Your Guide for Choosing Between 12V and 24V DC Transformers

29 agosto 2025

Looking to power your RGB, CCT, or single-color LED strip lights with precision and reliability? Here's what you need to know about selecting the right transformer:

What Does “12V vs. 24V DC” Mean for Your LEDs?

Voltage Drop Matters: Over long strip runs, 12 V systems can suffer brightness loss due to voltage drop. Using 24 V segments or a 24 V supply minimizes this, ensuring uniform brightness.
Current & Power: For the same wattage, a 24V line carries half the current of a 12V line, which can reduce cable thickness and improve safety.

🔌 Understanding Voltage Drop in LED Strip Lighting

What is Voltage Drop?
Voltage drop happens when the electrical potential decreases as current travels through a wire or strip. The longer the run or the thinner the wire, the more resistance builds up, which reduces the voltage available at the far end of the strip. This often shows up as:

Lights looking bright near the power source but dimmer further away.
Uneven color on RGB/RGBW strips.
Shortened lifespan of LEDs due to inconsistent power.

What Causes Voltage Drop?

Length of the strip – the longer the run, the more resistance.
Wire gauge (thickness) – thinner wires have higher resistance.
Operating voltage – 12V systems are more prone to voltage drop compared to 24V systems because they carry more current for the same power.
Total wattage – higher wattage draws more current, amplifying the effect.

What to Consider When Choosing a Transformer:

For short runs (up to 16–20 feet), 12V is usually fine.
For longer runs (over 20–32 feet), 24V is recommended to minimize brightness loss.
Use the right wire gauge: thicker wires (lower AWG number) reduce resistance.
Always leave 20–30% buffer in transformer capacity to handle load without stress.
For extra-long runs, consider power injection (feeding power at multiple points along the strip).

TSDC01 Dimmable Transformer Highlights:

This UL-certified transformer supports both 12V and 24V DC output, making it versatile for various lighting setups.

Key Features:

Feature	Details
Input	100–277 VAC universal range
Dimmable	Compatible with TRIAC, MLV, ELV, forward/reverse phase dimmers; 0–100% dimming range
Certifications	UL, cUL, FCC, Class 2, Class P, Type HL—safe for indoor, damp, and wet locations
Protection	Short-circuit, overload, and over-temperature safeguards
Efficiency & Power Factor	Around 83% efficiency and PF up to 0.98
Voltage	Both DC12V and DC24V options available
Outdoor-Rated Variants	Waterproof (IP67) magnetic transformers, 30–300W, NEMA 3R enclosure

Choosing the Right Option:

Match Voltage with Run Length: Use 12V for short, low-power runs; choose 24V for longer or higher-wattage applications. You may not switch voltage with the strip light requirement. Using a DC24V transformer for strip lights rated for 12V will cause permanent damage, while a DC12V transformer for DC24V strip lights will not be enough for it to turn on at all.
Plan for Dimming: If you want dimmable capabilities, make sure your model supports your dimmer type.
Mind Power Ratings: Total strip wattage should not exceed the transformer’s rating. Add a buffer for safety and longevity of at least 10-15%.
Location & Ratings: For outdoor or damp installations, opt for IP-rated or NEMA-rated models.
Installation Needs: Cobble space-saving units for tight spaces or bulkier enclosures for stand-alone outdoor supply.

Our TSDC01 range offers flexibility, power efficiency, and robust safety features—whether you prefer compact models or rugged outdoor ratings, their transformers are ready for both 12 V and 24 V LED lighting solutions.