then divide by the wire constant. Multiply this answer by 2. The answer should be less than 1.5 to prevent voltage drop. If the answer exceeds 1.5, try again with a lower gauge. This means if 14-gauge is creating a voltage drop, try with a 12-gauge, since the lower numbers can handle greater wattages.
What Do the LED Chip Numbers Mean?
The LED chip numbers indicate the size of the chip. 2835 LED chips are 2.8 mm wide and 3.5 mm long, 3528 chips are 3.5 mm wide and 2.8 mm long, and 5050 chips are 5.0 mm wide and 5.0 mm long. However, each style has unique features. For example, 5050 chips are the only ones that can create RGB colors, 3528 chips are known for energy efficiency, and 2835 chips will emit the highest brightness.
How Do LED Controllers Work?
Controllers can simultaneously adjust the color output/CCT, alter the brightness, set timers, and more. To ensure LED controllers work effectively, pair the controller with the strip light's color options. For example, RGB strip lights must be connected to an RGB controller, single color strip lights must be connected to a single color controller, RGB+CCT strip lights to a RGB+CCT controller, etc. If you want to integrate the controller into a smart home ecosystem, the controller should be Wi-Fi or Bluetooth compatible.
