Voltage drop is a natural occurrence in low-voltage lighting systems. It is the gradual decrease in voltage that occurs along the length of power feed wires to the LED lights, and varies depending on the type and size of the LED tape light installation. It is a function of wire length, wire thickness and the energy or total watts used by the LED lights.

Voltage drop only becomes undesirable if you notice the brightness in one area of your LED lighting is objectionably different than in another area. LED light color and brightness are best when power feed wires from the power supply to the LED strip, or array of strips, is delivering as close to the 12V or 24V voltage of the LED tape light as possible. With longer lengths of LED tape lighting, voltage drop also occurs along the tape light. As a practical approach, test your lighting prior to final installation.

If voltage drop appears to be a concern, shorten your power feed wires or switch to a heavier gauge wire (lower AWG number), or shorten the length of your LED tape lighting. You can also consider using an additional 24 volt or 12 volt power supply to create a second, separate installation. Armacost Lighting has a wide assortment of LED Strip Light Wire and LED Power Supplies.