LED Drivers, Transformers & Surge

Power and drivers is the group of components that power and protect lighting and low-voltage systems. It covers LED drivers that regulate current for LED fixtures, transformers that step line voltage down to 12 or 24 volts for landscape and low-voltage lighting, and surge protective devices that shield equipment from voltage spikes. Lumera Electric carries LED drivers, low-voltage transformers, and surge protection for complete lighting power.

LED Drivers, Transformers & Surge

What's in the Power & Drivers category?

Three groups make up this category. LED drivers regulate current or voltage for LED fixtures and handle dimming. Transformers step 120 volts down to 12 or 24 volts for landscape, pool, and low-voltage lighting. Surge protective devices absorb voltage spikes before they reach sensitive equipment. Together they power the lights and keep that power clean.

What's the difference between an LED driver and a transformer?

Both convert power for lighting, but for different loads. An LED driver outputs a regulated constant current or low DC voltage that LED fixtures require, and often dims them. A transformer steps 120 volts down to 12 or 24 volts AC for landscape, halogen, or magnetic low-voltage lighting. Match an LED driver to LED loads, a transformer to low-voltage fixtures.

What does a surge protective device do?

A surge protective device (SPD) shields equipment from voltage spikes. It diverts sudden over-voltage from lightning or utility switching to ground before it damages drivers, controls, or fixtures. Panel-mounted SPDs protect a whole circuit; point-of-use strips protect a single device. Adding one extends the life of LED drivers and electronics on the same line.

How do I choose a power supply for LED lighting?

Start with the fixture's input rating. Read the required voltage (12V, 24V, or a current in mA) and the total wattage of all fixtures on the supply. Pick a driver or transformer rated above that load with headroom, matching constant-current or constant-voltage as the fixture specifies. If you'll dim them, confirm the supply is dimmable and compatible with your control.

Why does line voltage versus low voltage matter?

It changes the wiring and the parts. Line voltage (120 to 277 volts) powers standard fixtures directly, no driver or transformer needed. Low voltage (12 or 24 volts) runs through a driver or transformer first, but uses thinner wire and is safer to handle. Knowing which a fixture uses tells you which power supply to pair with it.

Ready for the specific component? Power LED fixtures with LED Drivers, run low-voltage lighting through Transformers, and shield the circuit with Surge Protection. For overcurrent protection, breakers are in Circuit Breakers.