In this video, we show how to work out the length of of LED strip you can put on your power supply.

Check out our new vlog above.

First, work out the wattage per metre of your LED strip. Then divide the total wattage of your power supply by the wattage per metre of your strip to work out how many metres of that strip you can run from the power supply.

Wattage of power supply ÷  Wattage of LED strip =   Total metres you can run off that strip     

E.G.            200w power supply  ÷  12w per metre LED strip   =     16.6m metres of LED strip maximum for this power supply

Note: we advise to leave a 10% headroom on the power supplies (this is optional, but it helps your power supply last longer). So you would takeaway 10% end of the equation.

E.G.            200w power supply  ÷  12w per metre LED strip   =     16.6m metres of LED strip maximum for this power supply   – 10%   =   14.94 metres maximum including optional headroom

What wattage does each metre of my LED strip lights draw?

If you already have some LED tape but have no clue what wattage per metre the strips use, here’s a general guide:

The voltage is usually marked on the LED strip’s PCB at every cut point (12v or 24v).

If the voltage is not on the PCB, then look at how many LEDs there are between each cut point – if it is 3 LEDs per cut point the strips will be 12v, and if there are 6 LEDs per cut point then they will be 24v,

Make sure you always use the right voltage! See what happens if you don’t here.

60 LEDs per metre, 8mm wide = 4.8w p/m

120 LEDs per metre, 8mm wide = 9.6w p/m

240 LEDs per metre, 10mm/12mm wide = 19.2w p/m

60 LEDs per metre, 10mm/12mm wide = 14.4w p/m

120 LEDs per metre, 10mm/12mm wide = 24w p/m

This is a general guide but will be correct for the vast majority of LED strip lights.

If your LEDs are flashing, the cause may be the voltage used. Please check out this blog to learn why...

How to work out the wattage of my power supply with only the amperage and voltage

If you have a power supply that doesn’t display all the information you need for your installation, you can work out the missing numbers using these calculations!

Amps x voltage  = wattage

E.G.    8.33 amps    x  24 volts      =    199.9 watts

  Wattage ÷ voltage  =   amps

E.G.    200 watts    ÷    24 volts    =     8.33 amps

Why InStyle LED?

We stock all of our LED Tapes for next day delivery.

You can provide us with any sketches / plans and we can advise on the most cost effective way for wiring / controlling.

We can speak to any installers, before, during and after your project to answer any questions.

Please call us today on 0116 2799083 or email [email protected]