ᐅ Recommended Connection of 24V LED Strips in Home Automation Systems

Hi everyone,

I might be in the wrong forum for my question, but maybe there are some KNX/smart home experts here.

I’m currently considering how to best connect 24V LED strips. There will be a total of about six strips at 36/72 watts each in five different rooms. Probably single-color, warm white, but possibly also RGB(W). I’m considering the following options:
1. KNX bus -> KNX-DALI gateway + 230V mains -> NYM 5x1.5 mm² (approx. 16 AWG) cable -> DALI LED driver (reduces voltage to 24V) -> LED strip
2. Wi-Fi + 24V power supply -> Wi-Fi LED controller -> LED strip

Option 2 would be significantly cheaper since the cheap China Wi-Fi LED controllers cost only around €20. A DALI driver costs considerably more, and the DALI gateway even more so. KNX is available anyway. In our rented apartment, I had good experience with the cheap devices; they work very well controlled via FHEM. But would you install something like this in a permanent installation?

Also, for both options, I’m not quite sure whether the controller/driver/LED driver must be installed near the lighting or if it can be installed centrally in the technical room. Central installation would be preferable, of course. You don’t want visible devices in the living space, and if you install them hidden within the wall, you won’t be able to access them if something breaks. I’m aware that a larger conductor cross-section is necessary to maintain 24V over longer distances. Are there any other reasons to use decentralized drivers?

Surely I’m not the first to plan something like this. What does your installation look like?

Best regards,
Stefan

Why does it have to be DALI? What about centralized wiring and then 24V to the LED strips? If you still have the option, definitely go with wired installation, no Wi-Fi stuff.

I have installed dimmers (KNX, Eldoled or similar options also work) centrally and then run 24 volts to the spotlights. This also works with strips. Just keep an eye on cable length and voltage drop, but using 2.5 mm² (approximately 3 AWG) cable usually keeps you on the safe side if needed. I use the LED controller from MDT and am very satisfied. However, there are several products available on the market.

Yes, Heinle’s book, although quite recent, was published before the new KNX devices came out. You would need to recalculate for that. But in general, you can of course also use DALI. For me, it wasn’t worth it given the quantity, and I didn’t want to add another bus either.

With a central system, you can decide there. That’s correct.

Could you please share the exact model name of your dimmer?

MDT LED Controller (AKD-0424R.01)

The new version will be available soon. It costs 170 euros, which is 42.50 euros per channel.

If KNX is already installed, then why ask about WiFi Chinese junk? Was that really a serious question?!

Clearly: eldoLED 720d combined with Mean Well power supplies. Best practice at the moment..