1. What is LED Power Draw?

The power draw of an LED strip is the amount of electrical power it consumes, measured in watts. Understanding this helps in selecting appropriate power supplies and preventing circuit overloads.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the LED power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power draw in watts (W)
• \( n \) — Number of LEDs
• \( V_f \) — Forward voltage per LED (V)
• \( I \) — Current per LED (A)

Explanation: The equation calculates total power consumption by multiplying the number of LEDs by their individual voltage drop and current draw.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures your power supply can handle the load, prevents overheating, and helps estimate energy costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of LEDs, their forward voltage (typically 2-4V for most LEDs), and current per LED (usually 0.02A for standard LEDs). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my LEDs have different forward voltages?
A: Calculate power for each type separately and sum the results.

Q2: How do I find my LED's forward voltage?
A: Check the datasheet or product specifications. Common values are 2.1V (red), 3.3V (green/blue), or 3.6V (white).

Q3: Should I include resistor power dissipation?
A: This calculator shows LED power only. For complete system power, add resistor losses (I²R).

Q4: What about parallel vs series connections?
A: This assumes all LEDs are in parallel. For series connections, voltage adds while current remains the same.

Q5: How does this relate to power supply selection?
A: Choose a power supply with at least 20% more capacity than your calculated power draw.