LED drivers are an important part of an LED lighting system. In fact, this is what controls the lights. If you understand how these drivers work you are in a position to perform maintenance and take better care of your lights. Let’s take a closer look at drivers, the types, and the important role they play in LED lighting today.
What are LED Drivers?
Drivers work in a manner similar to ballasts for fluorescent lights. Ballasts are used to increase current to the fluorescent bulbs so the gas inside can be ignited. However, drivers reduce current, change it from AC to DC and also regulate the current.
Your LED lights do not operate on residential or commercial standard AC current. If you were to use 120 volts of electricity you would ruin them. These systems operate on low voltage (12-24 volts DC) and this means you need some kind of transformer to step down the current. This is one of the things LED drivers do.
Standard current is known as alternating current or AC and this is created by special alternators in the electric power plant so power can be easily transmitted over long distances. Essentially, AC current alternates polarity 60 times a second creating a “pulse” type current. LED drivers change this pulse current to DC or direct current, which the system needs to operate.
LEDs (light emitting diodes) are very sensitive to current and this makes them excellent for controlling the amount of light in a system (dimming and brightening). This means the current must be regulated or your light will not stay constant. LED drivers also perform this important duty.
Driver Types
Your LED lighting system may have either internal or external drivers. Internal drivers are becoming very popular as many people are changing their fluorescent lighting systems over to LED. In fact, you can keep your current fluorescent fixtures and retrofit them to LED by using LED bulbs with the drivers built in. It is a matter of disconnecting the ballasts and you may need to install new bulb sockets with the bulbs.
External LED drivers are often used in new LED fixtures. It is easier and more convenient to make the driver separate from the bulbs. This way, if the driver or bulb needs to be replaced you will not have to replace both. This is the most cost effective way to design and manufacture most LED lighting units today.
If you need LED drivers or bulbs, go to H. H. Fluorescents. They have been in business since the 1950s and offer a wide range of parts and supplies for your fluorescent and LED lighting needs.
