One of the key features of a high quality LED power supply is without its over-current protection device. LEDs are very excessive components which can be damaged up to total failure if exposed to an excessive current. Even if a damage of the LEDs may not be visible at first sight, the  efficiency of the LEDs can minimized gradually by currents which are not within the rating of the power supply. 

 

This phenomenon happens due to the excessive current creating excessive heat which leads to a gradual brightness decay of the lamp and eventually to a shortened lifespan of the LED light source. Besides the light source itself, all other components in the system are stressed by over-current, namely the power supply components.

 

 

Overcurrent conditions can also pose safety risks, especially if the LED lamp is part of a larger electrical system. The absence of overcurrent protection makes it more challenging to prevent and mitigate potential safety hazards such as electrical shocks or fires. Many countries require corresponding saftey compliances which have to be strictly observed. 

 

Electrical systems are subject to fluctuations in voltage due to factors such as power surges, lightning strikes, or grid instability. Therefore, overcurrent protection devices are often integrated with Voltage regulation mechanisms (over Voltage protection). This helps additonally to maintain a stable Voltage supply to the LED lamps, ensuring consistent brightness and performance.

 

We are frequently being asked by our customers what features a proper over-current device should have. It should definitelz have a fast response time to quickly detect and interrupt the excessive current. It should also have a current rating that closely matches the specified operating current of the LED lamp. This ensures that the protection component activates only when the current exceeds safe levels, avoiding unnecessary tripping during normal operation. 

 

Last but not least the over-current protection component should have a low Voltage drop. Voltage drop refers to the reduction in Voltage that occurs as electrical current flows through a conductor due to the inherit resistance of the conductors (such as a wire or a circuit element). A low Voltage drop ensures that the protection device does not affect the overall performance of the LED lamp.