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where plus and where minus in the power supply for led strips

DrabU 17988 16
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How do I identify the plus and minus on a power supply connector for an LED strip?

Usually the center contact is plus and the outer sleeve is minus; check the polarity symbol on the power supply label, where the line in the circle shows which side is connected to the center pin [#16780868][#16780885] If you are not sure, verify it with a voltmeter/multimeter or a simple LED plus resistor test [#16780873][#16780915] For the strip itself, a wrong polarity connection will usually just prevent it from lighting, but it is still better to use a stabilized 12 V supply because an unstable one can rise to about 18 V [#16781093]
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  • #1 16780855
    DrabU
    Level 3  
    Posts: 146
    Rate: 3
    Hello, I would like to connect the led strip, however, so as not to spoil the older charger, where is the plus and where minus? 2 cables go to the end and there is metal inside and outside but I don't know where what
    Attachments:
    • where plus and where minus in the power supply for led strips images.jpg (5.92 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #2 16780868
    icosie
    Level 34  
    Posts: 1908
    Help: 298
    Rate: 239
    Hello

    Find the polarity symbol on the power supply (such circles with the symbols + and -).
    The line that goes inside the stamp indicates the polarization inside the socket.

    If in doubt, upload a real photo of the power supply (rating plate).

    best regards

    EDIT:
    where plus and where minus in the power supply for led strips

    It looks similar to the picture:
    1. The top plus case in the middle
    2. Case bottom minus in the middle
  • Helpful post
    #3 16780873
    zibq
    Level 28  
    Posts: 1017
    Help: 83
    Rate: 181
    The label should show polarization information. Make sure you can use any voltmeter.
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    #4 16780885
    MiernikZKauflanda
    Level 20  
    Posts: 396
    Help: 29
    Rate: 60
    Usually + is inside and - outside; make sure, however, as recommended by a colleague above, send a photo of the rating plate.
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  • #5 16780888
    DrabU
    Level 3  
    Posts: 146
    Rate: 3
    This is exactly the huawei hw-120100e62 power supply
    input 100-240v 50 60 Hz
    output 12.0v and next to it there are two lines horizontally higher is straight and below it dotted 1.0a
    efficiency level V is all that is written on it but unfortunately I have nothing to do at the moment

    Added after 5 [minutes]:

    about this power supply only with photos from the net
    Attachments:
    • Oryginalny-Huawei-B593-B315-B310-E5172-E5186-E5180-zasilacza-ue-wtyczk-adowarki.jpg_50x50.jpg (1.73 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #6 16780905
    DrabU
    Level 3  
    Posts: 146
    Rate: 3
    father sorka bad zdj it is better
    Attachments:
    • where plus and where minus in the power supply for led strips Oryginalny-Huawei-B593-B310-B315-E5172-ue-zasilacz.jpg (172.72 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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    #7 16780910
    MiernikZKauflanda
    Level 20  
    Posts: 396
    Help: 29
    Rate: 60
    These straight and dashed lines mean that the power supply supplies direct current, and the number under them indicates that max. 1A. How much tape do you want to feed? I don't know if 1A may be enough.

    By the way: the driver / LED strip will burn faster than the charger due to a bad connection; The charger may burn due to overload.

    Added after 59 [seconds]:

    https://www.olx.pl/oferta/zasilacz-huawei-hw-120100e1w-12v-1a-CID99-IDntaKI.html
    This one is similar to this; has + inside and outside.
  • Helpful post
    #8 16780915
    icosie
    Level 34  
    Posts: 1908
    Help: 298
    Rate: 239
    For safety, however, it is better to measure with a multimeter or "indicator" Led diode and 2-5 kOhm resistor connected in series.
    If you give a longer diode leg to the + power supply it will be lit.
  • #9 16780926
    DrabU
    Level 3  
    Posts: 146
    Rate: 3
    However, plus inside and minus outside thanks! and I have 2 m of LED strips
  • Helpful post
    #10 16780942
    icosie
    Level 34  
    Posts: 1908
    Help: 298
    Rate: 239
    Such power supplies are, on average, suitable for LED strips.
    They do not have current regulation, which significantly reduces the operating time of the Led modules.

    Generally speaking, how you connect will work, but you don't know how long.
  • #11 16781063
    DrabU
    Level 3  
    Posts: 146
    Rate: 3
    And where else to give the switch? in plus or minus does it matter?
  • Helpful post
    #12 16781071
    icosie
    Level 34  
    Posts: 1908
    Help: 298
    Rate: 239
    It is best to always cut off the plus power supply, and if possible, arrange a double switch and cut off both ;)
  • #13 16781075
    DrabU
    Level 3  
    Posts: 146
    Rate: 3
    oh ok and if this power supply is not very good, what to look for? from the antenna or buy and mount this power supply what you need to solder to the electricity? the better ones from the electrician's shop?
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    #14 16781093
    Zygaqra
    Level 35  
    Posts: 2234
    Help: 257
    Rate: 494
    As a mustard after lunch I will add that you do not have to worry about reverse connection of the power supply. LEDs withstand around 5V in the reverse direction, 12V strips have 3 diodes in series, so they can easily withstand a reverse connection. When you plug in the wrong way, they just won't shine. As a power supply, buy, if you don't have a 12V stabilized power supply, unstable without load can give up to 18V. On a stabilized power supply, non-junk tapes will calmly spend a few years.
  • Helpful post
    #15 16781246
    piotr89699
    Level 8  
    Posts: 11
    Help: 1
    Rate: 4
    The cheapest way is to connect the led strip to the antenna adapter, maybe you have at home or someone you know. Yes, I have the power supply at the TV did not want to work properly but the tapes are ok, and it is stabilized at 12V
  • Helpful post
    #16 16781353
    MiernikZKauflanda
    Level 20  
    Posts: 396
    Help: 29
    Rate: 60
    piotr89699 wrote:
    The cheapest way is to connect the led strip to the antenna adapter, maybe you have at home or someone you know. Yes, I have the power supply at the TV did not want to work properly but the tapes are ok, and it is stabilized at 12V


    I recommend battery for PLN 60 from the electronics store. You can directly connect the tape and you do not have to be afraid of overloading (unless you do several hundred meters of this tape :D )
  • Helpful post
    #17 16781546
    000andrzej
    Level 37  
    Posts: 3276
    Help: 302
    Rate: 238
    piotr89699 wrote:
    the cheapest way is to connect the led strips to the antenna adapter

    Right but
    icosie wrote:
    Such power supplies are, on average, suitable for LED strips.
    They do not have current regulation, which significantly reduces the operating time of the Led modules.

    and
    MiernikZKauflanda wrote:
    How much tape do you want to feed? I don't know if 1A may be enough.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around connecting LED strips to a power supply, specifically identifying the correct polarity (plus and minus) to avoid damaging the charger. Users suggest checking the power supply label for polarity symbols, with a consensus that typically the positive (+) is inside the connector and the negative (-) is outside. The Huawei HW-120100E62 power supply is mentioned, which outputs 12V and has a maximum current of 1A. Recommendations include using a multimeter for verification and ensuring the power supply is stabilized to prevent overloading the LED strips. It is noted that LEDs can tolerate reverse polarity without damage, but may not light up if connected incorrectly. Users also discuss options for better power supplies and the possibility of using battery solutions for safety.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Reverse‑polarity on 12 V strips often won’t kill them (LEDs tolerate ~5 V reverse), and “On a stabilized power supply, non‑junk tapes will calmly spend a few years.” [Elektroda, Zygaqra, post #16781093]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps DIYers wire 12 V LED strips safely, choose a suitable power supply, and avoid early failures.

Quick Facts

Which side is plus and minus on common 12 V barrel connectors?

For typical wall adapters used here, the center pin is positive and the outer sleeve is negative. “Usually + is inside and - outside.” Always confirm on the label or by measuring before connecting your strip. [Elektroda, MiernikZKauflanda, post #16780885]

How do I read the DC symbols on my power adapter?

A solid line above a dashed line means DC output. The nearby number, like 1.0 A, is the maximum output current. Exceeding that can overheat or shut down the supply. [Elektroda, MiernikZKauflanda, post #16780910]

Is a 12 V 1 A adapter enough for my LED strip?

1 A may be insufficient for longer strips. The commenter flagged concern about powering unknown length from 1 A. If your strip draws more, the adapter can run hot or fail. Consider a higher‑current, stabilized 12 V supply. [Elektroda, MiernikZKauflanda, post #16780910]

How can I check polarity without a multimeter?

Make a simple tester: put a 2–5 kΩ resistor in series with an LED. Touch the longer LED leg to the suspected positive. If it lights, polarity is correct. Keep tests brief to protect the LED. [Elektroda, icosie, post #16780915]

Will reversing the power to a 12 V LED strip damage it?

With 12 V strips that have three LEDs in series, reverse connection generally won’t light them and often doesn’t kill them. LEDs tolerate about 5 V reverse, so the string usually survives. Still, wire correctly to avoid risk. [Elektroda, Zygaqra, post #16781093]

Where should I install the on/off switch—plus or minus?

Cut the positive lead. For extra isolation, use a double‑pole switch to interrupt both positive and negative. This reduces standby leakage and accidental shorts. [Elektroda, icosie, post #16781071]

Are generic phone‑style adapters good for LED strips?

They will power strips, but many lack current regulation. That can shorten LED module life under thermal or voltage stress. Choose a quality, stabilized 12 V unit sized for your strip’s current. [Elektroda, icosie, post #16780942]

Can I use a 12 V TV antenna adapter to power LED strips?

Yes, some stabilized 12 V antenna adapters can run LED strips reliably. One user reported TV power issues but said the same adapter powered strips fine. Verify current rating meets your strip’s needs. [Elektroda, piotr89699, post #16781246]

What happens if I overload a small adapter with too much strip length?

Overload can overheat the supply or cause failure. One response warned the charger could burn from overload, while the strip or its driver might fail first if wired wrong. Size the supply with margin. [Elektroda, MiernikZKauflanda, post #16780910]

What is a stabilized vs. unregulated 12 V supply?

A stabilized supply holds 12 V under load. An unregulated one can rise to ~18 V with no load, which can stress LEDs when connecting. Use stabilized 12 V for long life. “Non‑junk tapes” last years on it. [Elektroda, Zygaqra, post #16781093]

How do I quickly test adapter polarity with a DIY LED tester?

  1. Put a 2–5 kΩ resistor in series with an LED.
  2. Touch the longer LED leg to the suspected positive, shorter to negative.
  3. If it lights, polarity is correct; swap if not. [Elektroda, icosie, post #16780915]

Is battery power a safe option for LED strips?

A suitable 12 V battery pack can drive strips directly and avoids adapter overload concerns. One contributor recommended a store‑bought battery pack as a simple, robust choice. Add a fuse for safety. [Elektroda, MiernikZKauflanda, post #16781353]

What does the center‑positive symbol mean on the label?

A diagram with a dot connected to + pointing to the inner ring indicates center positive; the - points to the outer sleeve. Match this to your strip’s + and − pads before powering. [Elektroda, icosie, post #16780868]

I have 2 m of strip—any special concerns?

The original poster ran 2 m and confirmed center‑positive wiring. Ensure your adapter’s current meets the strip’s demand; 1 A adapters are often marginal for multi‑meter runs. Upgrade if it warms up. [Elektroda, DrabU, post #16780926]

Could a wrong connection kill the charger or the strip first?

A miswire can burn the strip or its driver faster than the charger. Overload, however, can destroy the charger. Check polarity and current before powering. [Elektroda, MiernikZKauflanda, post #16780910]
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