Power Supplies and Drivers

FAQs and Troubleshooting For Power Supplies

Understanding the ins and outs of power supplies and drivers can be confusing. This guide addresses some FAQs and helps troubleshoot common issues.

Emergency Lighting Requirements: NFPA 101, UL 924, and More

With many different regulations, it can be confusing to know why certain codes and standards are in effect. Read requirements from UL 924, NFPA 101, and more here.

Optimizing the Placement of LED Drivers for Maximum Efficiency

Ensure efficient LED lighting with the right driver placement. Learn how power regulation, wiring, and thermal management impact performance and longevity.

What Is a Power Supply?

Power supplies convert electrical power to the voltage needed to power various applications. For example, a power supply might convert 120V to 12V to power medical devices. They convert AC to DC, AC to AC, or DC to DC. 

What Applications Do I Need Power Supplies For?

Power supplies are used to power various electrical devices, including light fixtures and strip lights, phones, computers, outdoor signs, industrial equipment, home appliances, and more. 

How Do I Choose the Power Supply I Need?

Selecting a power supply for your application will depend on a couple of factors. One is if you need the power supply to deliver alternating or direct current. The power supply must also release the correct amount of wattage and voltage. The wattage of a power supply should be at least 20 percent greater than the wattage of the electrical device it’s connected to. The voltage of the electrical device and the power supply should be the same.

Do Power Supplies Come With Any Safety Certifications?

Our extensive line of power supplies features various certifications to help you feel more confident with your installation. Many of our power supplies are ETL Listed or UL Listed or Recognized, verifying they’ve undergone testing and are safe to install. Power supplies with a Class 2 Certification have met power and wiring requirements, reducing shock and fire risks.

These are only a few of our featured certifications. Use our product filters or check on our individual product pages to learn about more of the certifications our products hold. 

Are Power Supplies, Adapters, and Drivers All the Same Thing?

‘LED Driver’ and ‘Power Supply’ are often used interchangeably. While they usually perform the same function, an LED driver usually refers to constant current power supplies that drive LEDs without extra wiring. However, power adapters are a type of low-wattage power supply that converts AC to DC. These are commonly used to power computers, phones, cameras, etc.

Why Can I Hear Noises From My Power Supply?

Hearing a buzzing or clicking noise could be fixed simply by moving the power supply to a flat surface. Sometimes, power supplies get installed on rocky surfaces, creating a buzzing noise. If this isn’t the case, the power supply could be experiencing overheating due to poor airflow, debris, or high temperatures.