Compact CV LED Driver Technology

How compact constant voltage LED drivers power LED strip and modules indoors, and how to choose the right voltage, power and installation for even, reliable light.

Overview

What is a compact CV LED driver?

A compact constant voltage (CV) LED driver converts mains AC into a fixed, regulated low-voltage DC supply, typically 12V, 24V or 48V, in a small plastic case for indoor use. The driver holds the voltage steady and the connected LED strip or modules draw the current they need, up to the driver's maximum rating.

CV drivers power LED products that have their own built-in current control, such as flexible and rigid LED strip, neon flex and chain modules. Our compact range from Snappy, Philips and Lifud covers power ratings from 8W to 320W, with IP20 cases for dry indoor locations and Class II models for independent, remote installation.

Fixed 12V, 24V or 48VDC output to match your LED products
Power ratings from 8W to 320W
Compact IP20 plastic cases for indoor installations
Class II models for independent use
Short circuit and over-current protection

Compact CV range at a glance

Brands: Snappy, Philips, Lifud
Output: 12V, 24V and 48VDC
Output type: Constant voltage
Power: 8W – 320W
Input: 200–240VAC / 198–264VAC
Enclosure: IP20 plastic case
Dimming: Non-dimmable
Protection: Short circuit, over current

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The technology

Voltage, load and voltage drop

A CV driver holds a fixed output voltage. LED strip and modules connect to it in parallel, and the total load is the sum of every connected run. Keep that total to no more than about 80% of the driver's rating for cool, reliable operation.

Current flowing along cables and the thin copper tracks of LED strip causes voltage drop, so LEDs at the far end of a long run receive less voltage and look dimmer. For the same power, a higher voltage carries less current, so 24V and 48V strips can run further than 12V before brightness falls away.

Feeding long runs from both ends or the middle, and using thicker cable between driver and strip, also keeps brightness even.

Simplified illustration: voltage drop dims the far end of a long low-voltage run. Higher voltage or feeding from both ends keeps brightness even.

Our range

Compact CV drivers compared

Non-dimmable, fixed output constant voltage drivers for indoor LED installations.

Series	Power	Output	Input	Enclosure
Snappy SEA	8 – 180W	12V, 24V, 48V	200–240VAC	IP20 PC case
Snappy SS	20 – 150W	12V, 24V, 48V	200–240VAC	IP20 PC case
Snappy SNP	200 – 320W	12V, 24V, 48V	200–240VAC	IP20 PC case
Philips 9290-02	20 – 150W	24V	198–264VAC	IP20, Class II
Lifud LF-GHY	45 – 240W	24V	198–264VAC	IP20, Class II

Installing outdoors or in damp locations? See our waterproof CV LED drivers.

Output	Current for 48W	Voltage drop	Best for
12VDC	4A	Highest	Short runs, cabinets, 12V modules
24VDC	2A	Lower	Most LED strip, coves and linear runs
48VDC	1A	Lowest	Long runs and large installations

12V vs 24V vs 48V

Choosing the output voltage

The driver voltage must always match the LED product. Connecting 12V strip to a 24V driver will damage it, and 24V strip on a 12V driver will barely light.

When you are choosing both strip and driver, higher voltage halves the current for the same power each time it doubles, reducing voltage drop and allowing longer runs from a single feed.

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Benefits

Advantages of compact CV drivers

Why compact CV drivers are the standard way to power indoor LED strip and modules.

Compact size

Small, slim cases fit in ceiling voids, cabinets, plinths and behind furniture.

Simple wiring

Connect multiple LED runs in parallel to one fixed-voltage supply, up to the driver's rating.

Safe low voltage

12V, 24V and 48V outputs with short circuit and over-current protection as standard.

Independent use

Class II models with cable covers can be installed remotely without a separate enclosure.

Wide power choice

From 8W for a single cabinet light up to 320W for large strip installations.

Cost effective

A low-cost, reliable way to power LED strip, neon flex and chain modules indoors.

Installation

Installing compact CV drivers

Match the voltage of driver and LED product exactly.
Size for 80% load: total LED wattage divided by 0.8 gives the minimum driver rating.
Mount in a dry, ventilated position away from insulation and heat sources; IP20 drivers are for indoor use only.
Keep low-voltage cables short and use a suitable cross-section to limit voltage drop.
Feed long runs at both ends or in the middle, and split large loads across several drivers if needed.
Use Class II drivers with cable covers for independent installation outside a luminaire.

Sizing example

4 metres of 24V LED strip at 12W per metre:

Strip load: 4m x 12W = 48W
Minimum driver for 80% load: 48W / 0.8 = 60W
Suggested driver: 60W or above, 24VDC

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8–320W

Power range

12/24/48V

Output voltages

80%

Recommended max load

Leading brands

Where compact CV drivers are used

Compact CV drivers power LED strip and modules in almost every indoor setting.

Coves & ceilings

Concealed cove and perimeter strip lighting.

Kitchens & furniture

Under-cabinet, plinth and wardrobe lighting.

Retail & display

Shelf, showcase and display cabinet lighting.

Indoor signage

Lightboxes, channel letters and backlit graphics indoors.

Hospitality

Bars, back-bar shelving and feature lighting.

Luminaire OEMs

Powering LED modules in fittings and lighting products.

FAQ

Compact CV driver questions

A compact constant voltage (CV) LED driver converts mains AC into a fixed, low-voltage DC output such as 12V, 24V or 48V, in a small plastic case for indoor use. It powers LED strip, chain modules and other products with built-in current control, which draw the current they need from the fixed voltage.

Voltage drop is the loss of voltage along cables and the copper tracks of LED strip, which makes the far end of a long run dimmer. Reduce it by using a higher voltage (24V or 48V instead of 12V), keeping runs within the strip's maximum length, feeding long runs from both ends or the middle, and using thicker cable between driver and strip.

As a rule, keep the connected LED load to no more than about 80% of the driver's rated power. This keeps the driver cooler, extends its life and allows for tolerances in LED power. For a 48W load, choose a driver rated at 60W or more.

A Class II driver has double or reinforced insulation, so it does not need an earth connection and can be used independently, outside a luminaire. Drivers rated for independent use can be installed remotely, for example in a ceiling void or cabinet, without an additional enclosure.

No. Compact drivers rated IP20 are for dry indoor locations only. For outdoor, damp or wet locations use an IP67 waterproof driver, available in plastic or metal cases.

Compact CV LED Driver Technology