12V LED Driver for LED Stair Nosing Tape, 8W to 180W

This 12V LED driver powers the natural white LED tape in our light-down LED tile-in stair nosing. It converts the mains supply to the steady 12V the tape needs and feeds up to six tape runs through its distribution block, so every lit step on a staircase can be powered from one neat unit. Choose from 8W for a single step up to 180W for a large staircase. It is the standard driver for a simple installation switched from a wall switch or a motion sensor, and is fitted by the electrician on a tiled lit staircase project.

Why it works

Matched to the tape

The tape is designed for 12V. Running it from a 12V driver sized to the tape gives the steady supply it needs, which keeps the light even along every riser.

Six ports, one unit

The driver's distribution block has six ports, so up to six reels of tape, one per step, plug straight in with no soldering, keeping the wiring tidy and easy to trace. For a longer staircase, add an extra-port connector block (one block takes the driver to nine ports, two to twelve) or use one driver per group of six steps.

Simple control

This standard driver is designed for straightforward on-off operation: from a wall switch, or from a PIR motion sensor so the stairs light up as someone approaches. To dim the stairs from a remote, use the remote-ready 12V LED driver with the natural white single-zone remote instead.

• 12V DC output for the natural white LED tape
• 8W, 30W, 50W, 100W or 180W
• Distribution block with six ports
• Wall switch or motion sensor operation

Where it's used

Under-stairs cupboards and service voids beside lit tiled staircases, where it stays accessible for maintenance. Ceiling voids and plant rooms in hotels, restaurants and offices with feature stairs. Joinery and plinths beside short runs of lit steps between floor levels. Anywhere the electrician can mount it in a dry, ventilated and accessible position close to the stair.

Specifications

Choosing the right option

Size the driver from the tape you are installing. Multiply the total metres of tape by its rating in watts per metre, then choose the next size up so the driver is never working at its limit. For example, 5m of 9.6W tape uses 48W, so the 50W driver is the right choice; 6m of 4.8W tape uses 28.8W, which suits the 30W driver; a single 1m step of 4.8W tape needs only the 8W driver. For large staircases, either choose the 100W or 180W driver and split the tape into several runs, one per port, or use one driver per flight. Whatever the wattage, keep each 12V run to 10m or less, because longer runs lose voltage and the far end will look dimmer than the start.

Installation, use and care

The driver connects to the mains, so it must be installed by a qualified electrician in line with current wiring regulations. Plan its position before tiling starts: it needs to be dry, ventilated and permanently accessible, never sealed behind tiles or plasterboard. Bring each tape lead back to the distribution block and plug it in, then connect the switch or motion sensor on the mains side. Keep the driver clear of insulation and dust, and check it is still accessible after any later building work.

FAQ

Q: What size driver do I need?
A: Multiply the metres of tape by its watts per metre and choose the next size up. 5m of 9.6W tape is 48W, so choose the 50W driver.

Q: Can I dim the lights with this driver?
A: No, this standard driver is for on-off control from a wall switch or motion sensor. For dimming, choose the remote-ready 12V LED driver and a matching single-zone remote.

Q: Will it run tunable white or RGB tape?
A: No. Tunable white and RGB tape need the remote-ready driver and the matching remote.

Q: How many steps can one driver light?
A: Six reels plug into the distribution block, one per step. For more steps, add an extra-port connector block or a second driver, and keep within the driver's wattage.

Q: Can I fit it myself?
A: The tape plugs into the driver, but the mains connection must be made by a qualified electrician.

Ordering and delivery

Choose the wattage and quantity, and order it with the LED tape and end caps so the full lighting kit arrives together by courier to UK mainland addresses. Send us your step widths and tape choice and we will confirm the driver size before you order.