1. What is an LED Strip Light Wattage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the total power consumption of LED strip lights based on their length and power rating per meter.

Purpose: It helps electricians, designers, and DIY enthusiasts properly size power supplies and understand energy requirements for LED lighting projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Total wattage (watts)
• \( L \) — Length of LED strip (meters)
• \( P \) — Power consumption per meter (watts/meter)

Explanation: The total power consumption is calculated by multiplying the strip length by its power rating per meter.

3. Importance of Wattage Calculation

Details: Proper wattage calculation ensures you select an appropriate power supply, prevents circuit overloads, and helps estimate energy costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the strip length in meters and power per meter (default 7.2 W/m for standard RGB strips). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical power rating for LED strips?
A: Standard RGB strips are typically 7.2 W/m, while high-density or white strips can range from 9.6 W/m to 24 W/m.

Q2: Should I add extra capacity to the calculated wattage?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20% buffer to the calculated wattage when selecting a power supply.

Q3: How do I find the power per meter rating?
A: Check the product specifications or packaging of your LED strip; it's usually listed as "W/m" or "Watts per meter."

Q4: Does this account for voltage drop in long runs?
A: No, for runs longer than 5 meters, consider using multiple power injection points or calculate voltage drop separately.

Q5: Can I use this for different types of LED strips?
A: Yes, as long as you know the power per meter rating, this works for single-color, RGB, COB, and other LED strip types.