Today there are more and more different kinds of LED lights and they all require drivers to make them work.

Drivers come in all shapes, sizes and kinds. Choosing the right type of driver ensures safe, efficient, and long-lasting LED lighting. Knowing some basics about drivers can help you buy the right kind with confidence.

What Do LED Drivers Do?

LED drivers convert incoming AC power into the precise DC voltage and current that LEDs require—making them essential to safe and bright lighting.

Why the Right Driver Matters?

There are 3 main types of drivers; Constant Current(CV), Constant Voltage(CV), or Constant Power(CP). Using the right driver affects performance, safety, energy use, and emergency readiness.

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Constant Current Drivers

The large majority of LED fixtures and settings call for the use of Constant Current drivers because they deliver stable light output and better thermal control.

During startup, the driver raises voltage until current flows through the LEDs. It then maintains that current—which keeps brightness steady and avoids overheating. This is what that process looks like if seen on a an electrical line diagram:

In reality, behind the cover of many light fixtures, you will often find strips of LED lights:

Be sure to choose a driver whose max power output(often listed in watts(W)) matches your fixture’s needs and whose voltage range(e.g., “24-54VDC”) covers the total LED voltage of your light fixture(e.g., 48VDC).

Benefits of using a constant current driver include consistent brightness and prevention of thermal stress—both help maximize LED lifespan. Put simply, your LEDs will be less likely to overheat and burn out prematurely.

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Constant Voltage Drivers

For flexible or cut-to-length lighting—like LED tape lighting or strip lighting—Constant Voltage drivers (12V or 24V) are the smart choice. How do they work?

Internal circuitry allows Voltage to remain steady(typically at 12V or 24V), and the LED tape itself manages the current via built-in resistors.

Always match the driver’s voltage output with the corresponding voltage tape (12V or 24V). Also confirm the total taped length does not exceed the max wattage rating of the driver.

Example: A 24V, 30W driver can power 10 ft of 3W/ft tape (3W × 10 ft = 30W) and must be paired with 24V tape only(it will burn up the LEDs or just not work with 12V tape).

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Constant Power Drivers

Emergency lighting requires intelligent power management—Constant Power drivers ensure predictable light for the full 90-minute code-compliant runtime in the event of normal power loss. These drivers automatically adjust current so that power remains constant, no matter the fixture’s voltage.

Emergency mode is all about consistency—not maximum brightness. Constant Power drivers deliver predictable illumination, conserve battery, and protect LEDs from overdrive.

That is why constant power drivers are the industry standard in emergency lighting—and the technology we use at ExitLightCo for our emergency driver product line.

(Link here to blog post “How to Buy the Right Emergency Driver?”)

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Final Thoughts

LED technology is everywhere today, and understanding the different types of drivers helps you select the right solution for your project.

• Constant Current = reliable performance for most fixed LED fixtures.
• Constant Voltage = flexibility for LED tape and custom-length lighting.
• Constant Power = essential for emergency backup lighting.

Need help choosing the right driver? Our team is here to help. Reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll guide you to the best solution.

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The Three Electrical Formulas Behind LED Drivers

At the heart of LED driver design are three simple electrical formulas:

1. I=P÷V →    I Current (amps) = Power (watts) ÷ Voltage (volts)
2. V=P÷I →          Voltage         =       Power       ÷ I Current
3. P=V×I →           Power          =      Voltage      ×     I Current

These three formulas explain how the three different driver types work:

• Constant Current (CC): The driver keeps I (Current) steady. Voltage adjusts automatically according to the LED load.
• Constant Voltage (CV): The driver keeps Voltage steady. Current depends on how many LEDs or strips are connected, and the LEDs/tape resistors regulate it.
• Constant Power (CP): The driver keeps P steady. It measures the voltage of the LED load, then adjusts current automatically so that total watts stay the same. (Original: They hold P steady and adjust I automatically depending on the fixture’s voltage.)

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FAQ 

Q: Do LED drivers go bad? How long do they last?

A: Yes, drivers can fail over time due to heat, power surges, or component wear. A quality LED driver typically lasts 30,000–50,000 hours, which often matches the expected life of the LEDs themselves.

Q: How do I know if my LED driver is bad?

A: Common signs include flickering, dimming, buzzing, or LEDs not turning on at all. If the LEDs are intact but the light won’t power on, the driver is often the culprit.

Q: Can I use any LED driver with any LED fixture?

A: No. The driver type (CC, CV, or CP), voltage range, and current rating must match the fixture’s requirements. Using the wrong driver may cause the LEDs to fail prematurely or not work at all.

Q: What is the difference between an LED driver and a power supply?

A: All LED drivers are power supplies, but not all power supplies are LED drivers. LED drivers are designed to regulate current/voltage precisely, whereas a general DC power supply may not provide the protection LEDs need.

Q: What is a constant power LED emergency driver?

A: It’s a driver designed to supply a fixed wattage to a fixture during a power outage. This ensures predictable brightness and meets 90-minute emergency lighting code requirements.

Q: Can I power both 12V and 24V tape from the same driver?

A: No—use a driver that matches your tape’s voltage exactly to avoid damage or failure.

Q: Why are emergency drivers more expensive?

A: They include Constant Power control, battery backup, and safety features to ensure lighting stays functional during power loss.

Q: Do I need a constant current or constant voltage driver?

• Use constant current for most fixtures with a fixed LED array (downlights, panels, high bays).
• Use constant voltage for flexible applications like LED tape or modular strips.

Q: Can multiple LED fixtures share one driver?

A: Yes, but only if the driver’s voltage, current, and wattage ratings support the total load of all fixtures. This is common in tape lighting, but less common for independent fixtures.

Q: Why do some LED drivers have dimming wires?A: Dimming drivers let you control light output via 0–10V dimming, TRIAC, or DALI protocols. In emergency drivers, dimming wires are sometimes used to safely regulate current when switching to backup power.

It’s a great day at The Exit Light Company, and we’re happy to present our weekly safety meeting topic – Ladder Safety. At one point or another, your employees will use a ladder of some kind. Whether it is a small step ladder or 12 foot long straight ladder, safety is a concern, and prevention through awareness the best way to address it.
For this meeting, it is beneficial to have a volunteer to show the proper way to climb a ladder. Before you get your volunteer and have them climb, make sure to check that your ladder is in good condition. There should be no broken, cracked or missing rails and they should be free of slippery substances on the rungs. Your demonstration should have your volunteer set up the ladder on solid footing, against a solid support. The base of the ladder should be about 12” out from the wall for every 4 feet of height.
Make sure your volunteer doesn’t have any oil, grease or mud on their shoes and have them climb the ladder slowly, facing it and using both hands. If tools need to be carried to the top, using a toolbelt will allow the employee to climb the ladder without needing to compromise the grip of the ladder. Have them climb back down the same way.
While reaching at the top of a ladder, do not allow sideways movement. If the desired object cannot be reached, climb down and move the ladder over. The ladder should be used by one person at a time, additional people on the same ladder may alter the balance and cause a fall.
Through your demonstration, employees should now have a much better understanding of how to properly use a ladder – and don’t forget – While on a ladder, never step back to admire your work!

This week’s installment of Topics for Safety Meetings addresses working safely around electricity. Although installation of exit signs and emergency lighting is nothing new to the certified electrician, many business owners choose to install units themselves or have maintenance workers perform the job. Safety when working with electricity extends to the average employee dealing with office equipment or even appliances in the breakroom.
First and foremost for anyone dealing directly with an electrical connection – shut the power off to the circuit you will be using! Standard voltage in the United States is 120 or 277 volts, which could produce an affect anywhere from a tingling sensation to fatal electrocution depending on the conditions of contact. Once the power is removed, use a tester to make sure the power is actually off to the location you are working in. Use the correct tools; for instance, use wire strippers when needed instead of a pocket knife or razor blade to minimize the risk of injury.
General safety measures when around or using electrical equipment include:
– Reading and following any instructions included with equipment
– Do not force a plug into an outlet that does not match the slot configuration
– Do not touch electrical equipment, plugs, outlets or switches with wet hands
– Grip the plug to remove equipment from an outlet instead of pulling the cord
– Although equipment may be “off” electricity is still present. Unplug before cleaning, fixing or inspecting unit and when not in use
– Do not touch equipment with possibly compromised circuitry (indicators include flickering lights, sparks coming from unit, buzzing noises)
Leave your meeting with a reminder – Accidents Hurt, Safety Doesn’t. Remember to bookmark this page or subscribe to our blog to receive next week’s topic for safety meetings.