Regency Supply Blog

How to measure the output of a constant voltage LED driver

Andrew Thomas — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:30:00 GMT

Constant voltage LED drivers are less common than constant current drivers, but they are still used in many commercial applications. You'll generally see these when you're powering a configurable run of LEDs like tape light, rope light, or some configurable linear systems.

When you're replacing one of these drivers, your key specifications to consider are the output voltage and total system wattage, but what happens if you don't know the output voltage for your existing driver? If a driver label is damaged or you have a programmable driver and don't know the output settings, this article will help you measure the output of your constant voltage LED driver.

How to measure the output of a constant current LED driver

Andrew Thomas — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:08:31 GMT

Constant current LED drivers are used in most commercial LED fixtures, but finding a replacement LED driver can be complicated. It gets even harder when a driver label is damaged or you have a programmable driver but don't know the output settings.

We're walking through a step-by-step example for how to measure the amperage output of a constant current LED driver so you can have confidence in maintaining your LED fixtures.

How to read an LED driver label

Andrew Thomas — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:16:57 GMT

Lighting specifications and technical information can be confusing. That's why the Lighting Facts label was created years ago — to help standardize tech specs and make it easier to choose lighting.

Now in the world of drivers, specifications are all over the map. The label from one driver to another is at the discretion of the manufacturer, and as you can guess, that leads to huge variations in how information is presented.

So, if you're looking for a replacement driver, buckle up. We're going to dig into all sorts of labels to help make sense of the jargon and help you find replacements more easily.

How to choose a USB charging receptacle

Andrew Thomas — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 13:44:38 GMT

Not long ago, adding USB outlets to a receptacle seemed like an easy choice and attractive update for many businesses. From office space to hotels to restaurants to hospitals, these outlets are a great way to add value for employees and guests. But as with any technology, advancements have been made and now the choice is muddy.

The goal for this article isn’t to give you a comprehensive guide to USB standards, cords, and devices; it’s to help you decide how to choose a USB charging wall outlet.

What should I do about the fluorescent bulb bans?

content@regencylighting.com (Scott Anderson) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:00:03 GMT

New federal restrictions on lighting products

content@regencylighting.com (Scott Anderson) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:55:00 GMT

For the last several years, the federal government has implemented new energy efficiency standards for lighting products. The changes have essentially eliminated incandescent and halogen lighting products in the United States. Now, the Department of Energy is planning to raise standards on everyday light bulbs again, focusing even more on LED products and reducing the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

What are the types of LED drivers?

Andrew Thomas — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:09:27 GMT

We’re getting more and more questions about LED drivers, and it’s no surprise since they are the brain of an LED fixture. You can’t see it, but it’s what makes all the magic happen.

But for the average person, the specifications are confusing and these are little more than the mysterious box where you connect power. Even for people in lighting who are used to ballasts and transformers, drivers are a whole new game. We’re working on demystifying LED drivers, so in this article we’ll dig into the different types you may run into.

A state by state look at light bulb bans [Interactive map]

content@regencylighting.com (Scott Anderson) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:00:00 GMT

The lighting industry is changing rapidly with a clear shift towards LED lighting products. When LED products first hit the market nearly 20 years ago, lighting industry experts were the primary promoters of energy-efficient products. Now, federal requirements and state laws are also driving the switch to LEDs.

Time Delay vs. Fast Acting Fuses

Andrew Thomas — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 20:23:25 GMT

When I think of fuses, my mind goes immediately to replacing the small, multicolored fuses in an old truck (that I still miss) and the frustration of wrangling those tiny glass cylinders when a strand of Christmas lights goes out.

The reality is, although we don't typically see them, fuses are widely used across all industries. They protect motors, compressors, and all kinds of electrical components. If you're an electrician, you probably carry fuses on your truck. If you run a commercial property with electric heat, air conditioning, ice machines, and the list goes on, you probably keep fuses on hand. If you work in an industrial or manufacturing plant, fuses protect some of your most valuable equipment. You get the idea — they're all over the place.

But if you're replacing a fuse, details matter. Since most UL fuse classes come in time delay or fast acting varieties, it's important to know the difference so you don't damage sensitive equipment or go through fuses like candy.

California's light bulb ban

content@regencylighting.com (Scott Anderson) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 15:30:00 GMT

We've followed changes in the lighting industry in California closely for the last several years. The state has led the way in energy efficiency.

It was the first state to add restrictions to some incandescent and halogen light bulbs. Plus, the state has additional restrictions outlined in Title 20. Pretty soon, all fluorescent products will no longer be sold (legally) and you will only be able to buy LEDs in the state (with some exceptions).