What Size Fuse for LED Lights?
What Size Fuse for LED Lights?
Choose an LED circuit fuse from the actual total input current and the smallest wire, not the number of LEDs or strip length alone. Strips with the same physical length can have very different wattages.
Example for a simple 12 V strip
If the strip is rated 24 W at 12 V, its nominal current is 24 ÷ 12 = 2 A. Add the controller and any other loads supplied by the same fuse. Check expected startup current, manufacturer recommendations, wire ampacity and a suitable fuse series curve before choosing a standard value. A 3 A fuse might suit one installation; it is not a universal answer.
Fit DC-rated protection near the feed source. If a fuse opens, inspect for pinched wire, reversed polarity, damaged strip or controller fault. Do not assume an automotive LED headlight retrofit may simply use a smaller fuse than the factory circuit; follow the vehicle and lamp instructions.