VARICART LED Driver 12V 12W Dimmable TRIAC LED Transformer
VARICART LED Driver 12V 12W Dimmable TRIAC LED Transformer 240V to 12V DC 1A, Constant Voltage Power Supply Adaptor, Low Voltage Transformers for LED Strip Lights Cabinet Lights G4 MR11 MR16 Bulbs
From the brand
Dimmable LED Transformer
| Weight: | 50 g |
| Size: | 12V 1A 12W |
| Dimensions: | 10 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm; 50 Grams |
| Part: | T12V12WP1 |
| Colour: | Pack of 1 |
| Batteries Required: | No |
| Batteries Included: | No |
| Manufacture: | VARICART |
| Dimensions: | 10 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm; 50 Grams |
| Reference: | T12V12WP1 |
| Size: | 12V 1A 12W |
Used to convert light fitting from halogen to LED. Easy to swap over. Occasionally flickers at maximum brightness but a small adjustment on the dimmer stops it, so not really a problem.
The device is smaller than I anticipated which is fine because it is a replacement for an old style halogen dimmer. It dims new LEDs without flicker, and all is working well after two weeks.
Seems to be a good dimmer for LED. Would have liked extra terminals for output as seen on some of their other transformers. But I have connected two wires comfortably from V- and V+.
Got this to replace 2 drivers we had on our kitchen LED lights, this driver has quite a current high output of 6.6 amps or 80watt, this will easily drive LED strips, we have approx 5 meters of LED cool with strip lighting under our kitchen cabinets and this driver works fine. The driver is easy to wire, just has mains input one end and 12vdc output at the other. Please remember if you are not competent with mains electricity and wiring colours then please consult a qualified electrician .
This driver can be used with any 12 volt LED lighting system, the driver also has another very useful purpose that being as a power supply for 12vdc electronics, car radios, electronic project or replacing a 12 volt DC PSU within the drivers rating, I notice that the driver should not be constantly used at full capacity (6.6amp@12VDC) the manufacturers recommend 80% current loading for life longevity.
I’ve used LED drivers in the past and have had to replace electrolytic capacitors within them drivers on numerous occasions, I hoping this is not going to be the case with this driver.
I got the VARICART IP44 12V 6.66A 80W LED Driver to replace a 60W driver I had for a 60W COB LED strip because the 60W driver was getting too hot after the LEDs were run at full power for a short time (under an hour), so I had to reduce the current with the dimmer. It was fortuitous that I was able to get the VARICART 80W Driver to review as this kept the load at less than 80% of the driver’s maximum capacity and the driver only got warm, not hot.
The reason I had bought the 60W driver was that there is a big price increase in going from a 60W to 80W driver with otherwise the same spec, so I was prepared to reduce the output with the dimmer for the sake of economy.
The VARICART driver performs well and lets me safely run the LEDs at full power when I want to. Although overall this driver is a good quality device, I had an issue with the removal of the plastic input-side cover and had to prize it off due to moulding burrs on the inside of the cover. I filed them off and after wiring up the driver, the cover went back on without difficulty. Because of this and the price of this driver, I am deducting one star to give an overall rating of 4 stars.
Changing from 12 volt tungsten halogen to AC compatible LED lighting may not require changing the existing transformer to an LED driver. However, if the LEDs start to flicker or stop working, a change will be necessary. I had one set of kitchen under-cupboard LEDs that would not work with a halogen transformer, and a smaller installation that would. This LED driver is rated at up to 40 watts, it can be used on a triac dimming circuit, has a power factor in excess of 0.95 with an efficiency exceeding 85% and, is classified as SELV. So far, so good.
Installation
With the words LED Driver at the top, the mains connection is on the left and the LED connection is on the right; these are shown by small graphics printed on the driver case. I suggest that the mains connetion end is marked by coloured insulation tape or something than can be clearly seen. I installed another manufacturer’s LED driver on top of a kitchen cabinet and didn’t have a good view of the driver: I connected the mains to the LEV connection and that was the end of that one. Before you take out the terminal cover screws, put it on a flat surface. The cover screws are short, not captive and, as the cover needs upward persuassion, will propel the screws to somwhere you can’t find them. For the same reason, install the driver on a flat accessible surface (not the ceiling). The distance between the cover and terminals means the cable sheath won’t fit within the cover (more of an issue on the mains voltage side). The cable slot in the terminal covers is hardly good design and on the mains side, may need to be enlarged so that the short cover secrews can be secured. There are three terminals on the mains side, but the centre one is not to be sused for the cpc (earth). As with many things, it would be better if installers and users had input into the design process.
I’ve connected this up inside my garage to the supply for some 12V garden lights. The 20W maximum output is perfect for powering four 1.5W LED lamps and means that there’s plenty of margin available if I want to upgrade these to 4W lamps at some point in the future.
The driver seems very sturdy and well made compared to the one I previously used and substantially smaller in size, measuring only 11cm long. It’s considerably heavier though and the casing seems robust and well made too, as do the screws holding the terminal covers on. There are two panel mounting points, making it easy to attach to vertical or horizontal surfaces.
There is plenty of space to wire in my 20 AWG cable and the screws fasten down well although you’ll need this as there’s no cable grip; an omission I would have like to have seen fitted. In operation, it works well with no flicker or noise and so far, everything is working as it should.
It seems like a good quality driver and I’ll update this review if it fails to live up to expectations.
Does what it says on the tin. Used this to power several lengths of led strip light in our new kitchen. Nice and stable, flicker free and dimmable to boot.
Used this to install undercounter LED strips. Easy to install, works fine so far but I haven’t tested the dimming function yet. Be sure to check what wattage you need for your LED strip length. I also found that the 20W option on a short section had a slower response time than the 40W one.
It’s tiny so doesn’t take up much space.
I was concerned about the installation at first but the wires connect fine.
Good insulationand feels safe. Love the way it dims. Smooth and with a good range.