Difference – Isolated and Non-Isolated LED Driver
Isolated LED Driver:
In an isolated LED driver the Input (AC side) & Output (LED side) are separated by power transformer which provides galvanic isolation. Isolated power supply transform the 110/220V AC voltage to the lower voltage by means of an isolation transformer. The primary and secondary coils of transformer are not electrical connected by a wire, track etc. This topology can pass high voltage test. The advantage of this transformer is that any disturbance on primary side of the circuit is not directly passed onto output side. So, the output (LED’s) gets some degree of protection against transients and surges occurring on the primary side.
The disadvantages of this configuration is higher cost. Also, the transformer leads to a few points loss of efficiency.
It is suitable for indoor lighting such as living room, bedroom, some lighting corridor. One also has an option of making these lights smart by using mobile apps which can remotely turn on/off or dim. Further sensors can be used to detect presence/absence of a person and lights can be switched off for additional power savings.
Non-Isolated LED Driver
In a non-isolated LED driver, there is no power transformer. Non-isolated refers that output terminal and the input terminal are directly electrical connected.
The lack of transformer isolation in non-isolated circuitry, means that the LEDs are more susceptible to damage by surge coming from the AC mains as a result of load switching transients or disturbance on primary side.
Consequently, surge protection components are needed on both the AC and DC sides to provide adequate surge immunity effectively.
Non-isolated LED driver is higher on power efficiency than isolated LED driver due to the fact that transformer losses are avoided.
Conclusively, isolated or non-isolated LED driver have their own advantages and disadvantages. Based on the functional and safety requirements one should decide the topology to be used. Pyrotech provides both types of solution to meet customer needs.