Hey man, I am just about to order everything so was wondering if you would be so kind as to check it over for me?
Few quick questions first. I think I am going to go with the HLG-60H-24A(2,5A) which is 60W and 2.5A. Am I right in thinking that-
5x strips at 350mA means total of 1.75A, would I need use the screw driver to dim the driver to only output 1.75A or else I would be running the strips higher than my desired 350mA each?
Total wattage of the strips is 38.5 watts, does it matter that the driver is 60W? Does that extra wattage capability just sit unused( aware that is probably the wrong term)
The Vf of this driver is 24V however the strips are 22.1V each, would I need to dim the driver to only output 22.1? How is that done? I think I may be misunderstanding exactly WHAT is dimmed using the screw driver.
Now in terms of parts...
I can;t seem to find those wires you were talking about, afraid im looking at the wrong thing so don;t suppose you could link me to some please? Also can you help me work out whaat kind of wall plug I would need to buy that would be compatible with the driver?
Shopping list so far-
Driver -
https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/Mean-Well/HLG-60H-24A/?qs=DNaZHaGatO3mmI1zvzp6qA==
Wago connectors, are these what you meant? -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wago-WAG51201124-10-222412-Conductor-Terminals/dp/B00APX7H30/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1509455029&sr=8-15&keywords=Wago+connector
Hey seshwaan,
I will try my best.
1. Yes, 24v version is max 2,5A
2. No, if you use 5 strips in parallel each strip would get around 500mA. Current is evenly divided thru the number of strips(2,5Av5=0,5A). There is a current poti, which can be used to dimm the strips between 250 and 500mA(50-100%).
At 500mA each strip would probably need 22,5v, so 11,25w per strip, 56,25w net./62,5w total.
3. Look at 2.) The drivers potential will be fully used, around 62,5w at the wall.
4.The voltage poti can be used to limit the max. voltage. If you reduce the vf below 22,5v the current gets also reduced. If you for example reduce to 22,1v, each strip would only get the 350mA in your example.
But I would recommend to set it at least to 23-24vf, because if you switch the strips on at 25° they need up to 23v untill the temps stabilizise.
Dimm the strips only via current poti and let the strips take what they need. The vf poti can stay fully turned open so the stripes can take what they need. In plain language, the vf adapts automatically, as long as you do not regulate it below the min. vf a strip would need(depending on the current, of course).
You can of course use stranded wires, AWG20 for example would work. Twist the wire ends and tin them with a soldering iron or use crimp wire ends. But make sure the diameter is still below AWG18 to fit inside the connectors.
You need only wago's if you have no soldering iron. To connect the drivers AC side you need only a suitable wallplug. For the DC side the + wire would go to the +connector of the first strip. If it fits into the connector there is no need for a Wago. Same goes to the -wire, if it fits, good, if not use a piece of the AWG20 and a Wago or solder it.
Because all MeanWell HLG-xxx-xx A drivers tends to have a bit more juice you can expect ~30w min.(lowest current) - 70w max.(max.current).