Impact of driver quality on lighting projects
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE LED DRIVERS
POWERLED
Impact of driver quality on lighting projects
LED performance , efficiency and durability are tied not only to the lights themselves , but also to the drivers that operate them . Russell Parr , CEO at PowerLed , highlights what to look for when sourcing LED drivers .
Innovations in LED technology are providing lighting designers and contractors with increasingly sophisticated options . However , a crucial component of bringing these options to life is driver technology .
Drivers are responsible for converting , regulating , and supplying the appropriate electrical power to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of LEDs . As with LED systems , driver technology is not static or universal – every application requires a specific driver , the quality of which has a significant impact on the project ’ s result . This makes it vital to assess LED driver suppliers and their products when scoping a project .
WHY QUALITY COMPONENTS ARE KEY
Because LEDs must operate failure-free in a variety of conditions , the drivers that power them should be durable , reliable , stable , and efficient . As such , there are several factors to consider when selecting drivers to ensure optimal performance . These include voltage and current ratings , power capacity , dimming capability , compatibility , efficiency , and reliability .
Higher-grade components should not be a nice to have but ‘ non-negotiable ’, particularly when selecting LED drivers . This is because it will ensure they :
• Offer good thermal behaviour , meaning all facets function safely
• Can withstand voltage spikes , which pose a particular challenge for control gear
• Boast a reduced ripple value , which serves as a solid performance indicator
As with LED systems , driver technology is not static or universal – every application requires a specific driver , the quality of which has a significant impact on the project ’ s result .
• Have no-load , overload , thermal and short-circuit protection , to resolve potential installation issues
• Are EMC compliant , with the appropriate testing and certification
What ’ s more , the quality of the components used to manufacture drivers has an immense impact on power factor – the ratio of real power used compared to apparent power into the circuit or more simply put , how efficiently the electrical power is consumed . While there may be several contributing factors , inefficiency can often be attributed to poor driver design or low-quality components .
As a key element of any LED lighting system , the quality of the driver is crucial . Ultimately , LED drivers built with premium components will help to achieve the optimal performance , safety , longevity , and sustainability of a LED lighting system .
SELECTING THE RIGHT SUPPLIER
The range of available LED drivers can make it challenging to choose the right solution – and the right supplier . This is further complicated by the fact that not all manufacturers provide the same quality or depth of technical information on their products , leaving electrical contractors unable to make accurate comparisons .
With this mind , a good place to start is by looking for best-in-class solutions from accredited suppliers with a reputation for honesty , and excellence . Also add Energy-related Products ( ErP ) compliance to the list of criteria .
The ErP directive is an eco-design directive intended to encourage manufacturers and importers to provide products that are more energy and resource efficient , and adherence to this directive shows that a supplier ’ s products meet the energy guidelines set out by the EU .
In addition to product peace of mind , working with reputable and compliant suppliers will result in other benefits , from energy savings and reduced maintenance costs to longer LED lifetime , overall reduction in the cost of ownership , and reduced environmental impact .
Working with a trusted and established supplier like PowerLed , part of Sunpower Group Holdings LTD , will result in a dependable , high quality ‘ fit and forget ’ solution .
The company ’ s range of drivers is suited to both indoor and outdoor installations and , in addition to standard features such as power factor correction , high efficiency , compact size and isolated or non-isolated design , boasts unique advantages – they are CE approved , meet stringent safety certification , and offer a warranty of up to 5 years .
Besides its status as an official Tier 1 MEAN WELL partner , meaning it provides access to more than 4,000 products from one of the largest switching power supply manufacturers in the world , the ErP compliant company ’ s UK-wide network offers expert advice , bespoke technical design support , as well as premium LED drivers and lighting solutions for a range of residential , commercial , and industrial projects . Moreover , all its products meet both environmental and performance criteria while offering value for money .
For more information , visit https :// www . powerled . uk . com /
36 PECM Issue 64