LED drivers, also known as LED power supplies, supply the necessary power to illuminate LEDs and optimize their performance. As explained in our initial guide on comprehending LED drivers and selecting the appropriate one, it's essential to note that all LEDs necessitate a constant current LED driver. Given that LED drivers typically have shorter lifespans than the LEDs or fixtures they accompany, addressing LED light issues often begins with the replacement of the LED driver.
Streamlining the process of LED driver replacement becomes more manageable by focusing on the five factors outlined in this post.
How to Tell if LED Driver Is Bad
Identifying whether an LED driver is faulty involves assessing various factors. Here are some indicators that can help you determine if an LED driver is bad:
1.Dimming or Flickering Lights
If your LED lights are dimming or flickering inconsistently, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning LED driver. Inconsistent power supply may lead to variations in brightness.
2.Inconsistent Color Temperature
A failing LED driver may cause fluctuations in color temperature, leading to irregularities in the light's hue. If you notice sudden color changes or inconsistencies, the driver could be the culprit.
3.Visual Inspection
Examine the LED driver for any physical damage, burnt components, or unusual odors. Visible signs of damage, discoloration, or a burnt smell may indicate a problem.
4.Electrical Testing
Use a multimeter to measure the output voltage of the LED driver. If the voltage readings are significantly lower or higher than the specified range, it suggests a potential issue with the driver.
5.Overheating
An overheating LED driver can be a sign of impending failure. Touch the driver gently; if it feels excessively hot, it may be struggling to manage the load.
6.Audible Noise
Unusual sounds, such as buzzing or humming, emanating from the LED driver may indicate internal issues. This could be a sign of a malfunctioning component.
7.Total Light Failure
If the LED lights fail to turn on at all, the LED driver could be the root cause. This could be due to a complete failure or a malfunction preventing the driver from supplying power.
8.LED Driver Age
LED drivers have finite lifespans, and their performance can degrade over time. If the driver is several years old and exhibits any of the above issues, it might be time for a replacement.
Replacement LED Driver Checklist
It is only half the battle to decide to replace the driver; now you need to find a suitable replacement. Getting all the correct information before searching the internet and making phone calls is essential.
1. Power Requirements
Input Voltage / Current
Firstly, assess the supply voltage of the original LED driver or fixture. Typically, the input voltage is specified within a range (e.g., 90-120VAC). It's crucial to ensure your input voltage falls within this range for proper LED driver operation.
If you struggle to find a replacement within the same input range, locating the exact power input eliminates compatibility issues. In the United States, residential areas commonly provide a standard 120 volts, while commercial and industrial buildings may offer 277 volts. If uncertain about your input voltage, consulting an electrician is advisable.
Output Voltage / Current
Consider the power mode employed by your original LED driver in this step, distinguishing between constant voltage and constant current.
Constant Voltage
For constant voltage power supplies, a single voltage output is listed. For instance, if the original driver was a 12-volt model, opt for a 12-volt replacement. Similarly, for a 24-volt driver, select a 24-volt replacement, and so forth.
Constant Current
Replacing a constant current LED driver introduces a bit more complexity. In addition to caring about voltage output, attention must be given to current output.
Current output is measured in milliamps. Seek a replacement driver with the same or a similar current output. If an exact match proves elusive, finding one within 100-200 milliamps typically suffices. A valuable tip is to undershoot current rather than overshoot to avoid exceeding the LEDs' maximum current rating while maintaining the fixture's wattage relatively constant.
Don't overlook wattage considerations. Ensure your replacement driver aligns closely with the original wattage. While occasional fixtures may have drivers with excessive wattage, sticking to the listed wattage generally ensures safety.
2.Dimming
Are you sure that the LED driver you used had a dimming capability? Did you dim the fixture before it malfunctioned?
There are two kinds of LED drivers available: constant voltage LED drivers and constant current LED drivers, both of which are capable of dimming and must be specified in the specifications. It is safe to assume that if the specs do not mention dimming, you will not be able to dim the driver or fixture. If you want to dim a driver, you should stick to the driver with the same dimming method. Dimmable drivers are often controlled by external devices specified on the datasheet.
3.Safety Ratings
IP Ratings
IP ratings indicate the protection level of a driver enclosure against external environmental factors. These ratings are presented as a 2-digit number, where the first digit signifies protection against solid objects (e.g., dust, metal flakes), and the second digit indicates protection against water elements.
UL Class 2 vs. UL Class 1
Adhering to the same safety standards as the original driver is recommended.
UL Class 2 drivers: Comply with UL 1310 Standard for Safety for Class 2 Power Units, ensuring that the output voltage poses no risk of fire or electric shock, making secondary circuit protection unnecessary.
UL Class 1 drivers: Have output ranges outside UL Class 2 designations. These drivers feature high-voltage output and can accommodate more LEDs, making them more efficient than Class 2 drivers.
Ensure that the replacement LED driver aligns with the safety standards of the original for optimal performance and safety.
4.Physical Size / Dimensions
The size of the new driver is crucial. When replacing an old driver, you most likely want the new one to fit well, right?
You are unlikely to find an exact-sized replacement driver for the LED fixture that went bad in most cases. Many LED fixtures are made to fit the exact sized driver that has gone bad. Yes, you will need to use some creativity to find the correct size replacement. See how big the area you have to work with is. As long as the above factors match up, the LED driver can dangle freely within the housing and still light up the LED. (It is a good idea to at least secure it with electrical tape.)
5.Efficiency
Efficiency is a crucial factor when selecting LED drivers for replacement, ensuring that the new driver matches or exceeds the efficiency of the old one.
Efficiency Percentage
Expressed as a percentage, efficiency indicates how much input power the driver can utilize to illuminate the LED. Smaller drivers typically have efficiencies ranging from 80-85%, while larger UL Class 1 drivers can approach 100%.
Power Factor
Power factor gauges the real power load the driver imposes on the electrical network and ranges from -1 to 1. The closer the value is to 1, the more efficient the LED driver. It's advisable to opt for high-quality LED drivers and power supplies with a power factor of 0.9 or above for optimal efficiency.
LED Street Light Drivers Constant Current LED Drivers IP67 LED Driver
Originally Posted On: https://www.gdsuncom.com/how-to-replace-led-drivers-in-5-important-steps.html