Products Tested In-House
Choosing The Right LED Driver: Mean Well
When specifying a power supply for a lighting project, long-term reliability is essential.
Mean Well is one of the most widely used and trusted driver manufacturers, with products specified across architectural, commercial, and industrial lighting.
This article introduces the Mean Well range supplied by Ultra LEDs, covering the ELG, UHP, HLG, XLG, LPV, APV, NPF, and LRS series.
It outlines key differences between each, where they’re best applied, and what to consider when selecting a model, including load handling, housing type, IP rating, and installation conditions.
Why Driver Selection Matters In LED Installations
Choosing the right driver directly impacts system reliability. The model must match the LED voltage and wattage, support the control method in use, and suit the available space or enclosure.
Incorrect specification is a leading cause of system failure. Common issues include flickering from incompatible dimming methods, tripped breakers due to high inrush current, thermal shutdowns from poor ventilation, and instability from overloaded or underloaded circuits.
Mean Well drivers help reduce these risks through robust design and long-life performance. But, like any driver, they must be properly specified.
Each series in the Mean Well range is built to support different installation conditions, control requirements, and enclosure formats.
Who Are Mean Well?
Mean Well is a global manufacturer with over 40 years of experience producing high-performance LED drivers.
Their products are widely used in commercial, architectural, and industrial applications, selected for their reliability, consistency, and broad compatibility.
The range includes constant voltage and constant current models in multiple formats, from slim internal units to IP-rated drivers for environments where exposure to moisture may occur.
Ultra LEDs have supplied Mean Well products since 2023 and continue to support specifiers with hands-on guidance, stock availability, and technical advice.
Specifying The Right Driver
Selecting the correct driver from the Mean Well range depends on the needs of your system and environment. Consider the following factors:
- Voltage Type: Determine whether the application requires constant voltage or constant current output.
- Power Load: Aim for operation within 70–90% of the driver’s rated output to maintain stability and lifespan.
- Control Compatibility: Match the driver to the dimming or control protocol used in the system (e.g. 0–10V, PWM, DALI).
- Thermal Conditions: Check ambient temperature and ventilation access to avoid thermal shutdown or performance loss.
- Enclosure and Mounting: Confirm the required IP rating and check the space available in housings, joinery, or sealed areas.
- Inrush Current: For larger systems, review peak current draw to prevent tripping breakers or damaging circuits.
Ultra LEDs provide installation advice and technical guidance to help ensure each driver is matched correctly to its application.
Understanding The Mean Well Range
Mean Well offers various driver series tailored to different lighting installations. Each series provides a specific combination of voltage type, power range, IP rating, and dimming compatibility to suit different applications, from compact joinery to large-scale external systems.
APV Series
- Available in 12V & 24V
- Reliable entry-level CV models
- Not IP-rated (IP30)
- 2-year warranty
- Used for basic setups and budget-conscious installs
LPV Series
- 12V, 24V & 48V constant voltage
- IP67-rated for wet zones
- Fixed output models
- 2-year warranty
- Common in signage and simple exterior runs
ELG Series
- 12V, 24V & 48V in CV & CC formats
- Supports 0–10V, PWM, and DALI (ELG-D)
- IP67 for internal and external installs
- 5-year warranty
- Flexible across commercial and architectural installs
HLG Series
- CV & CC models up to 1000W
- 0–10V, PWM, or DALI (HLG-D)
- Robust thermal performance
- IP65/IP67 rated
- Designed for complex or demanding architectural systems
NPF Series
- Up to 100W constant voltage
- 0–10V dimming
- IP67-rated
- 3-year warranty
- Suited for compact, sealed systems
XLG Series
- CV & CC options in compact formats
- 0–10V and PWM dimming
- Slimline for confined housings
- 5-year warranty
- Ideal for high-volume and architectural use
FAQs
Which Mean Well drivers support DALI?
ELG-D and HLG-D models support DALI dimming and are suitable for installations requiring digital addressability.
Can LRS be sealed inside an enclosure?
No. LRS drivers require airflow for safe operation. For sealed setups, use an IP-rated driver only if the enclosure is well-ventilated to avoid thermal issues.
Why do LEDs flicker after dimming?
Flickering is usually caused by incompatible dimmers or incorrect driver loading. Ensure the driver supports the chosen dimming method and is specified correctly.
What is the safe load percentage?
Drivers should operate at 70–90% of their rated wattage to maintain performance and longevity.
Need to Match a Driver to Your Install?
Explore the full Mean Well range or contact our technical team for support selecting the right model based on load, control type and installation conditions.
Ultra LEDs also stocks a wide range of drivers from LTECH, Sunricher, Tagra and other leading manufacturers.
Get in touch with UltraLEDs today
Explore the full Mean Well range for commercial, architectural and controlled lighting systems.
Contact us for support specifying the right model.
Keep Up To Date
Don’t miss out on any fantastic offers or important news by subscribing to our FREE Exclusive Newsletter.
Your data will be held in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found here.
You will receive an email to confirm your subscription.