Technical Foundation
What Is a LED Driver?
An LED driver converts incoming AC or DC power into the regulated output an LED load requires, since LEDs are current-driven devices that don't regulate their own current the way a resistive load does — without a driver, an LED will draw increasing current as it warms and rapidly self-destruct. Constant-current drivers hold output current fixed at a specified milliamp rating (e.g. 350mA, 700mA, 1050mA) and let voltage float within a rated range to match the connected LED string; constant-voltage drivers hold output voltage fixed (commonly 12V or 24V DC) for LED modules and strips that have their own onboard current-limiting resistors.
Dimming compatibility must be verified as a system, not assumed — 0-10V, DALI, DMX, PWM and TRIAC (phase-cut) dimming each require a driver built for that specific protocol, and mismatching a driver to a dimmer's control signal causes flicker, reduced range, or no dimming at all rather than graceful degradation. Wattage rating must exceed total connected LED load with margin (typically 20%) since drivers run hottest near their rated capacity, which shortens driver life faster than running comfortably under it.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Output Type | Constant current (mA) vs. constant voltage (V) | Must match how the connected LED load is designed to be powered |
| Wattage Rating | Sized to total connected LED load plus ~20% margin | Running near max rated wattage continuously shortens driver lifespan |
| Dimming Protocol | 0-10V, DALI, DMX, PWM, TRIAC/phase-cut, or non-dimmable | Driver and dimmer/control system must use the same protocol to function correctly |
| Enclosure Rating | IP20 (indoor/enclosed) to IP67 (outdoor/wet location) | Must match the installation environment's moisture and dust exposure |
| Form Factor | Enclosed (metal case) vs. open-frame (PCB, in-fixture) | Open-frame suits space-constrained fixtures; enclosed suits remote/exposed mounting |
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Applications
Where LED Drivers Get Used
LED drivers are specified anywhere an LED load needs regulated, code-compliant power delivery matched to its current or voltage requirements and dimming needs.
Commercial & Architectural Lighting
Powering LED downlights, troffers and cove lighting with dimmable drivers integrated into building lighting controls.
Outdoor & Landscape Lighting
Waterproof drivers powering LED fixtures in outdoor signage, façade and landscape lighting installations.
Retail & Display Lighting
Constant-voltage drivers powering LED strip lighting in retail displays, signage and point-of-sale fixtures.
Horticultural & Grow Lighting
High-wattage constant-current drivers powering LED grow light fixtures in controlled-environment agriculture.
Industrial & High-Bay Lighting
High-output drivers powering LED high-bay fixtures in warehouses and industrial facilities.
Stage, Studio & Entertainment Lighting
DMX-controlled drivers enabling precise, addressable dimming in theatrical and broadcast lighting rigs.
FAQ
LED Drivers Questions, Answered
What's the difference between constant current and constant voltage LED drivers?
Constant-current drivers hold output current fixed at a set milliamp value and are used with LED strings/arrays designed for a specific current input, letting voltage float to match the load. Constant-voltage drivers hold a fixed output voltage (commonly 12V or 24V) for LED strips and modules that have their own onboard resistors to set current — the two aren't interchangeable with the wrong LED load type.
How do I size a driver's wattage for my LED load?
Add up the total wattage of all connected LEDs and select a driver rated at least 20% above that total. Running a driver continuously near its maximum rated output generates more heat and shortens its service life versus operating with margin.
Why does my dimmer not work with my LED driver?
Dimming only works when the driver and the dimming control system use the same protocol — 0-10V, DALI, DMX, PWM, or TRIAC (phase-cut). A non-dimmable driver, or a driver built for a different protocol than the dimmer sends, will flicker, dim over a limited range, or not dim at all.
What IP rating do I need for an outdoor LED driver?
Outdoor or wet-location installations need a driver rated IP65 or higher (commonly IP66/IP67) to resist water and dust ingress. Indoor drivers mounted inside an enclosed fixture housing can use a lower IP20 rating since they're protected by the fixture itself.
Should I choose an enclosed or open-frame driver?
Open-frame (PCB-style) drivers are compact and cost-effective for installation inside a fixture housing that already provides physical and environmental protection. Enclosed (metal-cased) drivers are used where the driver is remote-mounted or exposed to handling, dust, or moisture without a protective fixture around it.
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