The driver (power supply) is the heart of the LED lamp, which supplies the device with life-giving electricity. A high-quality power supply will ensure stable operation of lighting equipment, a bright glow of diodes and a long service life.
Regardless of the input data of the network, the output device must support the set current value. The standard functions of the power supply also include a set of lamp protection against short circuit, overload and over-voltage at the output.
Discord to driver
Depending on the type of lamp, the conditions of its operation, an appropriate power supply is selected. So for office lighting characterized by low requirements for housing protection (usually IP20 is enough), a narrow temperature range, and a stable voltage. An important indicator for such equipment will be the ripple coefficient, the value of which should be minimal to create a comfortable working atmosphere.
If the lamp is intended to illuminate a highway or bridge, railway or subway, then its power source must be vibration resistant. Therefore, you can not do without the compound poured into the driver. Otherwise, the elements of the device simply move away from the board during the first vibrational attack.
Outdoor lighting equipment places high demands on the degree of protection of the driver housing (IP 65-67), as well as temperature conditions (in harsh Russian realities it is especially important). And industrial luminaires need drivers that are not only protected from dust and moisture, but also resistant to power surges.
Two is better than one!
The rapid development of technology has made almost the norm and such a useful solution as an emergency power supply. Installing a spare driver is undoubtedly useful for school fixtures, because it allows you to quickly evacuate students in an emergency. And at the industrial enterprise, such equipment will quickly eliminate the breakdowns without interrupting the production process.
We choose. They choose us ...
Reliable manufacturers of LED equipment explainably pay much attention to the driver. And if some go along the path of developing their own power supply, others prefer products of well-known manufacturers proven over the years.
So, in reliable luminaires of the largest Russian factory FEREX, drivers of the well-known world manufacturer, Mean Well, are installed. This Taiwanese company, one of the five industry leaders (!), Has been producing power supplies for over 35 years and at various times supplied its products to IBM and Apple.
Finally
When choosing LED lighting equipment, take the time to find out which power supply the manufacturer has installed. The heart of the lamp mainly determines the service life!