Constant Current vs Constant Voltage

Constant voltage and constant current are different types of LED power supply system. It is important to know what type of product yours is, as the two are incompatible. Using constant voltage and constant current in the same system will damage the product.

Constant Current

Constant current products cannot be used with constant voltage products. The voltage of constant current products varies, to help maintain a constant current regardless of load impedance. Impedance is the effective resistance of an electric circuit or component to alternating current, arising from the combined effects of ohmic resistance and reactance.  Using constant current avoids violating the absolute maximum forward current specified for the LEDs and compromising on reliability. When using LED strips, this achieves a more consistent brightness between individual strips.

Constant Voltage

Constant voltage products cannot be used with constant current products. A constant voltage product must have a DC voltage that remains constant regardless of the load current. All other components in the system but be this type too. Although Constant current often delivers greater results with LED,  Constant voltage technology is a more familiar technology for engineers and contractors and the cost can often be lower.

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