Need help choosing a 12V power supply for rigid IR LED strip modules

Lighting Installation & Troubleshooting
1

Hi everyone, I’m planning to use some 12V rigid IR LED strip modules, but I’m not sure what power supply would be suitable.

The products I’m looking at are:

SMD2835 DC12V 50cm IP65 Waterproof Rigid LED Strip – 36 LEDs, 635nm, 660–670nm, 730–735nm, 810nm, 850nm, 940nm, Industrial Indicator Panels, Plant Growth Systems & Sensor Integration, 10/100 pack

SMD5050 DC12V 50cm IP65 Waterproof Rigid LED Strip – 30 LEDs, 635nm, 660–670nm, 730–735nm, 810nm, 850nm, 940nm, Display Backlighting, Imaging Systems & Surveillance Applications, 10/100 pack

They are both DC12V rigid IR/red light LED strip modules. I’m not sure how to calculate the correct power supply wattage or current. Should I choose the power supply based on the total number of strips connected? And is it necessary to leave some extra power margin?

Has anyone used these before? Any advice would be appreciated.

2

Hi, thank you for your question and for your interest in our IR LED rigid strips.

For the two models mentioned in your post, the power requirements are as follows:

* SMD5050 IR Rigid Strip: 7.2W per piece, DC12V
* SMD2835 IR Rigid Strip: 4W per piece, DC12V

For testing a single strip, you only need a DC12V constant-voltage power supply. Please make sure the output wattage of the power supply is higher than the wattage of the strip you are testing.

Based on these two products, the following DC12V power supply adapter can be used:

You can choose the 12W / 24W / 36W option depending on how many strips you plan to power. For example, one strip can be tested with the 12W option, while multiple strips may require a higher wattage option.

If you plan to connect several strips together, please calculate the total wattage first:

Total wattage = wattage per strip × quantity

We also recommend leaving some extra power margin for stable operation. If you are not sure which option to choose, please let us know the model and quantity you plan to use, and we will be happy to help recommend a suitable power supply.

3

If I use several strips in parallel, will the brightness be the same for each strip?

4

When multiple 12V strips are connected in parallel with a suitable power supply, the brightness should generally remain consistent. However, for longer wiring or multiple strips, voltage drop may occur. We recommend using proper wire gauge and, if necessary, powering the strips from both ends or using separate power feeds to keep the brightness even.

5

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7

Is it okay to use a power supply with higher wattage than required?

8

Yes, it is okay to use a power supply with a higher wattage rating, as long as the output voltage is DC12V. The LED strips will only draw the current they need. A higher wattage power supply can provide more margin, but the voltage must match the product requirement.

9

Do these strips need a constant voltage power supply or a constant current driver?