Connecting Samsung F led strips in parallel or in series?

K

kdt15

Active Member
Are there any pros/cons in connecting in parallel or in series?

Considering using Samsung F strips for a diy quantum board

i recall in school that in parallel, all voltages will be constant and a busted strip will not affect the rest of the boards (aside from perhaps adding in more current to the other things in parallel)? Whereas in series, if one strip goes out, it blocks everything else from turning on since the circuit is "broken".

Aside from that, not sure if theres any real-world effects i am not considering, but based off this, why go series at all?
 
nfhiggs

nfhiggs

Well-Known Member
Series:
Pros - Uniform current flow (equals uniform light output). Less wire used (usually). Uses all the same wire gauge.
Cons - Working with higher DC voltage (potential shock hazard). Drivers are more expensive. Bad strip takes out the whole string.

Parallel:
Pros: Lower voltage. Wiring is generally more straightforward - plus to plus, neg to neg.. Can use much cheaper power supplies. One bad strip does not affect the rest - if done correctly.
Cons: Current will vary some from strip to strip (may or may not cause uneven light intensity). May need to use larger gauge to smaller gauge wire with distribution blocks (or wagos). If strips are run too hot, then thermal runaway is a possibility
 
K

kdt15

Active Member
nfhiggs said:
Series:
Pros - Uniform current flow (equals uniform light output). Less wire used (usually). Uses all the same wire gauge.
Cons - Working with higher DC voltage (potential shock hazard). Drivers are more expensive. Bad strip takes out the whole string.

Parallel:
Pros: Lower voltage. Wiring is generally more straightforward - plus to plus, neg to neg.. Can use much cheaper power supplies. One bad strip does not affect the rest - if done correctly.
Cons: Current will vary some from strip to strip (may or may not cause uneven light intensity). May need to use larger gauge to smaller gauge wire with distribution blocks (or wagos). If strips are run too hot, then thermal runaway is a possibility
Click to expand...
nfhiggs said:
Series:
Pros - Uniform current flow (equals uniform light output). Less wire used (usually). Uses all the same wire gauge.
Cons - Working with higher DC voltage (potential shock hazard). Drivers are more expensive. Bad strip takes out the whole string.

Parallel:
Pros: Lower voltage. Wiring is generally more straightforward - plus to plus, neg to neg.. Can use much cheaper power supplies. One bad strip does not affect the rest - if done correctly.
Cons: Current will vary some from strip to strip (may or may not cause uneven light intensity). May need to use larger gauge to smaller gauge wire with distribution blocks (or wagos). If strips are run too hot, then thermal runaway is a possibility
Click to expand...
thanks, i was told by digikey tech engineering support that in series it would still work if one blew (which i thought would kill the circuit as well) since theres constant current drivers. thoughts?
 
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