DIY power supply for DIY LED strip

Power supplies can be used not only to connect LCD monitors, laptops and lamps. You can also use these devices. connect led strip. Usually, LED lighting is used for decorative lighting.

What is an LED strip? This is a flexible board with placed LEDs and resistors. It does not have any special requirements and its length can be changed using simple scissors.

Power supplies 12v provide strip LEDs with electricity of the necessary parameters. They stabilize voltage and protect against interference and burnout. When used outdoors, the glow elements are mounted in sealed enclosures.

Some advantages:

1. Minimum energy consumption;
2. Surge protectors, which makes it possible to operate in a variety of conditions;

Blocks, rated at 24V, are used to connect SMD5050 LEDs with a calculation of 120 pieces per 1 meter.

Description

Power supply of a pulse type is a small device with a case of 180x96x38 mm.

Specifications:

1. Input current is 1.5 - 2.5 amperes.
2. Input power - 115 - 230 V.
3. Frequency - 50 - 60 hertz.
4. The operating voltage is 220 volts (our standard network).
5. The output voltage is 12 volts.
6. The output current is 15 A.
7. Power - 180 watts.
8. Safety parameters: protection against an overload and short circuit. Some species are moisture resistant.

This is one of the most common species. The size of some models is different from each other.

Here are some examples:

• 165x65x40;
• 115x80x37;
• 165x100x44;
• 255x75x45;

Other differences in some species:

1. The current strength has a decent range: from 1.25 to 41 A.
2. Power ranges from 1 to 1000 watts.

Safety and standards are guaranteed by the manufacturer. Therefore, before buying, get acquainted with the characteristics of the equipment.

In order to make the installation of the unit easier, it is equipped with a special connecting block with holes. In addition, the blocks do not allow the wire to stretch involuntarily and disconnect from the block with screw clamps, due to which the wire is connected.

Power supplies are cooled by natural air convection. Some of them are made with built-in fans, similar to computer coolers, and not allowing the device to undergo overheating during prolonged use.

Such fans can increase power. The only negative is the noise, which only increases over time. If you use this type of device, do not forget to regularly clean it, lubricate the rotating mechanism and remove dust from it.

Purpose and principle of operation

The power supply unit or adapter is designed to connect equipment to power sources for its normal operation. The power supply for the LED strip serves as a converter of the input voltage to the required output voltage. In this case, we are talking about twelve volts.

The use of such a power device requires a certain competence. If you use the device for its intended purpose, it will not pose a threat to either the health of the owner or the equipment.

Switching adapters equalize power surges with a special filter. Therefore, an unstable voltage grid critically needs such a device. Power surges can not only negatively affect the operation of electrical equipment, but also disable it.

Kinds

Designations in the photo:

1. Compact tight.
2. Sealed in an aluminum case.
3. Open.
4. Compact network.

12-volt blocks come in two main types:

1. Voltage stabilized - 12/24 volts. Twelve volts are mainly used for connecting led bulbs G4 and MR16.
2. Current stabilized - constant / variable.

In addition to these differences, the following types are available:

1. Sealed. Degree of protection - IP66 and 67. A small case protects the device from dust and water. It has a built-in potentiometer that functions as a current trim. Blocks with low power are available in plastic cases; large power is sealed in aluminum.
2. Semi-tight. Degree of protection - IP54. Suitable for outdoor use, as the adapter case is metal and moisture resistant. Power varies between 10 - 360 watts.
3. Leaking. Used only in indoor areas. Performed in a metal or plastic corrugated case.

Since each model differs from each other in properties, characteristics and purpose, you should carefully approach the choice of device.

BP of LED strips is selected according to the following principles:

1. Powerthat the tape consumes.
2. Voltageneeded to power the tape.
3. Protection from moisture.

Power calculation

When counting data, add 25 percent to the available tape power. Thus, the power supply will not work under heavy loads. It is important to do this to extend the longevity and uptime.

Calculation of PSU for LED strip:

LED Type	amount	Diode power in one meter
SMD 3528	60	4.8 watts
SMD 3528	120	7.2 watts
SMD 3528	240	16 watts
SMD 5050	30	7.2 watts
SMD 5050	60	14 watts
SMD 5050	120	25 watts

The average price for a 12V power adapter is 500-1000 rubles. Many older men, who were once closely associated with technology, take their devices to the flea market. You can buy an inexpensive, time-tested adapter from them.

How to do it yourself?

For independent manufacture of the power supply you will need:

1. A lot of time.
2. A bit of detail.

What we may need to assemble the LED strip power supply:

• housing;
• tape of the required length;
• pay;
• cord;
• screwdriver;

We present to your attention the BP 12v assembly diagram:

Designations:

1. C1 is a ballast capacitor.
2. C2 is a smoothing filter.
3. VD1 - VD4 - diodes.
4. VD5 - Zener diode.
5. R1 - R3 - resistors.

Walkthrough:

1. The best option would be a transformerless PSU with a ballast capacitor.
2. Capacitor suppresses mains voltage, which is then fed to a rectifier assembled on diodes. From the rectifier, it enters the smoothing filter.
3. Resistors provide fast discharge capacitors. R1 limits the current when connected, the zener diode limits the output voltage, providing 12 volts.
4. The current depends on the value of capacitor C1 for the power supply.
5. Do not feed the LEDs with the maximum allowable current.

Connection

To connect the PSU to the LED strip, we need a cord with a plug. It is important to install a switch on the cord.

We take the adapter and find 4 contacts:

1. Phase.
2. Zero.
3. V + (output voltage).
4. COM (the tape is connected there).
5. Bare two wires of the cord and connect to phase and zero.
6. Insert the plug into the outlet. A solid green LED indicates that the power supply is ready for use.

Tips

1. Any unit designed to power LED lampsmust comply with lighting standards.
2. It is not advisable to disassemble the case and try to make any changes. Soldering an adapter circuit is difficult and time consuming. Even for an electronics engineer.
3. Depending on the power of the PSU, several tapes can be connected to it. There is an RGB amplifier for this. It receives a signal from one tape, and distributes it to another. In this case, the synchronization of color changes and brightness is not lost.

Attention! If you try to connect the tape directly to the outlet, it will begin to smoke and, of course, will not work after that.