Constant Current Vs Constant Voltage Power Supply
Luminaires require a steady voltage to be supplied from the driver eg 12 or 24 volts.
Constant current vs constant voltage power supply. In some cases constant voltage power supplies might be best. Although the voltage stays constant the current required from the driver goes up with the number of lights. Constant voltage lights are always wired in parallel. Similar to ballasts for fluorescent lamps or transformers for low voltage bulbs led drivers provide and regulate the necessary voltage in order to maintain a safe and consistent operation.
A constant voltage power supply receives standard line voltage 120 277vac. The important thing to keep in mind is whether the output of the power device provides a constant voltage or a constant current they are required by the led device that is receiving the power. Accurate constant current constant voltage 20a power supply ensures safe charging of supercaps and li ion batteries. Both constant current and constant voltage drivers act as a power supply for an led light source but the delivery methods differ.
For these lights the voltage is fixed by the driver but the current may vary. Constant voltage drivers switch this alternating current voltage vac to a low direct current voltage vdc. In order to ensure the leds function perfectly the self contained led driver needs to provide a constant power supply for the led. This is the type of power that is typically output from your wall outlets around the home.
We compare constant current led drivers and constant voltage led drivers to help you pick the perfect led power supply for your application. In order for that light strip to be installed in a home with a 120 volt alternating current ac wiring system the voltage would need to be reduced and converted from ac to dc with a power supply. The power source is monitoring the arc and making millisecond changes in order to maintain a stable arc condition. Just because leds are constant current devices doesn t mean that they require a constant current power supply.
The term constant is relative.