Power-supply decision guide
| Decision factor | Required input | Selection action |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage match | Rated strip input voltage | Match power-supply output voltage to the strip; do not infer it from appearance |
| Connected load | Rated watts per metre and installed metres on that output | Calculate the declared connected load for each circuit |
| Feed and voltage drop | Cable route, feed points, current, and distance | Review feed arrangement and voltage drop with the responsible designer or supplier |
| Conductor or wire size | Current, route, installation method, and applicable requirements | Have the responsible party select suitable conductors |
| Dimming compatibility | PWM, 0-10V, DALI, Triac/phase-cut, or other interface | Match the supply, dimmer, and controller architecture |
| Enclosure and environment | Location, ventilation, moisture, access, and ambient conditions | Select a suitable enclosure and installation arrangement from verified documentation |
Bounded calculation workflow
- Confirm the strip's rated voltage and watts per metre from the exact model documentation.
- Calculate declared connected load = rated W/m × installed metres on the power-supply output; for an illustrative 8 W/m strip over 6 installed m, the load is 48 W.
- If the manufacturer, project design, enclosure, ambient environment, duty, or applicable requirements call for headroom, add the verified capacity margin they specify; do not apply one universal percentage.
- Review current, conductor or wire size, cable route, feed points, and voltage drop for each circuit.
- Confirm dimming compatibility, enclosure, ventilation, access, and protection requirements before commissioning.
| Commissioning check | Method | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage and polarity | Verify output before connection and at defined circuit points under load | Instrument, locations, readings, and acceptance basis |
| Representative operation | Operate the installed or representative circuit through intended states | Connected load, ambient condition, enclosure state, and observations |
| Dimming and restart | Commission the selected control range, switching, and power recovery | Component models, settings, low-end behavior, and restart result |
Cabinet zones may favor accessible compact supplies and short branch wiring; architectural coves may need distributed feed planning; damp or enclosed locations require a supply and enclosure selected for that environment. Keep voltage comparison and run-length selection in their dedicated guides.
The hero provides general bench context and is not evidence of a COB power-supply test result. Base approval on documented calculations and commissioning records.
Common mistakes include mixing voltages, sizing from roll length instead of connected load, overlooking feed wiring and voltage drop, assuming any dimmable supply works with any control, or enclosing equipment without checking its documentation.
Use one supply only when its verified voltage, load capacity, control compatibility, environment, and feed design suit the circuit; otherwise divide the installation into documented circuits under the responsible designer's plan.
FAQ
How do I calculate COB strip power-supply load?
Multiply the exact strip's rated watts per metre by the installed metres connected to that output, then follow verified project and manufacturer requirements for any capacity margin.
Can one power supply feed several COB strip sections?
It can when voltage, total connected load, output distribution, protection, wiring, voltage drop, and the documented supply requirements are satisfied.
Does a dimmable COB strip need a dimmable power supply?
That depends on the control architecture. Confirm compatibility among the strip, supply or driver, dimmer, controller, and control interface.