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Power Supplies for LED Strip Lights (12V & 24V)

Constant voltage MEAN WELL LED strip power supplies for 12V and 24V tape: compact indoor units, IP67 encapsulated drivers for damp and outdoor locations, and dimmable models for 0-10V and PWM control.

  • 12V · 24VConstant voltage outputs for LED tape
  • IP67 optionsEncapsulated models for damp and outdoor locations
  • Dimmable0-10V, PWM and resistance dimming models
Step 1

Which power supply does your LED strip need?

Most LED strips (LED tape) are constant voltage: they are rated 12V or 24V DC and need a constant voltage (CV) power supply with exactly the same output voltage. A 24V strip on a 12V supply will be dim or won't light; a 12V strip on a 24V supply will overheat and fail.

If your strip is rated in milliamps (for example 700mA), it needs a constant current driver instead. See constant current vs constant voltage LED drivers.

Step 2

How to size it: watts × length + headroom

Take the strip's power rating from its spec sheet (W/ft or W/m), multiply by the total length on one supply, then add headroom so the supply runs at about 80% of its rating (roughly 20–25% margin).

Total load (W) = strip W/ft × length (ft)
Minimum supply (W) = total load ÷ 0.8
Current (A) = total load ÷ strip voltage
Quick LED strip power supply calculator
Total load–
Current–
Choose a supply rated at least–

Estimate only. Use the W/ft or W/m value from your strip's spec sheet and check the derating curve in the MEAN WELL datasheet.

How to Size a Power Supply for LED Strips (full guide with examples) →

Location

Indoor vs outdoor: waterproof LED strip power supplies

Wattage is only half the decision. Where the supply is mounted matters just as much: inside a cabinet, in a cove, or outdoors in landscape and facade lighting.

Dry indoor

APV and LRS

APV is a compact plastic-case unit rated IP42 (indoor / dry locations, not waterproof) and LRS a metal-case enclosed supply for use inside a fixture, cabinet or panel. Neither is waterproof, so keep them dry. On LRS-200 and LRS-350, set the AC input switch to match your line voltage.

IP67

LPV, PWM and XLG

Fully encapsulated with IP67 protection, for damp locations, under-cabinet runs, signage and outdoor strips. LPV is the simple fixed-output choice.

IP65 / IP67

ELG and HLG

Metal-housing drivers for outdoor and high-power runs. IP rating depends on the model and type, so check the product page and datasheet.

HLG series →

Dimming

Dimmable LED strip drivers

  • 3-in-1 dimming (0-10V / 1-10V, PWM signal, resistance): HLG and ELG AB-type models such as the HLG-240H-24AB and ELG-75-24AB.
  • PWM output: the PWM series (for example PWM-60-24 and PWM-120-12) is a constant voltage driver with PWM-style output for LED strips, controlled by 0-10V, PWM signal or resistance. DA2 versions use DALI.
  • Not dimmable: LPV, APV and LRS. XLG and HLG A-types let you trim output with a built-in potentiometer, but they are not dimmers.
  • TRIAC / phase-cut wall dimmers: these need a driver designed for them. Email us your dimmer model before ordering.

Dimming methods vary from strip to strip, so confirm with your strip and control manufacturer.

PWM series →

Long runs

Long runs: voltage drop and power injection

Long strip runs lose voltage along their length, which shows up as dimmer or color-shifted LEDs at the far end.

  • Follow the strip manufacturer's maximum run length.
  • For longer runs, feed the strip from both ends or split it into segments wired back to the supply (power injection).
  • For the same wattage, 24V carries half the current of 12V, so 24V strips usually give more even brightness on long runs.
  • Size the wire for the full current and distance, and follow local electrical code.

Compare MEAN WELL series for LED strips

SeriesPower (models on this page)IP ratingDimmingBest for
APV36 WIP42 (indoor / dry locations, not waterproof)NoCompact, dry indoor
LPV20–102 WIP67NoSmall runs, damp locations
PWM60–120 WIP670-10V, PWM, resistance (DALI on DA2)Dimmable strips
ELG75 WIP650-10V, PWM, resistance (AB type)Outdoor, dimmable
XLG150 WIP67No (A type: output trim)Outdoor, mid power
HLG192–320 WIP651-10V, PWM, resistance (AB type)Outdoor, high power
LRS102–350 WNot waterproof (enclosed)NoIndoor cabinets and panels

Figures are for the models listed on this page. Always confirm full specs on the datasheet linked from each product page.

LED strip power supply FAQs

What size power supply do I need for my LED strip?

Multiply the strip's watts per foot (or meter) by the total length, then divide by 0.8 so the supply runs at about 80% load. For example, a 12V strip rated 2.2 W/ft over 16.4 ft (5 m) draws about 36W, so choose at least 45W, such as the LPV-60-12. See our guide How to Size a Power Supply for LED Strips.

Can I use a 24V power supply on a 12V LED strip?

No. The supply voltage must match the strip. A 12V strip on a 24V supply will overheat and fail; a 24V strip on a 12V supply will be dim or won't light.

Do LED strips need a constant voltage or constant current driver?

Most LED strips are constant voltage (12V or 24V) and need a constant voltage power supply. Products rated in milliamps, such as many COB modules, need a constant current driver.

Which MEAN WELL power supply is waterproof for outdoor LED strips?

Look for an IP67 or IP65 rating: LPV, PWM and XLG models on this page are IP67, and the ELG and HLG models listed are IP65. APV is IP42 (indoor / dry locations, not waterproof) and LRS is not waterproof, so both should stay indoors and dry.

How do I dim LED strips with a 0-10V or PWM driver?

Use a dimmable constant voltage driver such as the PWM series or an HLG or ELG AB-type, and connect a compatible 0-10V, PWM signal or resistance controller to its dimming input. Check that your strip and controller support the same method.

Is an LED driver the same as an LED power supply or transformer?

For LED strips, an "LED driver" and an "LED power supply" usually mean the same thing: a unit that converts AC line power to a regulated DC voltage. Some people call it a transformer, but LED strips need a regulated DC output, not the AC output of a traditional low-voltage transformer.

How long can an LED strip run be from one power supply?

Follow the strip manufacturer's maximum run length. For longer runs, feed the strip from both ends or split it into segments wired back to the supply, and consider 24V, which needs half the current of 12V for the same wattage.

Can one power supply run several LED strips?

Yes. Wire the strips in parallel back to the supply and keep the combined load, plus headroom, within the supply's rating.

Need help choosing?

Email your strip's voltage, W/ft and total length to sales@htdelectronics.com, or request a quote for project quantities.