How I Tackled Voltage Drop in Long-Run LED Strips for My DIY Projects

Source: Dev.to

The Issue: Voltage Drop Over Long Distances

When working with long‑run LED strips (e.g., 20 m, 30 m, or 50 m), voltage drop becomes a major concern. As the strip length increases, the LEDs at the far end can dim, flicker, or even fail entirely. Maintaining consistent brightness across the entire length is crucial for lighting systems, smart‑home projects, and addressable‑LED applications.

The Solution: Single‑Ended Power Supply LED Strips

Switching to LED strips designed for long runs with a single‑ended power supply helps maintain uniform voltage, even over extended distances.

Main Benefits

• No Voltage Drop – Uniform brightness with no dimming or flickering at the far end.
• Single‑Power Supply Setup – Eliminates the need for multiple power injection points, simplifying wiring.
• Easy Customization – Standard cutting points allow you to trim the strip to any length without affecting performance.
• Versatile Color Options – Available in white, RGB, and other color variants to suit project requirements.

My Experience: DIY Smart Lighting Project

I used these long‑run LED strips in a DIY smart‑home lighting setup integrated with an Arduino. The project spanned multiple rooms, requiring consistent illumination throughout.

Setup Details

• LED Strips: 30‑meter strips covering large sections of the home.
• Controller: Arduino board handling motion‑sensor input and smartphone control.
• Power Supply: Single‑ended supply delivering stable voltage with no noticeable brightness loss.

Why This Matters for Developers

For IoT devices, smart‑home installations, or large‑scale lighting projects, voltage drop can be a significant headache. Long‑run LED strips with single‑ended power supplies provide a simple, reliable, and scalable solution.

Questions for the Community

• Have you encountered voltage‑drop issues with LED strips? What solutions worked for you?
• Any recommendations for controlling long‑run LED strips with microcontrollers such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi?
• Thoughts on integrating these strips into larger open‑source home‑automation systems?

Feel free to share your tips, experiences, or cool projects!

Happy making, and keep coding! 💡