Driver Sizing & Thermal Management
Getting driver capacity right — and keeping it cool.
The Golden Rule
Never load a driver above 80% of rated capacity. For concealed installations: 70% maximum. For outdoor/GCC: 65% maximum. This headroom extends driver life dramatically and prevents thermal shutdown.
Driver Loading Guidelines
| installation | max loading | headroom | reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ventilated (open ceiling) | 80% | 20% | Standard thermal dissipation |
| Concealed (closed void) | 70% | 30% | Restricted airflow, heat builds |
| Outdoor (ventilated) | 70% | 30% | Ambient heat adds to driver temp |
| Outdoor GCC (concealed) | 65% | 35% | 50°C ambient + no airflow |
Constant Voltage vs Constant Current
CV (constant voltage) drivers output a fixed voltage (12V, 24V, 48V) and are used for LED strips and modules. CC (constant current) drivers output a fixed current (350mA, 700mA) and are used for LED engines and COB arrays. Using the wrong type damages LEDs permanently.
Thermal Derating
Every driver has a maximum ambient temperature rating (typically 40–50°C). Above this, the driver must be derated — run at lower output to avoid overheating. In the GCC where ambient can reach 55°C, drivers rated for 50°C maximum must be derated by 20–30%.