Power as a Whole
Understanding the limitations and requirements of electrical units is crucial. In the article, we provide some background and an answer to, “how to choose the right transformer?” At MOD, many of our power and lighting solutions are designed to be plug-and-play, but understanding how to pair them is vital.
Defining the Outputs
Let’s start with some key definitions:
- Volts: The pressure of electrical power.
- Amps: The rate at which electrical current flows through the circuit.
- Watts: The total power a device needs; Volts * Amps = Watts.
The equation can be rearranged as A = W/V and V = W/A.
A useful analogy for Volts, Amps, and Watts is water flowing through a pipe. Volts represent the water pressure entering the system (by, for instance, a valve), Amps describe the flow rate through the system of pipes, and Watts measure the volume of water that flows out of the pipe into a bucket.
The Pressure is On with Volts
In the U.S., voltage for electrical appliances ranges from 110–120V at 60 Hz. If your appliances come from a country with different voltage, you’ll need a power converter. An adapter alone may not be enough. For example, a 220V appliance won’t work properly when plugged into a 120V outlet due to insufficient voltage. Conversely, plugging a 110 or 120V appliance into a 220V outlet could fry the components, cause overheating, or even start a fire. Many appliances in the U.S. and Canada carry UL certification, indicating they are rated and approved for safety.
Watts In Context
Watts is a simple way to express the power requirements of products, which is why our power receptacles list wattage. While Apple hasn’t released specific figures, online tests suggest the newest iPhone can charge at a maximum of around 20 Watts. For comparison, their original charger cubes provided only 5 Watts. Our Aficionado can charge up to 18 Watts on the USB-A and 45 Watts on the USB-C, providing an option near most phones’ maximum charge rate in USB-A and one that will charge your phone at its maximum speed in USB-C. Charging between 20–30 Watts makes only a minor difference, usually just a few minutes when charging from 0–100%. Don’t worry about overheating; your phone will regulate its power intake. Additionally, the 45-watt USB-C is enough to power most laptops using a USB-C connection.
Choosing the Right Transformer for Lighting
For virtually any power set-up, leaving a 20% buffer is wise, using only 80% of a transformer’s maximum capacity. To find the right transformer, multiply the total wattage of your lights by 1.2. For example, if you have 10 LED strips with a capacity of 10 Watts each, you’ll need 100 Watts of power. To maintain the 20% buffer, choose a transformer capable of 120 Watts.
Learning to choose the right transformer is sometimes left for professionals, consulting an electrician or starting with our Lighting Specialist is often a smart move. We hope this overview helps you grasp the basics of essential electrical units. To speak with our Lighting Specialist about the best products and transformers for your project, call the number below:
