Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the wiring and power requirements for a 5-meter LED strip that operates at 5V and is rated for 18W per meter. Participants are exploring whether it is safe to connect a 20A power supply directly to the strip and the implications of current distribution, connectors, and wiring gauge.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions whether a 20A 5V DC power supply can be connected directly to the LED strip, expressing concern about potential damage.
- Another participant clarifies that the LED strip will draw the current it needs from the power supply, which is estimated to be around 18A, depending on temperature.
- There is a suggestion that the ground wiring does not need to be of large gauge, as it is connected to the local Earth or ground at the power supply.
- One participant expresses skepticism about the connectors available for the strip, noting that they typically support lower currents, suggesting further investigation is needed.
- Another participant proposes that soldering larger gauge wire directly to the LED strip could be a solution, questioning the necessity of the included connectors.
- Concerns are raised about the maximum current capacity of the LED strip's PCB track width and connectors, with a warning against exceeding these limits.
- There is a discussion about whether the 18W rating refers to per meter or for the entire 5-meter strip, with some participants seeking clarification.
- One participant mentions anecdotal evidence from customer comments regarding the current draw of similar LED configurations, suggesting that pushing 20A through the strip may not be reasonable.
- Another participant notes that the circuit diagram indicates feeding the strip from both ends, which could reduce the current through connectors.
- There is a question about the necessity of connecting both ends of the strip to power and ground, with responses indicating that it depends on the current ratings of the strip and connectors used.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the safety and feasibility of connecting a 20A power supply directly to the LED strip. There is no consensus on the maximum current capacity of the strip or the necessity of using connectors versus direct soldering.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight uncertainties regarding the specifications of the LED strip, including the maximum current ratings of connectors and PCB tracks, as well as the implications of current distribution when powering the strip from one or both ends.