LED Drivers

There are two key things to check when selecting an LED driver. First, wattage — you should always purchase a driver that can handle the total wattage of your LED installation, plus a 20% overhead. To calculate this, multiply the watts per metre of your LED strip by the total length, then add 20%. This protects your driver from running at full capacity and extends its lifespan.

Second, output voltage — the output voltage of your driver must match the input voltage of your LED strip. Most of our strips run on 24V, though 12V and 48V options are also available. Mismatching voltages will damage your strips, so always check the product specifications before ordering.

Constant voltage drivers are the most common type used in home LED lighting. If your LED strip states a specific voltage requirement (e.g. 24V), a constant voltage driver is what you need. These drivers drop the AC mains voltage down to a constant, safe DC output.

Constant current drivers are better suited to high-performance LED setups where more modules or bulbs are present. Rather than maintaining a fixed voltage, they maintain a fixed current — ideal for applications where consistent brightness across a large array is critical.

Triac dimmable drivers are compatible with standard leading-edge and trailing-edge wall dimmers. They offer smooth, flicker-free dimming and are the most popular choice for residential and hospitality installations. Available in 12V and 24V across a range of wattages.

DALI dimmable drivers use the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface protocol — ideal for larger commercial installations where individual circuit control and integration with building management systems is required.

0-10V dimmable drivers use an analogue control signal to adjust light output — widely used in commercial and industrial lighting control systems. Compatible with 0-10V wall controls and building automation systems.

All our dimmable drivers are available in IP20 indoor and IP-rated outdoor variants. If you’re unsure which dimming protocol is right for your project, our technical team will be happy to advise.

Modern LED lighting is a great switch from traditional lighting — energy efficient, low cost to run and requiring little maintenance. When correctly installed with the right driver and profiles, LED strip lights are designed to last and provide even illumination throughout your space.

Between the ArcLED team, we have over 60 years of experience in LED lighting. We’ve helped thousands of customers achieve successful installations through the right product selection and technical advice — and we’re always happy to help with your enquiry.

All our drivers are tried and tested commercial-grade products. We stock drivers to complement our full range of LED strip lights, tru-colour CRI 98+ strip and NanoBrite magnetic track — so you can source everything you need from one supplier.

We always recommend hiring a qualified professional to complete your installation to ensure it is done safely, correctly and in line with UK wiring regulations.

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