Hi all
I'm building an LED lighting system controlled by an arduino, the LEDs have maximum draw of 7.2A at 5v. My question is what is the best solution for powering it, it could potentially be running for long hours so it must be safe and reliable.

My current plan is to use a 12V 4A power supply to a 12V to 5V 8A regulator then to my arduino and LED circuit which runs at 5V. My main concern is the 12v to 5v regulator, the one I'm currently looking at is a BUCK non-isolated one, im not really sure what the means but I just want to make sure its safe and reliable (and will work), a bit of a newbie question but I've never powered a project like this before.

Thanks in advance!

Potential parts list:
12v 4A power supply: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AU-12V-2...hash=item28147f1b4a:m:mn-5uPgxP3EmgEWbLjQkgug
12v to 5V 8A converter:http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-Conve...747814?hash=item33ba871826:g:yJoAAOSwkl5Xdi1P
Addressable RGB LEDs: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/30-60-14...hash=item3398edcfb2:m:mAqTrdkIxla1t251rO6SYXQ

 

Get an old computer PSU. The bigger ones will have a 5V supply with enough current. You can likely find one for free at the local recycling center.

 

Get an old computer PSU.

I thought about that but there to big and potentially noisy. Its for a permanent wall display so everything needs to be hidden which is why im trying to find a laptop style power brick, problem being I havnt been able to find a good 5v supply, everything has minimal info, best I found said 80% efficiency so my 7.2A becomes 9A (10A).

 

It is certainly more efficient to get the voltage you need in one step than using AC-DC PSU followed by a switching regulator.

 

It's sometimes useful to parallel several lower amperage 5V bricks.