12V LED Driver

A 12V LED driver converts mains 230V AC to safe 12V DC output for powering LED strip lights, neon flex, and puck lights. 12V is the standard voltage for vehicle, caravan, boat, and battery-powered LED installations. For new fixed installations in homes and commercial spaces, consider 24V or 48V drivers which offer lower voltage drop on longer runs.

ATOM LED stocks 12V drivers from 20W to 300W in IP20 (indoor) and IP67 (outdoor/wet) housings. Free UK delivery from our Telford warehouse.

12V Constant Voltage · IP20 & IP67 · 20W–300W · Free UK Delivery · ATOM LED

When should you choose a 12V driver over 24V or 48V?

Choose 12V when your LED strip is specifically rated for 12V operation, when the installation runs from a 12V battery (motorhomes, caravans, boats, solar systems), or when you are matching existing 12V infrastructure. For new mains-powered fixed installations, 24V or 48V is preferred as they deliver the same brightness with lower current draw and less voltage drop.

How do you calculate the right 12V driver wattage?

Multiply your strip wattage per metre by the total length in metres, then add 20 percent headroom. A 3-metre run of 9.6W/m strip draws 28.8W — select a minimum 35W driver. Never run a driver at more than 80 percent of its rated capacity.

What is the maximum run length on 12V?

12V strip has the highest voltage drop of any common LED voltage. Maximum recommended single-feed runs are typically 5 to 8 metres depending on wattage. Beyond this, visible brightness drop occurs at the far end. For runs over 5 metres, consider upgrading to 24V which doubles the run length, or 48V for runs up to 30 metres.

Frequently asked questions — 12V LED drivers

• Can I use a 12V driver with 24V strip?
  • No. The driver voltage must match the strip voltage exactly. A 12V driver on 24V strip will produce dim, unusable light. A 24V driver on 12V strip will destroy the LEDs.
• Do I need a dimmable or non-dimmable 12V driver?
  • For single-colour strip with a wall dimmer: TRIAC dimmable + trailing-edge dimmer. For RGB/RGBW: non-dimmable + dedicated controller. For no dimming: non-dimmable (simpler, cheaper).
• Can I use a 12V driver in a caravan?
  • If the caravan has mains hookup (230V), yes — the driver converts mains to 12V. If running from the leisure battery (already 12V), you do not need a driver — connect the strip directly to the battery via a fuse and switch.
• Which IP rating for bathroom?
  • IP67 minimum for the driver. Locate the driver outside bathroom wet zones. IP65 is not suitable for bathroom wet zones under BS7671.
• Does ATOM LED offer free delivery?
  • Yes. Free UK delivery on all orders. UK stock, Telford warehouse, 1-3 days. Call 01952 370028.
• What warranty do ATOM LED drivers carry?
  • 5-year warranty on all drivers. Email operations@atomled.co.uk for warranty support.

Why choose ATOM LED?

UK stock, free delivery, 5-year warranty, technical support Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Call 01952 370028.

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