What do I need to install under unit LED strips in Kitchen?

RakS · 8 Jun 2017

Hi all,

I'm interested in installing under unit LED strips in my Kitchen and have come across these ones on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00XL40YVW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A12DDUOH2L1ZHL&psc=1

My understanding is that I still need a transformer to step the mains current down from 240v to 12v. Is this correct? I've seen some that look like laptop chargers, but I'd rather have the ones that look like normal light transformers as I want them hardwired into the mains, rather than plugged into a socket... Maybe something like one of these: http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/transformers/cat840844

I need 4 separate strips for different areas of the kitchen, so I'd like 4 transformers, so each one can be switched on independently. Can anyone suggest suitable transformers and inform me if anything else is required to complete the setup?

Thanks in advance,

ericmark · 8 Jun 2017

It requires 12 volt DC your link shows many power supplies, the supplies can be roughly divided into 2 x 2 types, AC and DC and voltage and current regulated, you want DC voltage regulated, from your list this one for example

RakS · 9 Jun 2017

ericmark said:
It requires 12 volt DC your link shows many power supplies, the supplies can be roughly divided into 2 x 2 types, AC and DC and voltage and current regulated, you want DC voltage regulated, from your list this one for example

Thanks for that, but I want the lights hard-wired into switches, rather than into plug sockets. Are there any transformers that would be suitable for this?
Thanks.

winston1 · 9 Jun 2017

RakS said:
Thanks for that, but I want the lights hard-wired into switches, rather than into plug sockets. Are there any transformers that would be suitable for this?
Thanks.

Not transformers, but 12 volt DC power supplies. There are plenty available:

https://www.ledhut.co.uk/led-driver-transformers.html?gclid=CLHd09nVsdQCFYcW0wodVPQI2w

Ignore the fact that they are incorrectly calling them transformers. They are DC power supplies.

PS. Why have you posted in the Electrics Outside the UK Forum?

ericmark · 10 Jun 2017

winston1 said:
Not transformers, but 12 volt DC power supplies. There are plenty available:

https://www.ledhut.co.uk/led-driver-transformers.html?gclid=CLHd09nVsdQCFYcW0wodVPQI2w

Ignore the fact that they are incorrectly calling them transformers. They are DC power supplies.

PS. Why have you posted in the Electrics Outside the UK Forum?

Transformer is normally AC output, the ones you link to don't say if AC or DC but likely high frequency AC OK for most MR16 replacement LED lamps many are designed to work on AC but no good for the role of strip lights these need DC, often again incorrectly labelled they are called drivers, in theory a driver controls current so should simply be called a power supply, but many manufacturers label all DC devices as drivers.

I have hovered my mouse over the picture of the "transformer" shown in this add one can just about make out where it says DC, however the description and specifications leave a lot to be desired. It states output low voltage OK 12 volt in brackets but only called low voltage in USA, in Europe it is extra low voltage, it also states "20% of the transformer capacity needs to be left over to prevent overloading" well that should not really be the case, if it states 6W then with DC that is 6/12 = 0.5 amp, there is no power factor to consider with DC, most AC power supplies are rated as VA not watts.

On this site the units are clearly marked constant voltage where that is the case, and the spec sheet can be down loaded. Personally I feel a lot happier when I know what I am buying.