5m LEDs. How many amps?

[theDTP]

I'm no expert but someone here might know the answer. I just need to know what I need to power 5m of SMD 5050 LEDs (300 LEDs)

I want them plugged in to the wall so it will have to be 230v - 12v.

From my calculations I came to 6amp (72w)

Also, I've gathered that I'll have to solder both ends as the strip is so long, can I also attach power to the middle or will powering from both end be enough?

For anyone who is interested in why I need 5m read below.

I'm mounting a mirror (96cm x 40cm) where my girlfriend does her hair and makeup.

It will be mounted using 2 blocks of wood that are 60cm in length and about 1" thick both ways so you won't the wood.

The LEDs are for the back of the mirror (if you didn't guess)

They dresser table sits in an alcove type, 1.5m wide, the wall are white so it should provide a lot of light

 

[SparkleDJackson]

Go to maplin and spend 30 quid on a 5m roll of controllable LEDs. Adjustable colour and brightness. Save any wiring

 

[s3ns3]

i have 5m multicolor roll with remote and i power it with 2A

Go to maplin and spend 30 quid on a 5m roll of controllable LEDs. Adjustable colour and brightness. Save any wiring

you can buy like 3-4 RGB rolls on ebay for that money. free shipping

 

[SparkleDJackson]

you can buy like 3-4 RGB rolls on ebay for that money. free shipping

Id well believe it but you cant walk into ebay

 

[theDTP]

i have 5m multicolor roll with remote and i power it with 2A


you can buy like 3-4 RGB rolls on ebay for that money. free shipping

Must be SMD 3528 LEDs as 5m of those require 2A, they are no where near as bright, the LEDs have to be SMD 5050 for the immense brightness

I'm going to go with my dodgy mathematical calculations and see how it works, looks at the ones in Maplin, I may of missed them but the ones for £30 I seen are the 3528 type and was only 30 LEDs per meter, thanks for the suggestion though ^_^

EDIT: Just found this page with some info. They say for 5m of SMD 5050 "This product need a 12v 8amp 96watt LED power supply for 1 reel (5 meters) or you can using 12v 15amp 180watt Heavy Duty LED Adapter to run 2 reels (10meters). if you will cut the strip light, you may need some 10mm LED Strip Connectors for it" http://bit.ly/HOZfEU

Also says for 5m of 3528's "This product need a 12v 3amp 36watt LED power supply for 1 reel (5 meters)" - so I assume those are the type you have