What determines the number of LED driver connected light strips?

1. Driver output power

When we buy an LED driver, there is a maximum output power value, usually expressed in watts (W). This value indicates the total power the drive can support. If the total power of the connected light strips exceeds the maximum output power of the driver, it may cause the driver to be overloaded, causing malfunction or damage. If you want to connect multiple LED strips with one driver, the wattage of the driver increases with the total power of the number of strips. There are 2 output, 3 output, 4 output, and even 5 output LED drivers on the market. However, OTTIMA has 5 outputs dimmable LED driver 300W 12V  (60W×5=300W). You can put forward your requirements according to the project, and we can customize the ideal LED driver. We always welcome your consultation.

2. Power consumption of light strips

The power consumption of LED light strips is usually listed in the product specifications, usually expressed in watts (W) or watts per meter. Understanding the power consumption of each strip of light is key to determining how many strips of light can be connected.

For example：

if the power consumption of a light strip is 24W and the driver's maximum output is 60W, then 2 light strips can theoretically be connected (24W×2 = 48W).

Then can a light strip with a power consumption of 30W connect two identical light stripes?

The answer is no.

As mentioned earlier, the total power of the connected light strips should not be greater than the output power of the driver. We need to reserve some safety margin for the driver.

So here comes the question, Why can’t the power of the light strip be the same as the power of the driver? 

In our actual life, as the power supply and light strip age, the instantaneous current when the power is turned on will be higher than the normal working current, so it is best to control the total power of the LED light strip between 70% and 80% of the total power of the power supply, to ensure power supply stability and extended usability.

3. Current limiting factor

The driver's output current is also an important limiting factor. Each driver has a maximum current value ( A ). The operating current of the led strip must be within the allowable range of the driver. If the light strip's current exceeds the driver's maximum current, the driver may not work properly or be damaged. So how do we judge? Whether it is a light strip or LED driver, the specifications can be found in the instructions for use. If there is no specific explanation in the parameters, we can also derive it based on I=P÷V.

If the power of a light strip is 60W and the operating voltage is 12V, the current is:

I=60W÷12V=5A

The total current of 5 light strips is:

Itotal=5A×5=25A

At this time, the single output current of a 300W 5-channel LED driver is exactly 5A. Can this driver drive the light strip?

The answer is: yes

If the total current is less than or equal to the driver's maximum output current, it can be safely connected. However, to ensure safety, it is best to control the load between 70% and 80% of the driver's rated current.

Now there is a question. The currents of the 5 light strips are different, but the total current is within the maximum output range of the LED driver. Can it drive the light strips to light up normally?

This depends on the specific situation

(1). If the 5 light strips are all 4A, then the LED driver can completely drive them.

(2). Three of the light strips are exactly 5A, and the other two light strips are 4A (3×5+2×4=23A). At this time, the LED driver can be driven.

(3). Two of the light strips are 6A, and the other three light strips are 3A (2×6+3×3=21A). The LED driver at this time can also drive, But two 6A LED strips will be dimmer than the other three 3A light strips. Over time, the 6A LED strip will age more seriously than the 3A LED strip, so we do not recommend this situation. Of course, these situations assume that the driver is of good quality. A poor driver may not necessarily be able to drive. For example, OTTIMA's multi-channel drivers reserve 20% margin for this situation to occur, giving the user room for adjustment.

4. Control method

Some LED drivers use specific protocols (such as DMX, PWM, etc.), and the number of light strips they support may be limited. Therefore, when selecting an LED driver, we can know in advance whether the dimming controller supports the number and new functions of the light strips. You can consult the seller for details, so I won’t explain them one by one.

5. Power supply

The driver's power supply must be able to provide sufficient voltage and current to support all connected light strips. Make sure the power supply can meet the input requirements of the driver to avoid flickering or unstable operation of the light strip due to insufficient voltage. Different countries or regions have different power frequencies (for example, 50Hz and 60Hz), and the driver needs to match the corresponding frequency when designing.

6. Wiring and load balancing

The size and length of the cable are also important when connecting long LED strips or multiple LED strips. Longer cables may cause voltage drops, affecting the brightness and performance of the strip. The thickness (diameter of the wire) and material of the wire affect the current carrying capacity and voltage drop. Using improper connectors may result in poor contact, affecting the stability of the light strip. Also, make sure the current is distributed evenly across the connections to avoid overloading and heating some strips.

Summarize

All in all, when connecting multiple LED strips, the output power of the driver, the power consumption of the strips, current limit, power supply, wiring load balancing, and heat dissipation capacity must be considered to ensure the safe and stable operation of the system.