Standards and certifications play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, performance, and compliance of LED lighting products, helping consumers and businesses make informed decisions about their use in various applications.

0-10V Dimming: This type of dimming control is the most popular and newest style for compatible dimmable power supplies. It works by varying the voltage from 0 to 10 VDC. A 10-volt signal on the dimming wire will allow maximum current flow to the LEDs for maximum intensity. A 0.6-volt signal on the dimming wires allows 6% of the current to flow from the power supply, dimming the LEDs to approximately 6% of full intensity.

A driver and a power supply are the same thing. These terms are used interchangeably. Drivers tend to refer more to constant current power supplies.

On the other hand, IEC Class II refers to the internal construction of the power supply and its electrical insulation. With Class II power supplies, there are two layers of insulation, and they have a two-wire power cord.

Certain power supplies and drivers are compatible with TRIAC and other dimmers. If you wish to dim your LEDs, purchase a compatible power supply that allows you to dim 0-100%.

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Water resistance indicates how a product will perform under various environmental conditions. Standards organizations like the IEC, UL/ETL, and NEC (National Electric Code) have multiple designations for water resistance. Which one is important to you will depend on your application.

Resistive Dimming: Resistive dimming can be fixed or variable. If a fixed dimming level is required, a simple resistor is needed to dim the LEDs to a particular level. A potentiometer can serve this purpose if a varying dimmable level is desired. By changing the resistance value of the potentiometer, the output current of the power supply changes, and the LED intensity changes. Controlling a single power supply will require a 100K ohm potentiometer for 100% intensity (100K ohm) to approximately 10% intensity (10K ohm) based on the wiper position.

UL certification signifies that a product has been tested and meets stringent safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories. It is one of the most recognized safety standards for electrical and electronic products in the United States.

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TRIAC Dimming: TRIAC dimmers are typical household dimmers sold in hardware stores by brands like Lutron and Leviton. They rely on a semiconductor device called a TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current). Adjusting the dimmer switch alters the timing at which the TRIAC conducts electricity in each AC cycle, modulating the energy delivered to the light bulb and resulting in adjustable brightness levels.

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ETL certification indicates that a product has been tested by Intertek and found to meet the minimum requirements of prescribed safety standards. Products with the ETL mark comply with North American safety standards and can be sold in the United States and Canada.

A power supply's power consumption is measured in watts and refers to the maximum amount of power it is capable of delivering. For best results, choose a power supply that offers a minimum of 20% wattage overhead for your application. Wattage overhead ensures that your project will function correctly, extends the life of the power supply, and offers greater design flexibility by allowing for project expansion.

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Matter is a connectivity standard for smart home devices, ensuring interoperability and reliability across different brands and platforms.

Pulse-Width Modulation Dimming: This type of dimming control adjusts the output current based on the duty cycle. As the duty cycle increases, the current will increase, and the LEDs will be brighter. Conversely, if the duty cycle decreases, the current will decrease, and the LEDs will be dimmer.

FCC certification confirms that a product meets the electromagnetic interference and radiation standards set by the Federal Communications Commission. This ensures that the product will not interfere with other electronic devices and communication networks.

RoHS compliance ensures that products do not contain specific hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, in amounts exceeding the established limits.

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UL IoT Security certification evaluates the cybersecurity aspects of connected devices. Products with this certification meet UL's requirements for IoT security, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Constant voltage supplies provide a consistent voltage across the LEDs so that minimal voltage drop ensures all your LEDs work properly and effectively.

1-10V Dimming: This type of dimming control is an older style that is being replaced with 0-10V dimming control. It works by varying the voltage from 1-10 VDC. A 10-volt signal on the dimming wire will allow maximum current flow to the LEDs for maximum intensity. A 1-volt signal on the dimming wire allows 10% of the current to flow from the power supply, which generates approximately 10% of the maximum intensity for the LEDs.

For more details on Class 2 and Class II, read our blog “Is There a Difference Between Class 2 and Class II Power Supplies?”

NSF certification ensures that products meet strict public health and safety standards, particularly for food, water, and consumer goods. For LED lighting, it often applies to products used in food service or healthcare environments.

California Title 24 is a building energy efficiency standard that mandates certain energy-saving measures, including lighting requirements.

Constant voltage power supplies are suitable for powering LEDs equipped with resistors or constant current drivers, which regulate the flow of current and may require a constant-voltage power supply when the desired operating voltage differs from the available power source (such as in homes or vehicles).

Energy Star certification is awarded to products that meet stringent energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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DLC certification is focused on the quality and performance of energy-efficient lighting products. Products with DLC certification are recognized for their efficacy, quality, and energy savings, making them eligible for rebates and incentives.

NEC Class 2 refers to the output voltage and power of AC/DC power supplies. So it focuses on wiring details like wire size, derating factors, installation, and overcurrent protection limits. Class 2 power supplies are considered less of a fire hazard and have less risk of causing electrical shocks.

For instance, LED light strips often incorporate current-regulating resistors. If the light strip operates within a range of 9-14.8 volts in direct current (DC), it can be directly connected to a 12-volt DC system in a vehicle without requiring a constant-voltage power supply. However, if you want to install the same light strip in a home with a 120-volt alternating current (AC) wiring system, you must reduce and convert the voltage from AC to DC using a power supply.

In certain cases, constant-current drivers are available that match the voltage and current requirements of both the product and the power source (home, vehicle, etc.), eliminating the need for a constant-voltage power supply.