CADORVEN Lighting Guide
How to Calculate LED Driver Power for Multiple Runs
Size a constant-voltage LED driver
- Find the load
Multiply total feet by the strip watts per foot.
- Add capacity
Divide the connected load by 0.9, then apply any additional derating required by the driver documentation.
- Check the system
Confirm voltage, dimming method, maximum run length and controller limits.
- Select the driver
Choose the next verified driver capacity at or above the calculated minimum.
Worked planning example
A 20 ft run at 4.4 W/ft has an 88 W connected load. Dividing 88 W by the 90% loading limit gives a minimum driver rating of 97.8 W, so a verified 100 W driver becomes the starting point. Final selection must also check voltage, minimum load, dimming method, enclosure, manufacturer derating and regional documentation.
Do not combine incompatible loads
RGB systems, controllers and multiple output channels require channel-level current checks. Parallel strip runs should be documented separately before their loads are combined.
Compare POWER driver families and review model-level documentation rules.
Worked example: three compatible branches
For compatible constant-voltage strip branches, calculate each run as length multiplied by watts per foot, then add the loads. CADORVEN uses a 90% maximum connected-load planning rule unless the driver documentation requires a lower limit.
- Hypothetical branch A: 10 ft × 4.4 W/ft = 44 W.
- Hypothetical branch B: 8 ft × 4.4 W/ft = 35.2 W.
- Hypothetical branch C: 6 ft × 4.4 W/ft = 26.4 W.
The combined load is 105.6 W. At an assumed 24V, the total current is 4.4 A. Dividing 105.6 W by 0.9 gives a minimum rated output of 117.33 W before any further manufacturer derating. Choose the final driver by its exact voltage, suffix, available output, environment and control requirements.
Check branch and controller limits
This planning example is not an installed project or a driver-model recommendation. Capacity does not replace checks of branch length, cable drop, controller channels and connector ratings. Different-voltage loads cannot simply share one output; RGB loads also require channel-level checks.
Plan feed locations and cable drop, use the load calculator, or send the branch schedule for review.