Hey everyone! I'm planning to install an LED strip light under my kitchen cabinet, and I have a quick question. When it comes to connecting the on/off switch, should I place it before the power supply or after it? I'd love to hear about the pros and cons of each option. Thanks a lot!
2 Answers
I recommend putting the switch before the power supply. AC switches are easier to find and you can size them properly for your needs. A typical light switch can handle around 15A, while a 500W load at 120V is only about 4.1A. Just remember, if you're working with LEDs on a 12V system, the current is significantly higher, so do your calculations!
It's generally better to connect the switch before the power supply. Power converters do use a tiny bit of power all the time and can potentially fail, whereas switches are simpler and less likely to cause issues. Just keep in mind that if you switch it on, there might be a little delay before your lights actually turn on.
Thanks for the tip! I’m using 6 watts per meter on 3 meters of LED strip, so that's 18 watts total at 12V DC. I’ll be working with 220 volts—what kind of specs should I look for in a switch? How many Amps or watts would be safe?