The power supply is the backbone of any LED lighting system. While LEDs are inherently energy-efficient, their full potential can only be realized with a correctly specified, properly installed, and precisely regulated power supply unit (PSU).

At Onco Solutions, we ensure that every lighting installation – whether it’s for a hotel, showroom, façade, or boardroom – begins with a rock-solid power supply strategy. Here’s how to choose the right one.

🔌 What Is an LED Power Supply?

An LED power supply (also known as an LED driver) converts standard mains voltage (230V AC) into a lower voltage DC output (typically 12V or 24V) suitable for powering LED fixtures. It also regulates the current to ensure optimal and safe LED operation.

🔍 Key Considerations When Choosing an LED Power Supply

1. Output Voltage vs. Output Current (Constant Voltage vs. Constant Current)

  • Constant Voltage (CV) Drivers

    • Used with LEDs designed for a specific voltage (e.g., 12V or 24V)
    • Ideal for LED strips, linear lights, and architectural runs
    • Must match the voltage rating of the connected LED load

  • Constant Current (CC) Drivers

    • Supply a fixed current (e.g., 350mA, 700mA)
    • Voltage varies to maintain consistent current
    • Ideal for high-power LEDs, downlights, or fixtures requiring regulated drive

🔧 At Onco Solutions, we perform load calculations to determine whether your lighting configuration demands CV or CC supplies – especially critical in large installations.

2. Power Rating (Wattage Capacity)

Always choose a PSU with 20–30% more capacity than the actual load to ensure:

  • Better thermal management
  • Longer lifespan
  • Headroom for system expansion

Example: For a 48W LED load, a 60W PSU offers optimal performance without stress.

3. Dimming Compatibility

If you’re integrating smart lighting control systems like Dynalite, C-Bus, or DALI, your power supply must support:

  • 0–10V dimming
  • PWM dimming
  • TRIAC or phase-cut dimming
  • DALI/DIGITAL protocols

Failure to match the dimming protocol with your control system leads to flicker, uneven dimming, or total incompatibility.

4. Environmental Factors (IP Rating, Heat Dissipation)

For outdoor, façade, or wet-area lighting:

  • Use IP65/IP67 rated water-resistant power supplies
  • Choose metal enclosures with proper heat sinks for thermal stability

Onco Solutions only sources power supplies from globally certified brands to ensure durability in Sri Lanka’s tropical climate conditions.

5. Voltage Drop Management

For long LED runs (especially linear installations or outdoor strips), voltage drop becomes a serious concern. We mitigate this by:

  • Using higher voltage systems (24V vs. 12V)
  • Incorporating multiple injection points
  • Carefully calculating cable gauge and run length

Our team at Onco provides full voltage drop assessments during system design.

6. Certifications and Protections

Reputable LED power supplies include:

  • Overload protection
  • Short-circuit protection
  • Over-voltage and thermal shutdown
  • Certifications like CE, RoHS, UL, TUV, or BIS

This ensures safety, especially in hospitals, hospitality environments, and public buildings.

🛠️ Onco’s Engineering Approach

At Onco Solutions, we don’t guess – we engineer.

We:

  • Audit your entire lighting load
  • Determine dimming/control requirements
  • Calculate voltage drops
  • Specify high-efficiency, long-lifetime PSUs
  • Ensure physical layout, wiring, and thermal management are aligned with international best practices

🏆 Preferred Applications

  • Architectural lighting (linear, cove, façade): Requires stable CV PSUs
  • Boardroom & hotel dimming: Needs DALI-compliant, flicker-free drivers
  • Showrooms & galleries: Require high CRI, low-noise dimmable drivers
  • Outdoor installations: IP67, surge-protected power supplies

Final Thought: Your LED System Is Only as Good as Its Power Supply

Cutting corners on power supplies results in:

  • Flickering
  • Shorter LED lifespan
  • Overheating
  • Dimming malfunctions
  • Risk of electrical failure

Choosing the right power supply means choosing longevity, efficiency, and safety.

📞 Need help choosing the right PSU for your project?

Reach out to Onco Solutions for expert consultation and full project integration.

🌐 Visit onco.lk or call us to speak with a lighting systems specialist.