LED Drivers & Transformers

12V LED Drivers and Transformers for MR16 GU5.3 and MR11 GU4 LED bulbs & Striplights

LED drivers are often used to replace older traditional transformers used for 12V Halogen bulbs often used in kitchens, bathrooms, particularly those with lights in the extractor fan, bedrooms and living rooms. As LEDs are very efficent they operate at much lower wattages than tradional bulbs, so 4 watts can produce an equivalent light output as a 50 watt halogen spotlight. The output of some existing transformers is therefore too high for most LED bulbs and can overload them resulting to cause the bulbs to switch off or even fail. LEDs also require a constant current compared to traditional bulbs that work with an alternating current. Although our bulbs have inbuilt circuitary to convert the alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) the effectiveness will be dependant on the transformer. We recommend in most cases to use a constant current driver to ensure that there is no flickering. Usually there is an individual transformer or driver per bulb with MR16 GU5.3 and MR11 GU4 spotlights. When switching to LED bulbs the existing transformer can be simply switched with a suitable LED transformer

Some more complex lighting is powered by a single transformer with more power. For example a 50W LED driver could power 10 x 5W bulbs. Strip lighting typically operates at 7W per meter so a 5 meter length would require approximately a 35 - 40W LED driver.

If LED bulbs or strip lighting are to be connected together in series or parrallel the correct LED driver should be used that matches the required power. To check you have enough power ensure that the LED driver power rating in watts equals or exceed the total bulbs connected. If in doubt please consult a qualified electrican or email us info@leds4less.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

Different LED drivers are required for different environments for example indoor, outdoor use or kitchen or bathroom. If the driver is to be used outside we recommend that a waterproof driver is used with a minimim IP 65 rating. We would also recomend this for kitchens and bathrooms a waterproof driver with a IP67 minimum rating is used. 

In summary a LED driver reduces the power to the bulb prelonging the life and provides a constant current or voltage ensuring no flickers. Please note that the drivers listed below are for non dimmable bulbs and should not be used with a dimmer switch. For dimmable LED drivers please click here.