What is a Class 2 driver power supply?
You may see the Class 2 mark on many electrical appliances, but what does this mark mean? Let’s Solve doubts for you today. Class 2 driver power supply is a safety-level power supply defined according to the National Electrical Code (NEC). Its output voltage, current, and power are limited to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire. Class 2 power supplies are commonly used in low-power electronic equipment, including LED lighting, LED drivers, and industrial control systems. You may see that many businesses will focus on promoting this mark to indicate that their products are safe, but how to judge this?
1. Key Features of Class 2 Power Supplies
Voltage Limitations: Output voltage typically does not exceed 60V DC or 42.4V AC RMS.
Current limit: The output current generally does not exceed 5A.
Power Limitation: Total output power typically does not exceed 100 watts. (Actual limits depend on application-specific standards, such as UL1310 or IEC standards.)
Complies with UL1310 standard
Class 2 power supplies are certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and comply with the UL1310 Class 2 Power Unit standard. This standard ensures that the power supply is safe under fault conditions and does not create a hazard even in the event of a short circuit or overload.
Use isolation transformer
Class 2 power supplies are typically designed with an isolation transformer to ensure adequate electrical isolation between the primary and secondary of the power supply, further improving safety. In the event of a short circuit risk, the power supply will automatically cut off to protect the power supply.
low risk applications
Due to their power, voltage and current limitations, Class 2 power supplies are considered low-risk and safe. They are suitable for use with direct exposure to everyday environments without the need for complex additional protection.
2. Advantages of Class 2 power supplies
Reduce installation and running costs
Due to its built-in safety design, when installing a Class 2 power supply, no additional complex protection measures (such as protective enclosures or overload devices) are required, reducing lighting costs. In particular, it increases the cost of trial and error. When we mistakenly connect the light strip and the LED driver, the Class 2 driver power supply will activate the built-in protection, and the LED light will not light up normally. This is when we will find out where the problem lies, the second time It can light up normally when connected correctly, so many professionals in the industry pay more attention to whether the product carries this mark when purchasing an LED driver power supply.
When the current is unstable, the LED driver will automatically turn on the built-in protection. When the current is stable, it can still run normally when we turn on the power again, which can reduce our maintenance and operation costs.
Improve security
Its tight output limits significantly reduce the risk of electric shock and fire from overheating. Especially in unmanned outdoor areas, dry and hot summers, when the temperature rises and the LED driver dissipates insufficient heat, the power supply will automatically activate the built-in protection to disconnect the power supply to avoid the risk of fire caused by overheating. Safety is the top priority for every appliance, so no matter what appliance we buy, we can pay attention to whether the appliance meets the Class 2 power supply standard. This is the best protection for us and our families.
Comply with regulatory requirements
Class 2 power supply meets NEC and UL standards to easily pass electrical compliance inspections for the US market. As we all know, the United States has strict requirements for imported and exported electrical appliances. If you are not clear about the electrical appliance requirements in your country, you can refer to the Detailed Tutorial Teaches You How to Choose The Right LED Driver.
3. Main differences between Class 2 and Class 1
Features | Class 1 power supply | Class 2 power supply |
Output power | No strict limit,suitable for high-power equipment | Maximum output power 100W (usually less than) |
Voltage range | Can be higher than 60V DC / 42.4V AC | Up to 60V DC / 42.4V AC |
Safety level | Requires additional protective measures (e.g. grounding wire) | Built-in safety protection, no additional measures required |
Typical applications | High power equipment (industrial equipment, motors, etc.) | Low power equipment (LEDs, controllers, etc.) |
4. Common applications of Class 2 power supplies
LED lighting system
Commonly used in low-power driving power supplies, LED lighting fixtures (such as residential lighting, billboards, decorative lights, etc.).
Ensure that even if the power supply fails, no harm will be caused to the LED fixture or user.
security system
Used in low-power devices such as access control controllers, cameras and sensors.
Home and Commercial Appliances
Used to drive thermostats, small electronic devices or communication equipment, etc.
Industrial Control and Building Automation
Industrial controllers or sensors provide safe power.
