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Old 07-19-2017, 04:23 AM
Aquacrazed Aquacrazed is offline
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Default Transformer requirement for LED lights

Hi, I am trying to figure out the transformer I need to hook up 2 LED strips (3 watts each) and 1 LED bar (16 watts). So that's a total of 22 watts of LED's. I have a 13.5V transformer (see picture) that came with my LED bar and I am planning on connecting everything to this through my dual ramp timer (http://current-usa.com/accessories/dual-ramp-timer/). Any advice?

Thanks!

https://flic.kr/p/WP4J69


Last edited by WarDog; 07-19-2017 at 05:57 AM.
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Old 07-19-2017, 05:18 AM
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Too small to run both. If I see the photo correctly it has 1000 ma output. That's 1 amp. Multiply the 1 amp by voltage (12) and max power = roughly 12 watts about half of what you're trying to run. Ohm's law.
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Old 07-19-2017, 07:18 AM
Aquacrazed Aquacrazed is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike31154 View Post
Too small to run both. If I see the photo correctly it has 1000 ma output. That's 1 amp. Multiply the 1 amp by voltage (12) and max power = roughly 12 watts about half of what you're trying to run. Ohm's law.
Thanks for the reply Mike. The output is 1500 ma and 13.5v. So according your calculation (1.5 x 13.5) that would be a max power of 20.25 watts. Is that right? But that's still a bit shy of the 22 watts needed. My dual ramp timer support 24v, so should I get a 24v transformer?

I'm pretty new to this stuff and I'm wondering how these 2 strips and the bar will handle the power if I get a 24v. For example one LED strip only needs 3 watts, if I hook it up to a 24v transformer would it burn out or does it only draw just the required 3 watts?
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Old 07-19-2017, 11:15 AM
calo247 calo247 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquacrazed View Post
Thanks for the reply Mike. The output is 1500 ma and 13.5v. So according your calculation (1.5 x 13.5) that would be a max power of 20.25 watts. Is that right? But that's still a bit shy of the 22 watts needed. My dual ramp timer support 24v, so should I get a 24v transformer?

I'm pretty new to this stuff and I'm wondering how these 2 strips and the bar will handle the power if I get a 24v. For example one LED strip only needs 3 watts, if I hook it up to a 24v transformer would it burn out or does it only draw just the required 3 watts?

you will need to get a transformer with the same output voltage as the LED's
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Old 07-19-2017, 09:46 PM
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Bump?
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Old 07-20-2017, 02:40 PM
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Never advisable to overload a power supply, fire hazard. If the LED bar came with the 13.5 volt power supply, running it with a 24 volt supply could also cook it. Not enough info on your lights to provide more advice. Check data plate on lights for voltage rating. Get a larger 13.5 volt supply.
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Old 07-20-2017, 02:52 PM
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Any of your lights on the list of those compatible with the timer you linked to?
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Old 07-20-2017, 05:05 PM
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yeah I can't dim my leds, so that timer would be useless for my setup.
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Old 07-20-2017, 07:32 PM
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There is no data panel in the LED bar (stock light I got with the tank kit, Fluval Evo 13.5) or the strips. For the LED bar the only info is in the transformer (above picture - 13.5v, 1500ma). For the strips, the box simply says 3 watts but also says I can connect 3 of them to a 12v power supply using a splitter.

The 2 LED strips are compatible with the dual ramp timer. The LED bar is not on the list. They only list Current USA products on the list.

What power supply would you recommend?

Last edited by Aquacrazed; 07-20-2017 at 07:36 PM.
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Old 07-20-2017, 08:08 PM
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The fluval evo 13.5 kit came with a 16w stock light. So your two 3W might not be the stock light.

The current usa ramp timer has list of compatible led bars. Depending on your unit it might not dim. As it's dependent on the driver used in the LED unit.

Do you have pictures of your led bars, including their connecors? We can possibly identify which manufacturer it is from.
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