I got asked a question about current draw that I thought may be worth while sharing with others that may not have the understanding
Question:
Is the calculation of 3.2 amps per 5m strip correct? I am running my entire display off one 20 amp breaker. 3.2a @ 12v per strip seems high. Just making sure I am not making a mistake. Mistakes happen to me a lot
The Answer:
Remember ohms law, the current goes up at the voltage goes down so you are thinking of 110v current draw which would be far less
so 350 watts is 350 watts but the current draw changes depending on the voltage
so current = power/voltage
or power = voltage x current
so a strip drawing 3.2 amps at 12vdc will draw about 39 to 40 watts
so that equates to approx 0.4 amps per strip at 110V
and 0.17 amps for 240v
so you can run a fair few strips on one circuit
I hope that helps a few who may not understand the relationship between Volatage, Current and Power
Question:
Is the calculation of 3.2 amps per 5m strip correct? I am running my entire display off one 20 amp breaker. 3.2a @ 12v per strip seems high. Just making sure I am not making a mistake. Mistakes happen to me a lot
The Answer:
Remember ohms law, the current goes up at the voltage goes down so you are thinking of 110v current draw which would be far less
so 350 watts is 350 watts but the current draw changes depending on the voltage
so current = power/voltage
or power = voltage x current
so a strip drawing 3.2 amps at 12vdc will draw about 39 to 40 watts
so that equates to approx 0.4 amps per strip at 110V
and 0.17 amps for 240v
so you can run a fair few strips on one circuit
I hope that helps a few who may not understand the relationship between Volatage, Current and Power