An LED driver is the power supply that converts 240V mains voltage to the constant voltage a low-voltage LED circuit requires. Dulora's LED driver range covers 12V LED driver and 24V LED driver options in constant voltage configurations across a range of wattage ratings, with dimmable LED driver variants for circuits requiring dimming control. Each driver in the range is SAA certified, supplied with full technical documentation for compliance sign-off, and selected for compatibility with Dulora's G4, G9, MR16, and low-voltage LED globe range. For guidance on whether your installation requires a driver and how to select the right one, see Does All LED Lighting Need LED Drivers?. Browse G4 LED Light Bulbs and MR16 LED Light Bulbs for compatible globe options. SAA certified with a three-year warranty.
LED Drivers: How to Choose the Right Driver for Your Low-Voltage LED Installation
An LED driver is not an optional component. Every low-voltage LED globe requires a driver to operate correctly, and the wrong driver causes poor performance, flickering, premature globe failure, or a combination of all three. Understanding what an LED driver does, how to size it correctly, and how to choose between constant current and constant voltage options is the foundation of any successful low-voltage LED installation.
What does an LED driver do?
An LED driver converts 240V mains alternating current to the lower voltage and stable current that a low-voltage LED circuit requires. Unlike a simple transformer, an LED driver maintains a constant output regardless of load variation, which is what prevents the voltage fluctuations that cause LED globes to flicker or fail prematurely.
Without a correctly specified driver, a low-voltage LED globe is either running at the wrong voltage, experiencing current fluctuations that stress the LED components, or both. This is why globe lifespan and performance are directly dependent on driver quality as much as on globe quality. For a complete explanation of when and why LED drivers are required, see Does All LED Lighting Need LED Drivers?.
Constant voltage versus constant current
Constant voltage LED drivers maintain a fixed output voltage (typically 12V or 24V DC) and allow the current to vary with the load. They are the correct choice for circuits using LED globes with integrated drivers, including G4, G9, MR16, and most strip LED systems, where the globe or strip itself regulates its own current draw.
Constant current LED drivers maintain a fixed output current and allow the voltage to vary. They are used for LED modules and arrays that require a specific current input rather than a specific voltage. For most residential and commercial low-voltage globe installations using G4, G9, or MR16 globes, a constant voltage driver is the correct specification.
Sizing a driver correctly
The most common driver sizing mistake is selecting a driver rated exactly at the total wattage of the globes in the circuit. A driver running at 100 per cent of its rated capacity continuously runs hotter, ages faster, and is more likely to fail prematurely than one running at 70 to 80 per cent capacity. The correct approach is to calculate the total wattage of all globes in the circuit and select a driver rated at least 20 to 25 per cent above that figure.
For a circuit of eight 2W G4 globes (16W total), a 20W driver is at its rated maximum. A 30W driver running the same circuit at approximately 53 per cent capacity will run cooler and last significantly longer.
Dimmable LED drivers
For low-voltage circuits requiring dimming control, the driver must be a dimmable LED driver compatible with the dimmer switch being used. Standard constant voltage drivers without dimming capability will not respond to a dimmer switch and may be damaged if connected to one. Dulora's dimmable driver range covers 12V and 24V options compatible with standard trailing edge LED dimmers, enabling smooth dimming control across G4, MR16, and low-voltage strip circuits.
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Frequently Asked Questions: LED Drivers
- Do all LED globes need a driver?
- Low-voltage LED globes (G4, G9, MR16, and similar) require a driver to operate. Mains-voltage LED globes (E27, E14, B22, GU10, and similar) have an integrated driver built into the globe base and do not require a separate external driver. For a complete explanation, see
- What is the difference between a 12V and a 24V LED driver?
- The output voltage must match the operating voltage of the globes in the circuit. G4 globes typically operate at 12V; some low-voltage strip systems operate at 24V. Using a 24V driver with 12V globes will damage or destroy the globes. Always check the globe's specified operating voltage before selecting a driver.
- How do I size an LED driver for my circuit?
- Calculate the total wattage of all globes in the circuit and select a driver rated at least 20 to 25 per cent above that figure. Running a driver at its maximum rated capacity continuously shortens its lifespan. For eight 2W G4 globes (16W total), a 20W driver is at maximum capacity; a 30W driver is the better choice.
- Can I use a standard LED driver for a dimmable circuit?
- No. Standard constant voltage drivers do not support dimming. For circuits requiring dimming control, you must use a dimmable LED driver specifically rated for compatibility with trailing edge LED dimmer switches.
- Are Dulora LED drivers SAA certified?
- Yes. All Dulora LED drivers are SAA certified for Australian mains voltage installations and supplied with full technical documentation suitable for compliance sign-off.
