48V LED Driver

Our 2026 48V LED driver range covers 20W to 600W outputs, includes IP20 indoor and IP67 weatherproof enclosures, and supports single-feed runs up to 30 metres on 48V single-colour strip — double the reach of 24V at the same wattage.

48V Constant Voltage  ·  20W–600W Range  ·  IP20 & IP67 Options  ·  BS7671 Compliant  ·  5-Year Warranty  ·  Free UK Delivery

1. What is a 48V LED driver and why does voltage matter?
2. Why choose 48V over 24V for LED strip lighting?
3. How do you size a 48V LED driver correctly?
4. Which 48V driver do you need — IP20 or IP67?
5. How do you wire a 48V LED driver to COB strip?
6. Can you dim a 48V LED driver?
7. What mistakes do buyers make with 48V LED drivers?
8. Why buy your 48V LED driver from ATOM LED?
9. 48V LED Driver FAQs

Quick decision summary: If you are powering 48V single-colour COB strip, choose a constant voltage 48V driver rated to at least 120% of your total strip wattage. For indoor-only installations, use an IP20 driver. For outdoor, bathrooms, or anywhere moisture is present, use an IP67 driver.

Who this is for: Electricians, interior designers, kitchen fitters, and home improvers fitting 48V LED strip lighting who need a correctly rated, reliable power supply from UK stock.

Who this is NOT for: If you need a 24V LED driver, a TRIAC dimmable driver, or a mains-voltage controller, those have dedicated pages — this page covers 48V constant voltage drivers only.

Common buying mistakes to avoid:

• Sizing too tight: A driver running at 100% load overheats and fails early — always allow a minimum 20% headroom above your total strip wattage.
• Wrong IP rating: An IP20 driver in a damp utility room or garage will fail within months and may create a safety hazard.
• Using a dimmable driver with RGB/RGBW strip: RGBW and RGB strip requires a non-dimmable constant voltage driver paired with a dedicated RGB controller — dimmable drivers cause flicker, colour shift, and premature failure.

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What is a 48V LED driver and why does voltage matter?

A 48V LED driver converts 220–240V AC mains electricity into safe 48V DC constant voltage output, supplying the correct power to 48V LED strip. Voltage matters because 48V DC falls within the SELV voltage threshold under BS7671 (120V DC ripple-free maximum), provided it is supplied from a suitably isolated, safety-rated driver, offering significantly reduced shock risk under dry conditions.

Every LED strip requires a driver matched to its operating voltage. Connecting 48V strip to a 24V driver produces dim, unusable light. Connecting it to mains voltage destroys the strip instantly. The driver is not optional — it is the foundation of a safe, reliable installation in 2026 and beyond.

• Constant voltage output: All 48V LED strip requires a steady 48V DC supply — the driver holds this output regardless of load, up to its maximum wattage rating.
• Mains isolation: The driver provides galvanic isolation between 240V AC mains and the 48V DC strip circuit, which is a BS7671 requirement for SELV classification.
• Thermal protection: Quality 48V drivers include over-temperature shutdown, short-circuit protection, and over-load cut-off as standard in 2026 models.

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Why choose 48V over 24V for LED strip lighting?

48V LED strip and drivers offer a measurable wiring advantage over 24V: voltage drop occurs at half the rate of 24V at the same wattage over the same cable distance. This means 48V strip can run up to 30 metres from a single feed point on single-colour COB, or 50 metres with a dual feed — distances that are impossible on 24V without visible brightness loss.

For commercial fit-outs, long residential runs, and architectural lighting, 48V is increasingly the professional specification choice across the UK in 2026. The practical benefits affect both installation cost and long-term performance.

Specification	48V System	24V System
Maximum single feed (single colour)	30 metres	20 metres
Maximum dual feed (single colour)	50 metres	Approximately 35 metres
Voltage drop rate (same wattage, same distance)	Half of 24V	Baseline
Cable current (at same wattage)	Lower — thinner cable acceptable	Higher — thicker cable needed
SELV threshold under BS7671	Within 120V DC limit	Within 120V DC limit
Typical use case	Long runs, commercial, architectural	Short runs, residential, retrofit

• Lower current draw: At 48V, the same wattage draws half the current of a 24V system, meaning less heat in cables and connectors.
• Reduced cable cost: Lower current allows the use of thinner cable on long runs, reducing both material cost and installation time.
• Fewer drivers needed: A single 48V driver can feed a 30m run that would require two 24V drivers with junction boxes and additional wiring.

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How do you size a 48V LED driver correctly?

To size a 48V LED driver, multiply the wattage per metre of your chosen strip by the total metres you are installing, then add a minimum 20% headroom. A 10-metre run of 14W/m 48V COB strip draws 140W total, so you need a driver rated at 168W minimum — in practice, select the next standard size up, typically 200W.

Undersizing is the most common driver failure cause we see at ATOM LED. A driver running at or near 100% rated capacity overheats, shortens component life, and often triggers thermal shutdown mid-evening when the room is warmest. Oversizing by 20–30% costs approximately 10–15% more but adds years to the driver's working life.

Strip Length (m)	Strip Wattage (14W/m)	Total Load (W)	Minimum Driver Size (W)	Recommended Driver (W)
5	14W/m	70W	84W	100W
10	14W/m	140W	168W	200W
15	14W/m	210W	252W	300W
20	14W/m	280W	336W	350W
30	14W/m	420W	504W	600W

• Step 1 — strip wattage per metre: Check the product listing for your specific 48V COB strip — wattage per metre varies from approximately 8W/m to 22W/m depending on the LED density and type.
• Step 2 — total length: Measure the full run, including any corners or returns — do not estimate.
• Step 3 — headroom calculation: Multiply total wattage by 1.2 (for 20% headroom) and round up to the next available driver size.
• Step 4 — ambient temperature: If the driver will sit in an enclosed, unventilated space (above a ceiling, inside cabinetry), add 30% headroom instead of 20%.

Need help sizing? Call ATOM LED on 01952 370028 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or email operations@atomled.co.uk with your strip type and total metres — we will confirm the correct driver within one working day.

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Which 48V driver do you need — IP20 or IP67?

Choose IP20 for dry indoor locations such as above kitchen cabinets, inside wardrobes, or in accessible loft spaces. Choose IP67 for any installation exposed to moisture, condensation, or outdoor conditions — bathrooms, external soffits, garden structures, and commercial kitchens all require IP67 as a minimum under BS7671 wiring regulations in 2026.

IP rating is not a preference — it is a safety decision. An IP20 driver installed in a damp environment will corrode internally, potentially creating a fire risk before it fails completely. If there is any doubt about moisture exposure, always select IP67.

• IP20 — dry indoor only: Open-mesh chassis with ventilation slots provides maximum cooling efficiency in dry, accessible locations such as utility cupboards and ceiling voids with adequate airflow.
• IP67 — moisture and outdoor: Fully sealed resin-potted enclosure rated for temporary immersion, suitable for outdoor installations, bathrooms (Zones 1 and 2 with appropriate circuit protection), and areas subject to wash-down or condensation.
• IP65 is not sufficient for UK outdoor use: IP65 provides surface-splash protection only and is not rated for prolonged UK weather exposure under BS7671 — always choose IP67 or IP68 for outdoor 48V driver installations.

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How do you wire a 48V LED driver to COB strip?

Connect the driver's AC input to a fused spur or dedicated circuit, then wire the 48V DC output to your COB strip using the correct polarity — red to positive, black to negative. Always use parallel wiring for multiple strip runs rather than series wiring, as parallel maintains consistent voltage across each run while series multiplies voltage drop.

1. Isolate the mains supply: Switch off the circuit at the consumer unit and lock off before starting any wiring work. Verify the circuit is dead with a voltage tester — never assume.
2. Mount the driver: Fix the driver in a ventilated, accessible location. IP20 drivers must be mounted vertically in dry locations with a minimum 50mm clearance above and below for airflow.
3. Connect the AC mains input: Wire live, neutral, and earth to the driver input terminals from a fused spur or dedicated circuit. Use the correct cable size for the circuit rating — typically 1.5mm twin and earth for up to 300W on a 6A fuse.
4. Connect the 48V DC output: Run 2-core DC cable from the driver output to the strip connection point. Observe polarity — reversing positive and negative will not damage most 48V COB strip but it will not illuminate.
5. Wire in parallel for multiple runs: If feeding two or more strip lengths, connect each run individually back to the driver output terminals rather than daisy-chaining end-to-end. Parallel wiring ensures each run receives a full 48V supply.
6. Test before final fix: Power on the circuit and check the output voltage with a multimeter at the strip connection point. A reading of 47.5–48.5V DC confirms correct operation. Check both ends of the strip — a reading below 46V at the far end indicates excessive voltage drop.
7. Secure all connections: Use appropriate terminal blocks or COB strip connectors — never rely on twisted wire joints. Insulate all exposed connections with heat-shrink or IP-rated junction boxes.

Important: Never power LED strip while it is still coiled on the reel. Coiled strip cannot dissipate heat, leading to adhesive failure, LED damage, and in extreme cases, a fire risk. Always uncoil and mount strip onto an aluminium profile or flat surface before powering on.

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Can you dim a 48V LED driver?

Yes, 48V single-colour COB strip can be dimmed using a 48V PWM dimmer connected between the driver output and the strip, or by using a TRIAC dimmable 48V driver connected to a trailing-edge mains dimmer switch. For RGBW or RGB strip on 48V, always use a non-dimmable constant voltage driver paired with a dedicated RGB/RGBW controller — never a dimmable driver.

Dimming method depends on the strip type and the control interface your client or project requires. Each approach has distinct advantages in 2026 installations.

• PWM dimming (low-voltage side): A 48V-compatible PWM dimmer sits between the driver and the strip. The driver runs at full output while the dimmer modulates the strip. Provides smooth, flicker-free dimming down to approximately 1% on most ATOM LED 48V COB strip.
• TRIAC dimming (mains side): A TRIAC-dimmable 48V driver accepts a phase-cut signal from a trailing-edge wall dimmer. This is the preferred method when the client wants a standard wall dimmer plate without additional low-voltage controls.
• Smart control dimming: Pair a non-dimmable 48V driver with a Skydance or LTech controller for app-based, DALI, or DMX512 dimming control in commercial and architectural projects.
• Trailing-edge, not leading-edge: If using a mains dimmer, always specify trailing-edge. Leading-edge dimmers frequently cause flicker with LED drivers. The trailing-edge fix costs approximately 15 pounds and prevents callback visits.

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What mistakes do buyers make with 48V LED drivers?

The most frequent mistakes are undersizing the driver, using an indoor-rated IP20 unit in a damp location, pairing a dimmable driver with RGBW strip, and mounting the driver in an unventilated enclosure. Each of these shortens the driver's life, voids the warranty, or creates a safety issue that typically surfaces within the first 6–12 months of use.

• Mistake 1 — no headroom: Selecting a 150W driver for a 145W strip load. The driver runs at 96% capacity, overheats nightly, and fails within 12–18 months. Allow 20% headroom as a minimum, 30% in enclosed spaces.
• Mistake 2 — wrong IP rating: Fitting an IP20 driver in a bathroom ceiling void or outside under a porch. Condensation alone will corrode the PCB within a single heating season.
• Mistake 3 — dimmable driver with RGBW: RGBW and RGB strip must be paired with a non-dimmable constant voltage driver and a dedicated controller. Using a dimmable driver causes visible flicker, incorrect colour mixing, and premature LED failure.
• Mistake 4 — series wiring on long runs: Wiring three 5-metre strips end-to-end in series triples the voltage drop. Each run should be wired in parallel back to the driver output for consistent brightness.
• Mistake 5 — mounting on bare metal: Strips must not be mounted directly onto bare metal surfaces without insulation between the strip PCB and the metal, as this causes short circuits and immediate failure.

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Why buy your 48V LED driver from ATOM LED?

ATOM LED stocks every 48V LED driver and transformer in our Telford warehouse, dispatches same-day on orders placed before 2pm on weekdays, and provides free UK delivery on 97% of products. Our technical team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm on 01952 370028 to confirm the correct driver for your project before you buy.

• UK stock, not dropshipped: Every 48V power supply ships from our Telford, Shropshire warehouse — no waiting weeks for overseas shipments in 2026.
• Matched to ATOM LED strip: All drivers are tested with our 48V single-colour COB strip and our dot-free COB range — guaranteed compatibility with no guesswork.
• 5-year warranty: Every 48V constant voltage driver carries a full 5-year warranty when used within its rated specifications.
• Free UK delivery: No minimum order value, no surcharges — free delivery on every 48V LED driver order across the UK.
• Technical support included: Not sure which driver you need? Call 01952 370028, email operations@atomled.co.uk, or browse the full LED driver and transformer range.

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48V LED Driver FAQs

What wattage 48V LED driver do I need?

• Calculate total strip wattage: Multiply the wattage per metre of your strip by the total metres installed.
• Add 20% headroom: Multiply that total by 1.2 and select the next available driver size up.
• Example: 15 metres of 14W/m strip = 210W, multiplied by 1.2 = 252W minimum — select a 300W 48V driver.

Is 48V LED strip safer than mains voltage?

• Significantly reduced shock risk: 48V DC falls within the SELV voltage threshold under BS7671 (120V DC ripple-free maximum), provided it is supplied from a suitably isolated, safety-rated driver.
• Not zero risk: SELV classification means significantly reduced shock risk under dry conditions — it does not mean no shock risk under all circumstances, particularly in wet environments.

Can I use a 24V driver with 48V strip?

• No — voltage mismatch causes failure: A 24V driver supplies half the required voltage, and the strip will not illuminate correctly or at all.
• Always match voltage exactly: 48V strip requires a 48V constant voltage driver — there is no workaround.

Where should I mount a 48V LED driver?

• Accessible, ventilated location: Drivers generate heat under load and require airflow for cooling — a minimum 50mm clearance above and below for IP20 units.
• Never in sealed, unventilated boxes: Enclosing an IP20 driver without airflow raises operating temperature and shortens component life significantly.

How far can 48V strip run from one driver?

• Single feed: Up to 30 metres on ATOM LED 48V single-colour COB strip from a single connection point.
• Dual feed: Up to 50 metres when powered from both ends simultaneously, eliminating visible voltage drop across the full length.

Do I need a 48V driver for outdoor LED strip?

• Yes — use an IP67-rated 48V driver: Outdoor installations require a sealed, weatherproof driver rated IP67 or higher to protect against moisture ingress and temperature cycling.
• IP65 is not sufficient: IP65 provides surface-splash protection only and does not meet BS7671 requirements for outdoor or exposed installations in UK conditions.

Can I use a dimmable 48V driver with RGBW strip?

• No — use a non-dimmable driver with an RGB controller: RGBW and RGB 48V strip must be powered by a non-dimmable constant voltage driver, with dimming and colour control handled by a dedicated RGBW controller.
• Dimmable drivers cause problems: Pairing a dimmable driver with RGBW strip causes flicker, colour shift, and premature LED failure.

What is the difference between a 48V LED driver and a 48V transformer?

• Functionally identical for LED strip: In the LED strip market, "48V LED driver," "48V transformer," and "48V power supply" all describe a mains-to-48V DC constant voltage converter.
• Legacy naming: "Transformer" is a term carried over from halogen lighting — for 48V LED strip, the correct technical term is "constant voltage LED driver," but all three terms refer to the same product in 2026.

How long do 48V LED drivers last?

• Typically 40,000–60,000 hours: Quality 48V drivers are rated for approximately 40,000 to 60,000 operating hours at rated load in a ventilated environment, which equates to roughly 10–15 years at 10 hours per day.
• Headroom extends life: Running a driver at 70–80% of its maximum rated capacity significantly extends component life compared with running at 95–100%.

Does ATOM LED offer free delivery on 48V drivers?

• Yes — free UK delivery on 97% of products: All 48V LED drivers ship free anywhere in the UK with no minimum order value, dispatched from our Telford warehouse.
• Same-day dispatch: Orders placed before 2pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same working day.

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Why choose ATOM LED for your LED lighting project?

ATOM LED is a UK-based LED lighting specialist stocking every product in our Telford warehouse. We do not dropship from overseas suppliers. Free UK delivery on 97% of products, with typical delivery in 1 to 3 working days, backed by a 5-year warranty on all COB DC voltage strip lights.

• Cut technology: Cut ATOM LED strip at any point without voiding the warranty — no need to find cut marks in tight spaces.
• CRI90+ on all COB strip: Colours render naturally under ATOM LED strip, making it suitable for kitchens, retail displays, and any application where colour accuracy matters.
• Technical team available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm: Call 01952 370028 or email operations@atomled.co.uk for help with voltage selection, driver sizing, IP ratings, and installation planning.
• UK stock, not dropshipped: Every product ships from our Telford warehouse. No overseas lead times, no customs delays, no uncertainty on delivery dates.
• 20m single feed on 24V, 30m on 48V: Longer single-feed runs than most UK competitors, reducing the number of drivers and feed points required in large installations.

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Related Collections

• complete driver range
• 24V LED drivers
• 48V single colour COB strip
• extra-long 48V COB strip
• 48V-compatible controllers

Last reviewed: March 2026 — ATOM LED technical team, Telford, Shropshire. Specifications current as of 2026.

🏭 UK LED specialist, Telford, Shropshire  ·  ☎️ 01952 370028  ·  🚚 Free UK delivery on 97% of products