Waterproof CV LED Driver Technology

How waterproof constant voltage LED drivers power LED strip and modules in outdoor and wet locations, and how to choose the right voltage, power and protection.

Overview

What is a waterproof CV LED driver?

A constant voltage (CV) LED driver converts mains AC into a fixed, regulated DC voltage, typically 12V, 24V or 48V. The connected LED strip or modules draw whatever current they need, up to the driver's rated maximum. CV drivers are used for products with their own built-in current control, such as LED strip, neon flex and chain modules.

A waterproof driver seals the electronics inside a case filled with potting compound, with sealed input and output leads, to achieve an IP67 rating. Our plastic case range from Snappy, PSU-LV and Meanwell covers outputs up to 240W at 12V, 24V and 48V, for outdoor signage, façades, landscape lighting and damp interiors.

IP67 sealed and potted for outdoor and wet locations
12V, 24V and 48V outputs to match your LED products
Power ratings up to 240W
Lightweight, insulated plastic cases with flying leads
Slim linear formats for tight spaces

Plastic case range at a glance

Brands: Snappy, PSU-LV, Meanwell
Output: 12V, 24V and 48VDC
Output type: Constant voltage
Power: up to 240W
Input: 220–240VAC or 90–264VAC
IP rating: IP67
Case: Plastic, potted
Connection: Flying leads

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The technology

How a CV driver powers LED strip

A CV driver holds its output at a fixed voltage. LED strip and modules are connected to it in parallel, so every run receives the same voltage and draws its own current. The total current, and therefore power, is the sum of all the connected loads.

To keep the driver cool and reliable, the connected load should normally be no more than about 80% of the driver's rated power. This headroom also allows for start-up current and higher ambient temperatures outdoors.

Inside a waterproof driver, the circuit board is encapsulated in potting compound, which keeps out moisture and dust and helps conduct heat to the case.

Simplified illustration: a CV driver holds a fixed voltage, parallel loads add up, and the total stays within about 80% of the driver's rating.

Protection

What IP67 means

Rating	Protection	Typical location
IP20	Fingers and large objects only	Dry indoor enclosures
IP65	Dust tight, low-pressure water jets	Sheltered outdoor
IP67	Dust tight, temporary immersion	Outdoor, damp and wet locations

The first digit is protection against solids and the second against water. A driver's IP rating only protects the installation if the cable connections are also made in suitably rated junction boxes or connectors.

Voltage

Choosing 12V, 24V or 48V

Output	Current for 60W	Best for
12VDC	5A	Short runs, 12V modules and signage
24VDC	2.5A	Most LED strip, longer runs
48VDC	1.25A	Very long runs, façades

Always match the driver voltage to the LED product. Higher voltage means less current for the same power, so there is less voltage drop along the cable and strip.

Our range

Plastic case waterproof drivers compared

All IP67 rated with flying leads, for outdoor and moisture-sensitive environments.

Series	Power	Output	Input	Format
PSU-LV	5W – 75W	12V or 24V	220–240VAC	Compact plastic case
Meanwell LPV	18W – 150W	12V or 24V	90–264VAC	Compact plastic case
Snappy SPF	24W – 150W	12V, 24V or 48V	220–240VAC	Compact plastic case
Snappy SLP	60W – 240W	12V or 24V	220–240VAC	Linear, slim format

Benefits

Advantages of plastic case waterproof drivers

Why plastic case IP67 drivers are a popular choice for outdoor LED installations.

Weatherproof

Sealed, potted construction rated IP67 keeps out rain, condensation and dust.

Light and compact

Plastic cases are light and small, easy to hide behind signs, in soffits or alongside luminaires.

Insulated case

A non-conductive plastic housing adds an extra layer of electrical safety in exposed locations.

Cost effective

A low-cost way to power LED strip and modules where moisture may be present.

Easy to install

Pre-fitted flying leads for input and output, ready to connect in a suitably rated junction box.

Wide choice

Up to 240W at 12V, 24V or 48V, including slim linear models for narrow spaces.

Installation

Installing waterproof drivers outdoors

Size for 80% load: add up the LED wattage and choose a driver with at least 20% headroom.
Seal every connection in IP-rated junction boxes or waterproof connectors; the driver rating alone is not enough.
Add a drip loop to cables so water runs off before reaching the driver or connections.
Mount out of standing water and direct sunlight where possible, with space around the driver for cooling.
Keep low-voltage runs short or use thicker cable and higher voltage to limit voltage drop.
Choose a metal case for higher power, high ambient temperatures or more demanding sites.

Sizing example

5 metres of 24V LED strip at 14.4W per metre:

Strip load: 5m x 14.4W = 72W
Minimum driver for 80% load: 72W / 0.8 = 90W
Suggested driver: 100W, 24VDC, IP67

Related driver ranges:

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IP67

Sealed and potted

240W

Max power

12/24/48V

Output voltages

80%

Recommended max load

Where waterproof CV drivers are used

Waterproof drivers power LED lighting wherever moisture, rain or condensation may be present.

Outdoor signage

Illuminated signs, channel letters and lightboxes.

Façades

Building outlines, canopies and architectural strip lighting.

Landscape

Garden, path, deck and planter lighting.

Bathrooms & spas

Damp interiors, shower niches and spa coves.

Kitchens & hospitality

Commercial kitchens, bars and areas prone to splashes.

Cold rooms & car parks

Locations with condensation, dust and temperature swings.

FAQ

Waterproof CV driver questions

A constant voltage (CV) LED driver converts mains power into a fixed DC voltage, such as 12V, 24V or 48V. The connected load draws whatever current it needs, up to the driver's maximum. CV drivers power LED strip, neon flex and chain modules that have their own built-in resistors or current regulators.

IP67 means the driver is fully protected against dust and can withstand temporary immersion in water. Waterproof drivers achieve this with a sealed case filled with potting compound and sealed flying leads, making them suitable for outdoor, damp and wet locations when connections are also protected.

Add up the total wattage of all LED strip or modules connected to the driver, then choose a driver rated so the load is no more than about 80% of its maximum. For example, 5 metres of 14.4W/m strip is 72W, so a 100W driver is a good choice. The driver's output voltage must match the strip voltage.

Always match the driver voltage to the LED product. Where there is a choice, higher voltages carry less current for the same power, so there is less voltage drop and longer runs can be powered from one feed. 24V is the most common choice for LED strip; 48V suits very long runs.

Plastic case drivers are light, compact, cost-effective and electrically insulated, ideal for lower and medium power installations. Metal case drivers dissipate heat better and are more robust, making them the choice for higher power, high ambient temperatures and demanding outdoor sites.

Waterproof CV LED Driver Technology