48V Triac Dimmable Driver

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 48V Triac dimmable LED driver?

A 48V Triac dimmable LED driver is a constant voltage power supply that converts mains AC voltage (200–240V) to a stable 48V DC output while supporting Triac phase-cut dimming. It allows you to control the brightness of your 48V LED strip lighting using a standard wall-mounted Triac dimmer switch, delivering smooth 0–100% flicker-free dimming without additional control wiring. Available from 80W up to 600W, our range suits everything from residential installations to large-scale commercial and architectural projects requiring extended run lengths.

What dimmer switches are compatible with a 48V Triac dimmable driver?

Our 48V Triac dimmable LED driver is compatible with both leading edge and trailing edge Triac dimmers, working seamlessly with brands including Lutron, Legrand, Crestron and Leviton. Always ensure your dimmer is rated for LED loads and that your total driver wattage falls within the dimmer's minimum and maximum load rating. If you are unsure about compatibility, contact our technical team before purchasing.

How do I calculate the right wattage for my 48V Triac dimmable LED driver?

Calculating the correct 48V dimmable LED power supply wattage is simple:

• Step 1: Find the wattage per metre of your 48V LED strip (e.g. 14.4W/m)
• Step 2: Multiply by total length in metres (e.g. 20m × 14.4W/m = 288W)
• Step 3: Add a 20% safety buffer (288W × 1.2 = 345.6W)
• Step 4: Select the next driver size up — in this example, a 360W driver

Never run a 48V Triac dimmable driver at full capacity, as this reduces lifespan and can cause unstable dimming at the lower end of the range.

Why are my LED lights flickering with a 48V Triac dimmable driver?

Flickering is almost always caused by one of the following:

• Incompatible Dimmer: The dimmer is not rated for LED or electronic low voltage loads — replace with an LED-compatible Triac dimmer.
• Load Below Minimum: Total LED wattage falls below the dimmer's minimum load rating — check the dimmer's minimum load specification.
• Overloaded Driver: Combined strip wattage exceeds the driver's rated output — size up to the next wattage.
• Poor Connections: Loose wiring can cause intermittent flickering — inspect and re-terminate all connections.

If flickering persists, contact our technical team with your dimmer model, driver wattage and strip specification.

What is the difference between leading edge and trailing edge Triac dimming?

Both methods are supported by our 48V Triac dimmable LED power supply:

• Leading Edge (Forward Phase): The older, more widely installed technology — compatible with most existing dimmer infrastructure but can occasionally cause slight buzzing at low dim levels.
• Trailing Edge (Reverse Phase): Smoother, quieter and better suited to modern LED loads with less electrical noise and a cleaner dimming curve.

For new installations, trailing edge dimmers are generally recommended for the best dimming quality with 48V LED strip lighting.

Can I connect multiple LED strips to one 48V Triac dimmable driver?

Yes, provided the combined wattage does not exceed 80% of the driver's rated output. Always wire strips in parallel to ensure each strip receives the correct 48V supply, and use a distribution block for clean, reliable connections. The higher voltage of 48V systems means significantly less voltage drop over distance compared to 12V or 24V, making our 48V Triac dimmable driver range ideal for large multi-zone installations from a single unit.

Is the 48V Triac dimmable driver suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. Our 48V Triac dimmable LED drivers carry an IP66 rating, making them fully suitable for dry, damp and wet locations. This makes them a reliable choice for permanent outdoor installations including:

• Garden and decking lighting
• Building façade and exterior architectural lighting
• Landscape and pathway lighting
• Pergola, gazebo and covered outdoor structures

Always ensure cable entry points and output connections are properly sealed when installing outdoors.

What protection features does the 48V Triac dimmable driver include?

Our 48V Triac dimmable LED power supply includes comprehensive built-in protection:

• Overload Protection: Limits output current if the load exceeds rated capacity.
• Over-Temperature Protection: Thermal shutdown with automatic recovery once cooled.
• Short Circuit Protection: Safe shutdown with automatic recovery once the fault is cleared.
• Isolated Design: Galvanic isolation between input and output for enhanced electrical safety and system stability.

What safety certifications do your 48V Triac dimmable drivers hold?

Our 48V Triac dimmable LED drivers carry CE, RoHS and REACH certifications, ensuring full compliance with UK and European safety and environmental standards. The IP66 rating is independently verified for dust and water ingress protection. All drivers come with a 3-year warranty as standard, with our UK-based technical team available for installation support throughout.

Can a 48V Triac dimmable driver be used with 24V LED strips?

No. A 48V Triac dimmable LED driver must only be connected to 48V LED strips or 48V LED lighting products. Connecting it to a 24V or 12V strip will immediately damage the LEDs due to overvoltage. Constant voltage LED drivers do not automatically adapt their output to match the connected load. Always match your driver output voltage precisely to your LED strip voltage, and contact our team if you need advice before installation.