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/diy/ - Do It Yourself

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1203958 No.1203958 [Reply] [Original]

Morning /diy/,

I've got several peripherals that require 12V inputs (External HDDs, routers, pre-amp, etc) and I was thinking about hooking up a LED driver rated at 12.4 amps to a bus bar to run them all off instead of two multi-taps.

Is it as simple as I think it should be or should I be more careful considering there is data involved? If the outlet is rated at 10 amp max, is it best to use a dedicated outlet or can I measure the amps the bus bar uses and then work out if the TV, amp, etc, can be run off the same outlet (are amp spikes a thing?)?

>> No.1203971
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1203971

>>1203958
Good evening, anon.
LED drivers often have a specified output current ('amperage') and the actual output tension ('voltage') adapts to the load. Typical DC power supplies for electronic devices have a fixed tension, e.g. 12V, and the actual current adapts to the load. Apples vs. oranges. Better keep your multi-taps, it's not the right time for a bonfire.

>> No.1203974

>>1203958
I used to run all of my 12 volt shit off one wall wart because I was given/dumpster dived it all and didn't have cords. The wall wart was rated for like 4 amps though. I feel like it was originally a power adapter for a musical keyboard. Worked for me for years.

>> No.1203975

Oh. Thank you very much. Maybe I could rig up an old computer PSU some rainy day instead.

Yes, I am terrified of burning my house down. I'm estimating that I'd be running 6 amps off it, unless I add a car stereo unit for cassette playing ability, but even my highest rated adapter is only 2 amps.

>> No.1203996
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1203996

>>1203958
The outlet is rated at 10A at 120V AC. I'm currently running a 5V 20A driver for my LED sign. You should be just fine running the 12.4 A LED driver.

Also, yes it is that easy to just run everything off of the 12V adapter.

>> No.1204008
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1204008

>>1203975
A computer PSU has its best regulated output at 5V, not 12V. But there are indeed 12V DC PSUs that look similar and can supply many amps. This (fanless) one has 12V 8.5A, and is short circuit protected (self-recovery, no blown fuse). Price should be max $30. There are models for up to 20A. If you want the data sheet look for Meanwell RS-100-12. Ali, ebay, Amazon, the usual suspects.

>>1203996
A power supply that is used to power LEDs is not a 'LED driver', which is a technical term normally used for supplies that can power many LEDs wired _in series_. My small one drives 0.7A for up to 10 LEDs and without load the output has more than 40V. LED drivers have a constant current output, no matter how many LEDs you connect in series. They regulate the amps, not the volts.

>> No.1204080

I think I understand what I need to do and what the label needs to say for what I need it to do.

Thanks again /diy/. I'll post a pic if it looks pretty enough.

>> No.1205203

>>1204008
>up to 20A
I have a 45 amp one. it steady pulls 30amps no problem

majority of mine are 30amp though

it does have a fan, and it might be a bit bigger.
same chinese shit though