Power loss over distance
There can be power loss in wires over distance, which is commonly referred to as "line loss" or "voltage drop." This phenomenon occurs due to the resistance of the wires. When electricity flows through a wire, a portion of the energy is converted into heat due to the resistance of the wire material.
For longer distances or when using wires with higher resistance, the voltage at the end of the wire may be lower than at the source. This can potentially affect the performance of electrical devices, including LED fixtures.
In the case of LED lighting, if the voltage drop is significant, it may result in the LEDs not receiving the required voltage to operate at their intended brightness. This can lead to reduced light output and potentially affect the lifespan of the LEDs.
To mitigate voltage drop, it's important to consider factors such as wire gauge (thicker wires have lower resistance), the total length of the wire run, and the wattage of the fixtures.
Initial power surge
The initial power surge, also known as "inrush current," for LED lighting fixtures is a short-duration spike in electrical current that occurs when the fixture is powered on. This surge happens as various electronic components within the LED driver or power supply quickly charge up.Once the LED fixture reaches its full operating state, the power consumption stabilizes at the rated wattage.
It can be beneficial to consider a power supply with a slightly higher rated wattage to accommodate the inrush current when powering LED fixtures. This ensures that the power supply can handle the initial surge of current without being overloaded.
While the inrush current for LED fixtures is generally small compared to other types of lighting technologies, it's still a good practice to provide some margin for safety. This can help prevent issues like tripped circuit breakers or overloading of the power supply.
*The information provided is intended solely as a suggestion and should not be considered as professional advice or an absolute guarantee of any specific outcome. While we strive to offer accurate and reliable recommendations, we cannot assume responsibility for the final result due to potential unknown factors and deviations from the theoretical setup. Any actions taken based on this suggestion are done at your own discretion and risk. It is recommended to seek professional advice or conduct further research before making critical decisions.