Everything you ever wanted to know about LED lighting power supplies but were afraid to ask

Solid-state lighting (SSL) refers to a type of lighting that utilises light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), or polymer light-emitting diodes (PLED) as sources of illumination rather than electrical filaments, plasma (used in arc lamps such as fluorescent lamps), or gas.

The term "solid state" refers to the fact that light in an LED is emitted from a solid object—a block of semiconductor—rather than from a vacuum or gas tube, as is the case in traditional incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent lamps. Compared to incandescent lighting however, SSL creates visible light with reduced heat generation or parasitic energy dissipation, similar to that of fluorescent lighting. In addition, its solid-state nature provides for greater resistance to shock, vibration, and wear, thereby increasing its lifespan significantly.

Because LED lighting is proving to be more energy efficient, longer lasting and less inclined to fail, its technology has been adapted to suit to a wide range of applications including architectural lighting, task lighting, medical lighting (particularly for use in surgical theatres), transportation, entertainment, lit signage and moving signs, safety and security applications and outdoor area lighting.

As LED lighting has become more popular and its range of applications is so wide, specially designed LED lighting power supplies have been created to work in tandem with systems, particularly those that are used outdoors. As always, safety is the primary consideration, but the best LED lighting power supplies should have the following functions:

1. Universal AC input, allowing the full range of applications
2. Fully isolated plastic case that is resistant to external influences such as water (for external use)
3. Built-in constant current limiting circuit with adjustable OCP level
4. Short circuit, over load, over voltage protections to prevent power surges from damaging equipment
5. IP64 design for indoor or outdoor installations, maximizing protection against water damage or dust particles damaging the delicate electronic circuitry
6. Built-in dimming function: 1~10VDC or PWM controlled, allowing the light levels to be adjusted to create different effects
7. Cooling by free air convection to prevent the power supply overheating
8. 100% full load burn-in test. The burn-in tests involves operating a newly manufactured power supply, usually at rated load, for a period of time in order to force component failures or other latent defects before the unit is delivered to a customer. This ensures the safety of the unit for the end user before it is applied to a specific task.
9. Suitability for LED lighten and moving sign applications

LED lighting has a huge range of applications, and is becoming particularly popular with homeowners looking for a more energy efficient method of creating lighting effects around the home such as recessed lighting or under-shelf mood lighting. As they become more popular, LED lighting power supplies are becoming much more common in domestic settings as well as commercial ones, and the costs mean that they are within reach of anyone who wants to use this form of lighting. As always, it is highly recommended that you speak to an electrical expert who specialises in LED lighting systems before beginning work on any project that may involve solid-state lighting systems.