Low Voltage LED installation - do I have a too small load?

779 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Paulusgnome, May 23, 2016

morrison49th

Discussion Starter · May 22, 2016

Hello all,

I bought this https://www.magnitudeinc.com/products/led-magnetic-dc-drivers/m300w-24vdc-dimmable-led-driver/

I'm not dimming it, just switching it on the input side with a normal light switch. I noticed in the installation manual:

"50% load is required if not being used with a dimmer. "

eh? Does that literally mean, if I'm not using a dimmer, I have to make sure my load is at least 50% (150W). I expect my load will be around half of this - 3 x 8ft strips with 3.5Ws per foot = 85W total (plus inefficiencies from transformer and line drop). I bought a 300W transformer so I could expand in the future - have I made a mistake? Do I need a less powerful transformer?

I don't see how having a dimmer and setting that from off to on (not using any of the dimming functionality) vs having a normal light switch makes any difference. I presume I'm misunderstanding something.

Thanks

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dmxtothemax

· #2 · May 23, 2016

They would be referring to the electronic power supply,
Most smps require a minimum load to work correctly.
This is not a problem if you are using a non electronic,
type power supply such as an iron cored transformer.
Assuming that the lights don't have any internal regulators.

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morrison49th

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 23, 2016

dmxtothemax said:
They would be referring to the electronic power supply,
Most smps require a minimum load to work correctly.
This is not a problem if you are using a non electronic,
type power supply such as an iron cored transformer.
Assuming that the lights don't have any internal regulators.

Sorry I'm still confused. Are you saying I need not worry about this 50% loadi? My transformer:
https://www.magnitudeinc.com/products/led-magnetic-dc-drivers/m300w-24vdc-dimmable-led-driver/

I'm trying to drive an LED strip like this:
https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/154590/FLX-00105.html

Thanks

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dmxtothemax

· #4 · May 23, 2016

This driver that you want to use clearly has electronic regulating circuitry inside,
These types of circuits require a minimum amount of load to function reliably.
So yes you do need to worry, your load is too small for this unit.
But you dont need a fancy LED driver to run led strips like that anyway
Any regulated power supply with correct voltage and current will run them.
24vdc and 2.3A for each 16 reel.
Such power supplies are available here for $22.
You will have to check your local market.

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Paulusgnome

· #5 · May 23, 2016

I suggest you call the manufacturer's customer service on the phone number given on the spec sheet. If, as the spec sheet seems to show, this is a simple iron-cored transformer and rectifier supply, it is hard to see why this might need a 50% load to function.

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