help needed

[Connett]

hi guys hope this is the right place to post, i am wanting to install led strip lighting in my kitchen, i found strips on ebay i need to power 6.7m of 12v dc white led strip 670 leds, what size transformer would you reccomend? ive been told 12v DC 5a is this correct? also whats the best way to wire them. Thanks, Mark p.s i have searched

 

[Connett]

Anyone?

 

[qwertyydude]

I would recommend a switchmode power supply. A transformer based supply will induce a high frequency flicker kinda like you see with magnetically ballasted fluorescent bulbs. The switchmode power supply gets rid of this and will be more energy efficient to boot.

There are plenty available. Just search for

12V 5A switching power supply

Some look kinda like a laptop charger, other's look like a silver box with lots of holes in them. Both would work.

 

[Norm]

:welcome:
Moved to Fixed Lighting - Norm

 

[Connett]

Ok thanks quertydude other than that do you think my installation will go ok? And sorry about wrong section. Thanks, Mark

 

[Connett]

Is this the same? http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=270720353631&kw=270720353631 also how would i wire them... In series, or like a ring main? Thanks, Mark

 

[Steve K]

hi guys hope this is the right place to post, i am wanting to install led strip lighting in my kitchen, i found strips on ebay i need to power 6.7m of 12v dc white led strip 670 leds, what size transformer would you reccomend? ive been told 12v DC 5a is this correct? also whats the best way to wire them. Thanks, Mark p.s i have searched

Do you have any info from the manufacturer? A web site or pdf manual? Without some additional info, there's no way to know what voltage and current is required.

regards,

Steve K.

 

[purduephotog]

You may also have to 'inject' current into these at fixed intervals- the traces are too thin and cause voltage sag.

I'm not sure but if you wire the front and the back in parallel that may do the trick.

 

[Connett]

Do you have any info from the manufacturer? A web site or pdf manual? Without some additional info, there's no way to know what voltage and current is required.

regards,

Steve K.

hi steve all i know is they require a 12v dc supply there from ebay thanks

 

[Connett]

You may also have to 'inject' current into these at fixed intervals- the traces are too thin and cause voltage sag.

I'm not sure but if you wire the front and the back in parallel that may do the trick.

So run a power wire at the begginning and end of the strip? Longest strip will be 1800mm thanks

 

[ryguy24000]

what is the current draw per meter of strip? Wattage would be nice too!

 

[Ken_McE]

We could help you better if we knew exactly what they were. Can you give us a link to the eBay sale page?

 

[Steve K]

or start with a power supply with an adjustable current limit. Turn it up slowly, and measure the current being supplied. When it is bright enough, record the amount of current. If the led strip burns up or blows out, then the amount of current was too much (did I mention that there was some risk to this method??).

Overall, there's a lot to be said for buying stuff from a vendor who will provide the info required to properly use it.

regards,
Steve K.

 

[Connett]

I understand what your saying guys not even the vendor knows any wattage or current draw so to my next question can you guys advise me where to get the led strips from thanks, Mark

 

[Ken_McE]

can you guys advise me where to get the led strips from

Hi Mark,

The USLedSupply guy will sell you a 5 meter roll of SMD LEDs for around 70~90 $ US. He will also sell LEDs by the foot. You would have to cut pieces off the roll with a scissors and solder a pair of wires to each strip. Have you ever soldered? Would you be comfortable fastening wires together?

 

[Connett]

Hi mate yeah ive soldered before not the best but with the right equipment im sure id do it, if i order off him will he advise with regards to transformer thanks, Mark

 

[Ken_McE]

Hi mate yeah ive soldered before not the best but with the right equipment im sure id do it,

Don't worry about it. So long as the current flows, It doesn't have to be pretty.

if i order off him will he advise with regards to transformer

Yes. To some extent his website will do it automatically. If you line up a potential buy, it will suggest a power supply. If you don't mind calling Pennsylvania, you can get actual, capable, humans on the phone. If that's a little too long distance to call, you can email. I expect they'd answer. You could probably have it delivered already cut to your lengths and with ends already soldered on to each section.