The power driver (also known as LED driver) built into the LED lamp is the core component to ensure the stable work of the lamp, and its quality directly affects the performance and life of the outdoor pool lighting fixtures. How important the power drivers is to the new pool light? We simply say a bad power driver will:
1)Shorten Lifespan of the pool lamps- Poor quality drive electrolytic electricity is easy to dry out (such as 85℃ capacitors at high temperature life of only 1-2 years), resulting in early failure of lamps;
2)Intensification of light decay- current fluctuations or ultra-specification operation (such as nominal 300mA drive actual output 400mA) will accelerate the LED chip light decay;
3)Performance anomaly- Stroboscopic (low PWM dimming frequency), noise (inductive vibration), start-up difficulty (can not work at low temperatures);
4)Incompatibility problem- Mismatch between the dimmer and the optical drive causes flicker or insufficient dimming range (e.g., only 30%-100% brightness is supported);
5)Potential safety hazard- Poor quality drives with no isolation design may leak electricity, or short circuit may cause fire (commonly seen in low-cost plastic housing drives)
Nowadays, the common types of LED power drivers as below :
1. Constant Current drive (CC, Constant Current)-The output current is constant, the voltage varies with the load, suitable for series LED,applied to high power LED lamps (such as spotlights, street lights, high ceiling lights);
2. Constant Voltage drive (CV, Constant Voltage)-The output voltage is fixed (e.g. 12V/24V), and the current is determined by the load, with a current-limiting resistor or IC applied to LED strip, module and other parallel circuits;
3. Constant current and constant Voltage Drive (CC+CV)-Automatic mode switching, better compatibility, applied to multifunctional luminaires(best submersible pool lights) or complex load scenarios;
4. Isolated and non-isolated drives:
Isolated: High and low voltage isolation by transformer, high safety, high cost (such as medical, outdoor lighting);
Non-isolated: Direct voltage reduction, high efficiency but risk of electric shock (insulation design required, e.g., built-in bulb lamp);
5. Thyristor modulation Drive (TRIAC)-Compatible with traditional wall dimmers, but may produce stroboscopic flashes;
6. Intelligent drive (DALI/Zigbee/0-10V)-Supports wireless or wired dimming for smart lighting systems
Premium drives cost more, but reduce maintenance costs and energy consumption in the long run. Shenzhen Heguang Lighting Co., Ltd provide the middle and high end outdoor lighting around pool. all the products with constant current drive circuit design, ensuring the products has stable and long life-span. Contact us immediately if you have any pool light enquiries!
