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I have a 33 V, 0.8 A constant voltage LED driver (see picture below, the item no. is GL-1201C-8 if that helps) which no longer works. I searched online but can't find it for an acceptable price.

enter image description here

I understand the difference between a constant-current driver and a constant-voltage driver but I can't find out if I can use a driver with slightly different specs like this one (summary: output 36 W, 36 V DC, 1 A)

Can you help me on that?

Can I use a constant current driver instead of a constant voltage driver? I think I can't in this case, is that correct?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Q2: Depends. Is the operating current of the constant voltage load within the adjustable range of your CC supply? If you are uncertain - don’t. \$\endgroup\$
    – winny
    Commented Jul 24, 2020 at 16:24
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    \$\begingroup\$ What are the specifications of the LEDs? \$\endgroup\$
    – Elliot Alderson
    Commented Jul 24, 2020 at 17:57
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    \$\begingroup\$ It depends on how your LEDs are wired. If constant current of 0.8A was used, then you need another CC 0.8A, not a CV. \$\endgroup\$
    – Marko Buršič
    Commented Jul 24, 2020 at 17:59

1 Answer 1

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A replacement constant current driver should be both of the following:

  1. Rated for the same or lower current
  2. Rated for the same or larger voltage range

In this case the voltage range of the new constant current driver would need to extend to at least 33V and significantly lower (no lower limit is given on the old driver) and it should be no more than 0.8 A (with lower drive currents making the light dimmer).

The linked replacement is not a constant current LED driver, so it will not work.

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