Comparing MEAN WELL's HLG, ELG, and XLG Series LED Drivers

In this blog post, we explain the differences between MEAN WELL's HLG, ELG, and XLG series LED drivers.

MEAN WELL HLG Series LED Drivers

We start with the HLG series, which is MEAN WELL’s premium range of LED drivers.

Over the years the HLG series has earned a global reputation for reliability, so much so that in 2015 MEAN WELL extended the warranty period from 5 years to 7 years. Not long after that, the range was expanded to include a 480-WATT and a 600-WATT version. This means you can chose from 40-WATTS, 60-WATTS, 80-WATTS, 100-WATTS, 120-WATTS, 150-WATTS, 185-WATTS, 240-WATTS, 320-WATTS, 480-WATTS, and 620-WATTS models. These LED drivers are housed in a rugged aluminium extrusion and are fully potted to protect the electronics from dust and moisture ingress. There are four variants available as detailed in the following table:

*HLG-80H and HLG-320H series - only current can be adjusted.
**0-10V dimming on HLG-480H and HLG-600H.

The HLG-600H series LED drivers incorporate an auxiliary power output of (5V / 0.5A). This is usually used to power a cooling fan on larger LED fittings.

The HLG series are perfect for customer working on projects, where reliability is paramount. 

MEAN WELL ELG SERIES LED DRIVERS

In 2016 ADM added the MEAN WELL ELG series of LED drivers to our product line-up.

This raised the question: What the difference is between the ELG and HLG LED drivers, and which is the best to use?

The most noticable difference is the housing. The ELG series has an enclosure that is fabricated from steel. They generally have a more compact design because they use newer components than those available when the HLG was firslt launched. The newer components pack more functions into a smaller package, so not so much room is needed inside the driver. 

The range of power outputs is not as wide: 75-WATTS, 100-WATTS, 150-WATTS, 200-WATTS, 240-WATTS, and 300-WATTS. The same versions are available that we listed above for the HLG series.

However, the ELG series are also available as a DALI or DALI-2 dimmable LED driver. It should be noted that with the ELG  'B' and "AB" versions 0-10V dimming is offered as opposed to 1-10V. This means the ELG series LED drivers can dim to zero, where the lowest dimming output on the HLG series is 10%.

DALI dimming is still possible with the HLG series, using MEAN WELL’s low-cost DALI to PWM converter, the DAP-04.

Because of the newer components and compact design, the ELG series drivers are generally more cost effective than the HLG series models.

Te other key difference between the HLG series and ELG series is the warranty periods. We have already mentioned that the warranty period on the HLG series LED drivers is 7-years. With the ELG series it is 5-years.

The ELG series LED drivers are perfect for applications where DALI or DALI-2 controllers are being used. They are are also a good cost effective alternative to the HLG series, if you do not need the 7-year warranty period. 

MEAN WELL XLG Series

More recently, MEAN WELL launched the XLG series LED drivers. The XLG series LED drivers use the latest electronic components, and are constructed using advanced automated processes. This means that these LED drivers are not only more compact than the ELG series, they are also more cost effective. These too have a rugged fabricated steel enclosure and come with a 5-year warranty. 

ADM stocks the XLG series in 12V and 24V constant voltage variants only. There are 5 power output options available: 75-WATTS, 100-WATTS, 150-WATTS, 200-WATTS, and 320-WATTS. All models stocked by ADM are non-dimming. These LED drivers are perfect for customers who need a simple, no fuss LED driver, that is robut and relaible. 

Conclusion

When it comes to the range of models available, the HLG series has the upper hand. There are 11 different power output options ranging from 40 WATTS to 600 WATTS and they come with a 7-year warranty. These are the "go to" LED driver when reliability is critical in a project.

With the ELG series, the range of power outputs is much more restrictive, ranging from 75 WATTS to 240 WATTS. However, DALI and DALI-2 models are avialble and they tend to be more cost effective than the HLG series. The warranty perriod is 5-years. 

The XLG series is ideal for customers looking for a simple, no-fuss LED driver that is robust and cost-effective.

If you would like help in selecting the most suitable MEAN WELL LED driver for your application, then contact ADM. A member of our expert team will gladly answer any questions that you may have. You can browse the range of HLG, ELG, and XLG series LED drivers by clicking HERE.

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