Built-in LED driver module: inrush, surge and isolation checks for the luminaire
Built-in LED driver modules · inrush current and drivers per breaker, mains surge immunity, isolated or non-isolated output and luminaire class
A built-in LED driver module is the AC-DC control gear mounted inside a luminaire housing to supply its LED board, sold to luminaire makers rather than installers. Because it becomes part of the fixture, three checks matter beyond output current and efficiency: how many drivers one circuit breaker can switch on given the inrush current, what mains surge the module withstands, and whether its output is isolated so the luminaire can be built as protection class I or II.
AC-DC LED driver modules built into luminaires (linear, compact and case-type modules for LED boards and strips), judged on installation and safety data: inrush current and breaker loading, surge immunity, isolation, protection class, case temperature and touch current. The choice of constant-current or constant-voltage output, efficiency and standby rules and driver life are covered on the LED driver page. Driver ICs, independent outdoor drivers sold as separate enclosures and complete luminaires are outside this page.
CNFX editorial research · Sources checked October 12, 2026 · 3 sources
Every driver draws a short inrush pulse as its input capacitor charges, and dozens of drivers on one circuit switching together can trip a miniature circuit breaker (MCB). Signify's CertaDrive 30 W 350 mA module lists an inrush peak of 5.16 A lasting 47 µs at 230 V and up to 60 drivers on a 16 A type B MCB, stated as an indicative value. [1] The CertaDrive 30 W/m 0.7 A module lists 4.8 A for 50 µs, also up to 60 drivers per B16, with a table scaling the count by breaker: 63% for B10, 125% for B20, 170% for C16 and 260% for C25. [2]
The Farnell/Avnet PELL0548 100 W, 12 V constant-voltage driver lists a cold-start inrush of 65 A for 200 µs at 230 V and only 2 drivers on a B16 breaker. [3]
Editorial calculation: 60 CertaDrive 30 W modules at 0.15 A rated input draw 60 × 0.15 = 9 A steady, and 2 PELL0548 drivers at 0.7 A draw 1.4 A, both well under 16 A, so in both cases the inrush pulse, not running current, sets the count. Applying the CertaDrive table, a C16 breaker takes 60 × 1.70 = 102 drivers and a B10 takes 60 × 0.63 = 37.8, so 37. [1][2][3] Ask each supplier for inrush peak, pulse width and drivers per breaker type for the module you will fit.
Give the supplier the LED board voltage and current (or strip voltage and load), the luminaire protection class, mains voltage and frequency, breaker type and rating used on site, number of luminaires per circuit, surge level required, space and mounting in the housing, ambient temperature inside the luminaire, dimming interface and approvals needed.
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Check surge immunity and whether the output is isolated
Both CertaDrive datasheets give mains surge immunity to IEC 61000-4-5 of 1 kV in differential mode (2 Ω) and 2 kV in common mode (12 Ω), with 1.2/50 µs and 8/20 µs waveforms. [1][2] The PELL0548 lists surge capacity of 1 kV line to neutral. [3]
Isolation decides how the luminaire is built. The CertaDrive 30 W 350 mA linear module states no isolation from input to output and lists a protective conductor current of 0.7 mA rms for class I installation; the CertaDrive 30 W/m module is stated as suitable for class II luminaires with typical touch current under 0.7 mA peak. [1][2] The PELL0548 is a class II driver with a fully isolated output and a withstand voltage of 3.75 kV AC for 1 minute input to output. [3]
Editorial note: a non-isolated module keeps the LED board at mains potential, so the board and wiring need the insulation and earthing of the luminaire class; and if the luminaire will be installed outdoors or on long cable runs, ask whether a separate surge protector is needed above the module's rating.
Send the LED load, luminaire and installation data together
Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.
LED load: [board voltage and current, or strip voltage and power]
Luminaire: [protection class; space; Tc access]
Mains: [voltage; frequency; breaker type and rating; luminaires per circuit]
Protection: [surge level; isolation required]
Control: [fixed, DALI, 0–10 V]
Approvals: [markets; certificates]
8 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each
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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team.
Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review
· Page last updated 13 October 2026
Buyer questions
How many LED drivers can go on one circuit breaker?
It depends on inrush current: Signify lists up to 60 CertaDrive 30 W modules per 16 A type B MCB, while a 100 W driver with a 65 A, 200 µs inrush allows 2. [1][2][3]
What surge level do built-in LED drivers withstand?
The CertaDrive modules list 1 kV differential and 2 kV common mode to IEC 61000-4-5; the PELL0548 lists 1 kV line to neutral. [1][3]
Are all built-in LED drivers isolated?
No. The CertaDrive 30 W 350 mA linear module states no input-to-output isolation, whereas the PELL0548 has a fully isolated class II output tested at 3.75 kV AC. [1][3]
Sources and what still needs a direct check
Sources checked 2026-10-12. Signify (Philips Lighting) and Farnell/Avnet publish these datasheets for their own driver modules. Breaker counts are stated by the makers as indicative values.
