Selecting the right LED driver is essential to ensure your lighting performs as it should and lasts for years to come. Think of the driver as the brain of your LED system regulating the power your lights receive. Without it, your LEDs could flicker, underperform or even fail prematurely from too much or too little voltage.
At Sensio, we understand that choosing the correct driver and accessories can feel daunting, so here’s a simple guide to help you make the right decision.
Driver Calculator
We have made selecting your driver, controls and accessories easier than ever with our free online Driver Calculator, click to try it out.
24V or 12V Drivers?
At Sensio, we convert mains voltage down to a 24V output compared to most other brands that convert down to 12V. Here's why:
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Up to 75% more efficient For a given wattage, 24-Volt systems will consume 50% less current than 12-Volt equivalents, offering 75% more efficiency when factoring reduced heat loss.
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Stays cooler 24-Volt systems dissipate less heat energy which means cooler running and a longer lifespan.
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Less voltage drop Allowing longer runs of light, with no loss of brightness or power over distance.
What Effect Do You Want Your Lighting to Have?
Think early about the kind of space you want your lighting to create. A task-focused area calls for cool white under-cabinet spotlights, while colour-temperature-changing LED strips beneath counters can subtly shift the mood of a room. This key decision on light function will help you determine if you need a 2, 4 or 6 pin type driver:
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2 Pin For single colour and TrioTone® lights. This is the simplest form of lighting allowing for on/off or dimming via a switch.
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4-6 Pin To use with CCT lights. This more advanced form of lighting adds an additional layer of customisation through colour temperature control and RGB. Perfect for control through a remote or mobile app.
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4 Pin For CCT lights to cycle between cool and warm light.
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6 Pin For CCT lights to cycle between cool and warm as well as RGB lighting.
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What Controls Do You Require?
Dependent on the functionality of your lights, you need to pick an appropriate control. Here are a couple of examples to show you what you mean:
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A simple wall switch will work, like our Titan Smart Kinetic Switch linking to our Titan Smart Kinetic Driver, for easy on/off control.
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Can be controlled using the same methods as our Single Colour lights, or if you are looking for more discreet control, our Titan+ Wireless Sensors are a great choice. Connecting to our Titan+ Driver, choose from PIR, IR, Touch or Door for intuitive ambience.
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You must choose a control and a driver that supports colour changing and dimming for full functionality. In this case, you could choose the Titan+ Driver, connect it with a CCT Receiver, then pair to Sensio's Universal Remote Control for effortless light adjustment.
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You must choose a control and a driver that supports full spectrum colour changing. The Titan Smart RGBCCT Driver is designed especially for this. It can be controlled via smart home devices like Alexa, your mobile when you download the Sensio app, or by Sensio's Universal Remote Control.
In conclusion, choosing the correct LED driver is just as important as selecting the lighting itself. It is the foundation that determines how efficiently your system runs, how long it lasts and how much control you have over your lighting design. By understanding your space, the type of lighting you're using and the control options available, you can ensure you select the perfect driver for lighting that works effortlessly every time.
