Power supply for 9x BXEB-L1120Z-50E4000-C-B3

[jon]

Good point on the effiency.
So I ended up ordering exactly what you initially suggested, including the driver and lux meter. I guess I was just being paranoid with the safety concerns but better be safe than sorry! SELV rating is a good reference.

Final parts list:
1x BENETECH GM1010 (lux meter)
1x 1866-XLG-150-H-AB-ND (meanwell driver)
9x BXEB-L1120Z-50E4000-C-B3 (4ft led strips)
9x Flat steel 4ft strips + heatsink adhesive (couldn't find aluminum in black so I went with steel)
18awg wires
100k ohm potentiometer
IP68 waterproof wire connectors
South Shore Gimetri 5-Shelf Shelving Unit

I will post some photos once I receive my order and assemble everything.
Thanks again!

[jon]

Just one last question - what is the minimum AWG size for the input AC cable of the HLG-150-H-AB?

I usually take a standard computer power cable (used for a monitor or computer power supply) and connect it to the meanwell driver's input cable. But I noticed that the input AC cable is larger on the HLG-150-H-AB compared to my other drivers, so I just want to confirm.

I can't measure the exact AWG size, but here's a photo of the cable I was planing to use next to the driver AC cable. My cable is a bit smaller than the driver's cable.
Photo: http://prntscr.com/xol3iv

I used the exact same AC cable on 3x HLG-240H-C1400B and also on another project with 2x HLG-240H-C2100B

[PeteR_1]

Just one last question - what is the minimum AWG size for the input AC cable of the HLG-150-H-AB?

I usually take a standard computer power cable (used for a monitor or computer power supply) and connect it to the meanwell driver's input cable. But I noticed that the input AC cable is larger on the HLG-150-H-AB compared to my other drivers, so I just want to confirm.

I can't measure the exact AWG size, but here's a photo of the cable I was planing to use next to the driver AC cable. My cable is a bit smaller than the driver's cable.
Photo: http://prntscr.com/xol3iv

I used the exact same AC cable on 3x HLG-240H-C1400B and also on another project with 2x HLG-240H-C2100B

From the MeanWell Datasheets;
1. HLG-150H "INPUT AC Current"; 1.7A / 115VAC, 0.75A / 230VAC, 0.7A / 277VAC
2. HLG-240H "INPUT AC Current"; 4A / 115VAC, 2A / 230VAC, 1.2A / 277VAC
3. HLG-320H "INPUT AC Current"; 3.5A / 115VAC, 1.65A / 230VAC, 1.45A / 277VAC
4. HLG-480H "INPUT AC Current"; 5A / 115VAC, 2.45A / 230VAC, 2A / 277VAC
5. HLG-600H "INPUT AC Current"; 7A / 115VAC, 3.3A / 230VAC, 2.9A / 277VAC

Computer cords are typically rated; 10 amps at 16-18 AWG, 15 amps at 14-16 AWG and a maximum of 250 volts
I use 16 AWG (13Amps / 120VAC) and 14 AWG (15Amps / 120VAC) 3-Wire extension cords as the AC and sometimes "Primary" DC (Remote Driver location) hook-up cable.
The Wire's insulation material and thickness can also vary by the rated Voltage (usually up to 600V).

[jon]

I bought 16AWG wires on amazon with a wire gauge tester, but the wire I received is labelled as 16-19 and it looks like it could be smaller than 20AWG ... should I return it and buy something else?
Picture here: http://prntscr.com/xzvelz
Amazon listing said 16 gauge: https://amzn.to/3jczhhR

[PeteR_1]

I bought 16AWG wires on amazon with a wire gauge tester, but the wire I received is labelled as 16-19 and it looks like it could be smaller than 20AWG ... should I return it and buy something else?
Picture here: http://prntscr.com/xzvelz
Amazon listing said 16 gauge: https://amzn.to/3jczhhR

According to the Specs it’s 16 AWG, 19 Strand, 60 Vdc / 25 Vac, PVC Insulated wire... If that doesn’t meet your requirements then yes, it should be replaced.

[Shimbob]

I believe to use the wire gage, (1) the wire must be stripped, you don't include the insulation, and (2) it's not the round hole that measures but the gap.

[jon]

I believe to use the wire gage, (1) the wire must be stripped, you don't include the insulation, and (2) it's not the round hole that measures but the gap.

Oops LOL pardon my complete ignorance, the wire gage came without instructions.
After testing the stripped wire in the gap (not the hole) it seems to be really 16AWG (or maybe 17AWG)

According to the Specs it’s 16 AWG, 19 Strand, 60 Vdc / 25 Vac, PVC Insulated wire... If that doesn’t meet your requirements then yes, it should be replaced.

I'm not sure how to determine if it meets the requirements for my XLG-150-H-AB driver. If it doesn't, can you please tell me which one I should buy? If it's not available on Amazon Canada I can go to my local electrician

[PeteR_1]

I'm not sure how to determine if it meets the requirements for my XLG-150-H-AB driver. If it doesn't, can you please tell me which one I should buy? If it's not available on Amazon Canada I can go to my local electrician

I’m unclear as to the use of the 16 AWG Black Wire so can’t comment on its suitability.

The LED Strip Connectors use 18 AWG max wire and most often Solid wire is recommended. This is a typical 300V insulation, 18 AWG, Solid Wire...

As mentioned, extending The Driver’s DC wire/cable can be done with 14 or 16 AWG Extension Cord or SJ Cord If available (usually 300V rated). The VAC side uses the same type Cords, Extension or SJ.

[jon]

So after wiring up everything, wife is not so happy with parallel wiring for this specific use case. The reason is that it requires a lot more wire connectors than series wiring, so the final result is messy.
Here's how it looks before hanging the strips: http://prntscr.com/zgrh1i
I was planing to replace those 3-pin wire connector with T-shaped ones but it still wouldn't be perfect

In comparison, my other setup with series wiring looks much cleaner with less wires:
http://prntscr.com/zgs6ua

So my question is: does the HLG-150-H-AB support series wiring or only parallel?

Unless I am missing something I think it would be a good idea to switch to series wiring just for the look of it

[Shimbob]

Unfortunately there is no way to connect those particular strips in series on this driver. You could try using wagos with more holes in them to reduce the number of wagos and make it easier to hide them.