Stupid DIY led wiring question

[Zeither18]

I recently purchased 120 3w LEDs and 2 mean well clg-150-48b drivers. I am wanting to run 5 strands of 12 LEDs on each driver in parallel. I have been researching this for many hours a day trying to find a detailed description as I don't want to burn anything up let alone have to re-solder 48 LEDs if I wire them incorrectly. I have a basic understanding of parallel but my only personal thought would be to have point of sale. and neg. from the driver go to the point of sale. and neg. of one side of the star and point of sale. and neg from the other side of the star to the same on the next star for 12 LEDs 5 seperate times. I don't know how far off I am but a simple drawing or diagram would more then beneficial. I found them but the don't describe the point of sale and neg connections very well which makes me feel even more like an idiot that I should have already known this. Lol. I just stare at this now and want to get started. Any help appreciated and thank u in advance, zac

 

[cparka23]

The + from the driver should go to the + of 5 LEDs. The 12 LEDs in each row will be connected plus to minus from LED to LED.

When connecting + from driver to + of LED, it really doesn't matter how you do it as long as you don't reverse the polarity (putting the plus of the driver to the minus of the LED or vice versa). The LED + pads are all connected, and the - pads are likewise.

I tried putting a text drawing, but the board messed up the formatting. ReefLEDlights has a good wiring illustration on their webpage if you'd like to double check.

 

[cparka23]

I should add that the pics are a little too small to clearly show how the pads are marked. In the illustration, the top left pad of each LED is + and the bottom right is a -.

 

[Zeither18]

Thank u for your quick response. I have seen that diagram before and was just a bit confused mainly with my inexperience but when I looked at it I was basically only seeing series wiring between the LEDs but I understand now I think. By running the LEDs that way on the diagram they are still parallel on the driver, even though the LEDs their selves are in a series. If it was a full series then all 60 LEDs would be just on one full circuit essentially

 

[cdness]

Typically with parallel I have seen it where strings of 12 are wired in parallel with each other. This would mean there is really a combination of wiring where you need to fist wire up the strings, then wire up them into the parallel configuration.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Just make sure that you put fuses and resistors on each of the positives before the LEDs.

 

[ReefLEDLights]

This link may help

Resistors and Fuses in Parallel Strings « « ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting ReefLEDLights | LED Aquarium Lighting
One thing you want is consistent soldering. This will reduce any current imbalance between strings. You also want to keep each string the same and not mix LEDs unevenly.

Bill

 

[Zeither18]

So I would also want to make sure that each wire per strand is the same size as well

 

[ReefLEDLights]

So I would also want to make sure that each wire per strand is the same size as well

That will not hurt but may be unnecessary but use the same wire for sure. For soldering 20 ga stranded works best. The main thing is you want the voltage drop between the strings to be as close as equal as possible. This means using the same parts like fuse holders, resistors, and LEDs from the same Lot and not mixing them up. For example one string having 5 Cool Whites and 7 Royal Blue and another having 6 Royal Blue and 6 Cool White. It would be best to put all the Royal Blue on one driver and all the cool white on the other. If you have to mix make sure the numbers are equal. If you do all of this your current imbalance should be no more than 50mA which in negligible.

Bill

 

[Zeither18]

Thanks for all of everybody's help. With it I have this all figured out. I was on the right track just needed the extra confidence to start. (my brother had to rewire his multiple times) just cause he just didn't simply ask. Again all of ur help was much appreciated and I thank u all again