MeanWell UL Outdoor Power Supplies

It's a huge difference in practice. A 'rainproof' power supply, like our MeanWell ERP series, is designed to handle splashes and rain but can't be submerged. An IP67 rated power supply is fully sealed and tested to survive being underwater at 1 meter for 30 minutes. For landscape lighting, signage, or any application where the driver might sit in a puddle or get hit by sprinklers, you need IP67. The potting also protects the internal components from condensation, a common killer of electronics outdoors.

They're both excellent, just built for different jobs. The MeanWell LPV series compact IP67 waterproof LED driver is our go-to for straightforward constant voltage projects. It has a tough plastic case and is very reliable. The HLG series is the step-up professional model: it has a more efficient metal case that acts as a heat sink, a higher surge rating, and most models support both Constant Voltage (for strips) and Constant Current (for specific fixtures). If you need dimming, the 'B' type HLG models have that built in.

No, please don't do this. It's a very common mistake. IP67 means it's protected from temporary water immersion, not permanent burial in soil. Soil traps moisture, salts, and prevents any kind of heat dissipation, which will cause the power supply to overheat and fail prematurely. The correct way is to mount the power supply above ground or inside a proper NEMA-rated waterproof junction box if it has to be at ground level.

Almost all LED tape light runs on constant voltage (CV). You set the power supply to 24V, and the strip's onboard resistors control the current to the LEDs. Constant current (CC) drivers are for high-power LEDs that don't have their own resistors, like in some spotlights or custom fixtures. The great thing about MeanWell's HLG series is that they can operate in either mode. Just make sure you know what your LED light source requires before you connect it.

The LPV, XLG, and HLG series are industry standards for a LED strip power supply MeanWell has engineered for wet locations. There isn't a single 'best' one; it's about the best one for your specific load and features. For most professional sign and architectural jobs, the HLG series is the top choice. For general landscape or residential use, the XLG and LPV series offer a fantastic balance of performance and value.

Yes, but you have to choose the right model variant. The MeanWell HLG models with a 'B' at the end of the part number, like the HLG-320H-24B, have a second set of control wires for 3-in-1 dimming. This lets them work with 0-10V, PWM signals, or a simple resistor. The standard 'A' type or LPV models are non-dimmable. If you need 0-10V control, make sure you order a 'B' type and one of our compatible 0-10V controllers.

That's a classic design trade-off. Using one large 600W power supply means fewer AC connections to waterproof and a potentially simpler layout. However, you'll have very long low-voltage DC cable runs, which means significant voltage drop and the need for very thick, expensive wire. Using several smaller 100W supplies placed along the wall keeps the DC runs short and the brightness even. For extremely long runs, you may want to look at our ultra-long constant current strips, which are designed to go 60 meters on a single feed.