The easiest way to know if your LED strip is 12V or 5V is to check the label on the power adapter or the controller. If you don’t have these, you can also measure the voltage across the strip using a multimeter or a voltage tester. In this article, we will explain how to identify the voltage of your LED strip, why it matters, and what to do if you have the wrong voltage.
LED strips are devices that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce light in different colors and patterns. They are often used for decorative purposes, such as backlighting TVs, cabinets, or shelves, or creating mood lighting in rooms. LED strips are powered by direct current (DC) voltage, which means they need a power source that can convert the alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet to the appropriate DC level.
The voltage of the LED strip determines how many LEDs can be connected in series, how bright they will be, and how much current they will draw. The most common voltages for LED strips are 12V and 5V, but there are also other options such as 24V or 3.3V. The voltage of the LED strip must match the voltage of the power source, otherwise the strip may not work properly, or worse, get damaged.
How to check the label on the power adapter or the controller?
The simplest way to know the voltage of your LED strip is to look at the label on the power adapter or the controller that came with it. The power adapter is the device that plugs into the wall outlet and converts the AC voltage to DC. The controller is the device that allows you to change the color, brightness, or mode of the LED strip. Both of these devices should have a label that indicates the input and output voltage, as well as the current and power ratings.
For example, if the label on the power adapter says “Input: 100-240V AC 50/60Hz, Output: 12V DC 2A”, then you know that the LED strip is 12V. Similarly, if the label on the controller says “Input: DC 5V, Output: 3x2A”, then you know that the LED strip is 5V. If you have both the power adapter and the controller, make sure that their output voltages match, otherwise you may damage the LED strip or the controller.
How to measure the voltage across the strip using a multimeter or a voltage tester?
If you don’t have the power adapter or the controller, or if they don’t have a label, you can still find out the voltage of your LED strip by measuring it directly using a multimeter or a voltage tester. A multimeter is a device that can measure various electrical quantities, such as voltage, current, resistance, or continuity. A voltage tester is a simpler device that can only measure voltage, but it is easier to use and more portable.
To measure the voltage across the strip, you need to follow these steps:
Turn off the power to the LED strip and disconnect it from the power source.
Set the multimeter or the voltage tester to the DC voltage mode and select a range that covers 12V and 5V, such as 20V or 50V.
Connect the red probe of the multimeter or the voltage tester to the positive (+) terminal of the LED strip, and the black probe to the negative (-) terminal. The terminals are usually marked with + and – signs, or with red and black wires.
Turn on the power to the LED strip and read the voltage on the display of the multimeter or the voltage tester. The voltage should be either close to 12V or close to 5V, depending on the type of the LED strip.
Turn off the power to the LED strip and disconnect the probes.
What to do if you have the wrong voltage?
If you find out that the voltage of your LED strip does not match the voltage of your power source, you have two options: either change the power source or change the LED strip. Changing the power source means finding a power adapter or a controller that has the same output voltage as the LED strip. Changing the LED strip means finding a LED strip that has the same voltage as the power source. Either way, you need to make sure that the current and power ratings of the devices are compatible, and that the connections are secure and correct.
Knowing the voltage of your LED strip is important for ensuring its proper functioning and safety. You can easily identify the voltage by checking the label on the power adapter or the controller, or by measuring it with a multimeter or a voltage tester. If you have the wrong voltage, you need to change either the power source or the LED strip to match the voltage. We hope this article has helped you learn how to know if your LED strip is 12V or 5V. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading!
