There are a few very basic steps to follow when wiring LED modules to transformers. Follow these steps and you will ensure maximum life of both LED modules and Driver(s). Following these rules also ensures qualifying for your 3-5 year Warranty.
Step#1
Step#2
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Step#5
Warning:
It is imperative that you always connect Positive to Positive and Negative to Negative. If you fail to do this, the LED modules associated with a cross over, simply will not work!
Every LED module essentially has two wires in (+ & -) and two wires out (+ & -); It does not matter if current flows through the module left to right or right to left. The most popular modules supplied by LED sign Modules supplies have common colors. Grey is Positive and White is negative.
2. Load Transformers to around 80% of Maximum rated load.
Loading transformers under or over 80% of the transformer rated wattage, is likely to shorten the life of the LED Power supply. Under or over working the transformer will limit the transformer life and nullify the warranty.
Take 5050 LED Module 0.72watt white as an example, LED modules are usually supplied ready connected in chains of 20 modules. Each module is rated at 0.72 watts. Each chain then, is 20 x 0.72w =14.4w. 4 x chains of 20 modules (80 x modules = 80 x 0.72w = 57.6w.) Based on a load of 64w, a 80w transformer is needed ( 80% of 80 = 64).
In this case, the 4 x pairs of leads from each of the 4 x chains, link direct to the 1 x pair of output 12v leads from the 80w LED Power supply.
3. Formula to get 80% of Transformer Load
Total LED Watts ÷0.8 (point 8)
eg 10 chains with 20 LED Modules per chain = 200 Modules.
200 x the watts per specific module (Module SR-7812-3X5050 = 0.72 watts)
So 200 x .72 = 144 watts
80% of 144 watts = (144 ÷ .8) = 180 watt transformer, So it needs 200 watt led power supply
Troubleshooting:
No light output |
Make sure power at breaker is on. Make sure connections are correct between
line and power supply, between power supply and LED strip. Check output of the
power supply using a volt meter. The output should be 12V DC.
|
Sections of LED
strip have no light
|
Check connections and polarity between power supply and
LED strip, connectors and polarity between LED strips
|
One LED Module
has no light
|
If all other LED modules are working except one, replace this one module.
The
modules are in parallel and will not cause other modules to fail if one fails.
|
Not enough light |
Make sure the number of modules used does not exceed the recommendation
(chart 1) for the power supply. Verify the recommended rows of LED modules
for each letter. Fasten any loose modules.
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Shadows |
Tape any wires down that are above the LED modules. Fasten any loose modules.
If a self-contained power supply is used make sure modules are at least 2” away
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