Guide to Choosing Linear LED Drivers (20W, 30W, 50W, 85W & 100W)

Guide to Choosing Linear LED Drivers (20W, 30W, 50W, 85W & 100W)

Selecting the correct LED driver is critical for the performance, lifespan, and safety of any LED fixture—whether it’s for commercial lighting, architectural applications, or general illumination. Below is a clear breakdown to help you choose the right wattage and type of LED driver for your project.

1. Understanding LED Driver Types

A. Constant Current

Best for: LED modules, COB LEDs, linear modules, high-power LEDs
Output: Fixed current (e.g., 300mA, 700mA, 1050mA) with variable voltage
Why choose CC:

• Ensures LEDs get the correct current
• Prevents thermal runaway
• Better for long LED life and uniform brightness

Use CC when your LED specifies:

• “350mA / 700mA / 1050mA input”
• A voltage range (e.g., 20–42V)
• A wattage derived from current × voltage

B. Constant Voltage

Best for: LED strips, tape lights, modules requiring fixed voltage
Output: Fixed voltage (usually 12V or 24V)
Why choose CV:

• Simple parallel wiring
• Most LED strips are designed for 12V/24V input
• Expands easily (add more segments in parallel)

Use CV when your LED specifies:

• “12V” or “24V input”
• Power per meter (e.g., 14.4W/m strip)

2. How to Choose the Right Wattage LED Driver

Choosing a 20W, 30W, 50W, 85W, or 100W driver depends on the LED load you need to power.

Step 1: Total the LED Load

• Add up wattage of all connected LEDs
• For constant current modules, use:
  Wattage = Forward Voltage × Current × Number of modules

Step 2: Add a Safety Margin

Use a driver with 20–30% more wattage than the LED load.
This ensures:

• Lower heat
• Longer driver life
• Stable operation

Example:
Your LED load = 40W → Choose a 50W or 60W driver.

Step 3: Match Driver Type (CC or CV)

Always match the LED requirements. Using the wrong type can cause dimming issues or LED failure.

3. When to Use Each Wattage Category

20W Linear LED Driver

Ideal for:

• Small under-cabinet lights
• Single linear modules (0.5–1 ft)
• Low-power architectural accents

Best if your LED load is 10–16W

30W Linear

Ideal for:

• Small commercial fixtures
• 2–3 ft linear LED panels
• Medium sections of LED strips

Best if your LED load is 20–28

50W Linear

Ideal for:

• 4 ft linear fixtures
• Multiple mid-power LED modules
• Higher-brightness task lighting

Best for loads around 35–45W

85W Linear

Ideal for:

• Larger linear luminaires
• High-lumen commercial/accent fixtures
• Multiple COB or board-based LEDs

Perfect for loads around 60–75W

100W Linear

Ideal for:

• Industrial fixtures
• High-output linear modules
• Multiple high-power LED bars

Use for loads around 75–90W

4. Additional Selection Factors

Dimming Compatibility

Check for:

• 0–10V dimming
• TRIAC/ELV (phase-cut) dimming
• DALI dimming
• PWM dimming for strips

Driver Efficiency

Higher efficiency (>88%) = lower heat + longer life.

Form Factor

Linear drivers are designed for:

• Slim fixtures
• Architectural profiles
• Minimal space environments

Environment Rating

If used in harsh environments:

• Choose IP65/IP67 waterproof models
• Ensure adequate ventilation

5. Quick Selection Table