I. Feasibility of Dual-End Power Supply for LED Strip Lights
Low-voltage strip lights (12V/24V)
Feasible but with strict conditions: Theoretically, dual-end power supply is supported, but the following conditions must be met:
- The output voltages of the power supplies at both ends are exactly the same (e.g., both 12V);
- The power supplies are in strict phase synchronization to avoid current 对冲 that may damage the lamp beads;
- Parallel connection is adopted, and series connection is prohibited (otherwise, voltage superposition will burn out the circuit).
Practical limitations: Due to the high requirements for power supply synchronization technology, most manufacturers do not recommend self-operation.
High-voltage strip lights (220V)
Dual-end power supply is prohibited: High-voltage strip lights are designed with single-end incoming line, and dual-end power connection will damage the internal rectifier circuit, leading to the risk of short circuit or fire.
II. Operation Method of Dual-End Power Supply (Only for Low-Voltage Strip Lights)
Wiring steps:
- Operate with power off and prepare power supplies of the same specification (with the same output voltage);
- Connect the positive and negative poles of power supply A to the positive and negative poles of the left end of the strip light respectively, and connect power supply B to the positive and negative poles of the right end;
- Ensure all interfaces are insulated (e.g., using insulating tape);
- Confirm that there is no physical contact between the two ends of the strip light before power-on testing.
Alternative solutions:
PD protocol chip solution: Adopt chips such as ECP5701/ECP5702 to realize intelligent dual-end power taking through Type-C interface, which can automatically match 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V voltages without manual power supply synchronization.
III. Precautions and Risks
| Risk Type | Specific Description |
| Power supply asynchrony | Differences in output voltage or phase between the two power supplies will cause current hedge，resulting in overheating and damage of lamp beads. |
| Wrong wiring | Wrong connection of live wire/neutral wire to the same terminal pin will cause short circuit; positive and negative poles must be strictly distinguished in DC systems. |
| Hidden dangers of long-distance power supply | For strip lights longer than 5 meters, the voltage drop at the end is obvious, and a boost power supply or segment controller is needed instead of blindly using dual-end power supply. |
| Limitations of special strip lights | RGB strip lights are strictly prohibited from dual-end power supply because they need controllers to coordinate colors. |
IV. Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual-End Power Supply
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Uniform brightness: Eliminates long-distance voltage drop and avoids dimming at the end. | High technical requirements: Power supply synchronization is difficult to achieve, and it is easy for ordinary users to make mistakes. |
| Redundant power supply: When one power supply fails, the other can maintain partial brightness. | Great safety hazards: Improper operation may cause short circuit, fire and other risks. |
| Suitable for special scenarios: Such as ultra-long strip lights (requires professional design support). | Increased cost: Additional power supplies and testing equipment are needed. |
�� Reference for innovative solutions: The ECP5702 chip supports touch dimming, and can switch 5V/9V/12V output in real time by adjusting the TP pin voltage, realizing the cycle of “off – low brightness – high brightness”. Brightness adjustment can be completed without disconnecting the power supply, taking into account both safety and convenience.
V. Summary and Suggestions
Prioritize single-end power supply: Single-end wiring is the safest and most reliable in conventional scenarios, especially for high-voltage strip lights, which must be followed.
Solutions for long-distance:
- Select boost power supplies or segment controllers;
- Adopt PD protocol chip solutions (such as ECP5701) to realize intelligent dual-end power supply.
Strictly prohibited operations:
- Dual-end power connection for high-voltage strip lights;
- Dual-end power connection for RGB strip lights;
- Self-modification of circuits without confirming compatibility.
Growling Weekly recommendations(IP68 LED Driver)
Contact info@szgrowling.com to get newst offer sheets now:)
