New solutions of LED lighting technology appear so frequently, it is hard to keep track of them for anaverage consumer. In this article we would like to point out the main differences between constant voltage and constant current LED lights , what consumers need to pay attention to at the time of purchase.

Low voltage LED lights require aspecial source of power supply, depending on the circuit of the LEDs. Light emitting diodes are highly sensitive to changes in voltage and current, and depending on their circuit, they need at least one of the two factors to bestabilized, therefore stabilized drivers are essential for the LED lights’operation. The majority of household LEDs operating at low voltage have constant voltage circuits, and constant current LED light bulbs are a more recent development, gaining significance mainly for high power LEDs.

Besides voltage and current, heat emitted and surrounding LEDs are a third, also determining factor in their operation. Ideally all three should be regulated to gain the longest possible lifespan for the LED lights. Since current is considered an exponential function of voltage, a small change in voltage can result in a large change in the current. If voltage is fixed, less current change will occur; therefore to have a stabilized voltage source is crucial for long lifespan. At the same time, increased heat during operation can also result in higher load of current, which is why besides having a stabilized power supply, heat management for LEDs is a crucial matter. Overloading – which can also be resulted by heat – is avoided by built in resistors limiting current in low voltage applications. High power LEDs, where power consumption is generally higher (with a higher light output as well), heat management is supported with heat sinks and other design solutions within the light bulb. LED bulbs without heat sinks can usually be operated for limited hours during a day, mainly to avoid overheating leading to loss of lifespan.

Constant current circuits on the other hand will require the current to be fully regulated. This is advantageous especially for high power LED lights, where heat emitted during operation -especially without heat sinks – will not increase the current, as it is regulated by the source. Increased heat results in less change in voltage and should therefore be safer to run them even constantly.

To make sure you do not lose lifespan of your LED light bulbs check what circuit it has, and make sure yousupply it with the right power source. Also, LED lights have a recommended time limit for daily operation, which is best not to exceed if you want to use them long enough.