How to calculate power supply requirements

The recommended power supplies above are based on our assumption that you will use the entire LED strip reel as a continuous strip. If you decide to use a smaller segment or search for your own power supply units, use the following method to calculate the necessary power draw:

Step 1: Determine the length of LED strip you will connect to a single power supply

Step 2: Determine the voltage and amps per foot (or meter) for the LED strip. For example, the Waveform FilmGrade LED strip amps per foot are:

• 12V: 0.50 Amps per foot (1.5 Amps per meter)
• 24V: 0.25 Amps per foot (0.75 Amps per meter)

You can typically find this information listed on the product page or specification sheet.

Step 3: Calculate the total power draw in Amps using the formula [LED Strip Amps] = [Amps per foot] x [Length of LED strip]

Step 4: Find a power supply that has an amperage rating for more than 20% of the LED strip power draw calculated in Step 3.

Example: What power supply amperage is necessary to power 10 feet of the 24V LED strips?

Step 1: Length = 10 ft

Step 2: Voltage = 24V, amps per foot

Step 3: Total power draw = 0.25 Amps x 10 feet = 2.5 Amps

Step 4: Minimum power supply amperage = 2.5 Amps x 120% = 3 Amps