I have bought a 5m 12v WS2815 led strip with the following information:
Type = WS2815 (SMD 5050)
LED density = 60 led/m
Length = 5m
Voltage = DC 12v
IP Rating = IP65
Unfortunately the package did not have any datasheet and I could not find the manufacturer website.
I would like to know:
1- How much the maximum current and power consumption could be?
2- Can I use a power source with higher Amp than the maximum required for the strip?
3- What happens if I use a power source with lower Amp? Will it damage the power source or the LEDs?
This was partially answered in your previous post.
1- How much the maximum current and power consumption could be?
I could not find an answer for this, since they are dimmable etc it will change every time you change something. Maybe somebody else has the answer for you.
2- Can I use a power source with higher Amp than the maximum required for the strip?
Yes, I highly recommend it.
3- What happens if I use a power source with lower Amp? Will it damage the power source or the LEDs?
It probably will not hurt the LEDs but you will be purchasing another power supply.
Measure the current on a single LED at maximum brightness (all levels @ 255)
That will give you a base number to multiply by the number of LED's.
When you have that number (leds x current) include around 10% extra as a safety factor.
Also measure the current with no LEDs on. That will be for the electronics inside the chip itself. Divide that by the number of LEDs you have to get the none illuminating current for one LED.