Battery-powered LEDs wired for 12vdc

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SeanF
SeanF Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭
in Energy Use & Conservation #1
Hello-

I recently had to return my 12vdc LED lights due to a recall...so I had to scramble for lighting. As a temporary measure we bought Garrity brand LED touch lights, which are powered by 4 AA batteries. Using a digital voltmeter it turns out that the light is using about 5 volts from the batteries.

Radio shack sells a voltage regulator that uses up to 35vdc input and outputs 5vdc. Using my marginal soldering skills, the regulator was attached to the +/- wires that normally carry the AA battery output. Works great so far.

They've only been in service for a week, so I can't comment on the longevity of the setup. My suspicion is that the on/off push mechanism of the Chinese-made light is the weak link...but I could be wrong!

Anyway, just wanted to share. Hope this helps!

Sean
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  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
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    Re: Battery-powered LEDs wired for 12vdc

    Sean, do you have more details on the 12 v LED lights? ie brand , format ( MR 16?) etc?
    thanks,
    Eric
     
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  • SeanF
    SeanF Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭
    #3
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    Re: Battery-powered LEDs wired for 12vdc

    Sure, they were 3- and 6-LED lights, manufactured by Plan 9.
    More info on the recall: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07258.html

    HTH
    Sean
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,439 admin
    #4
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    Re: Battery-powered LEDs wired for 12vdc

    You can get twice as much light probably by just placing the two LED battery lights in series. Each will drop 6 volts vs the regulator dropping 1/2 the voltage (and costing you 50% power loss).

    In any case, make sure you have a reasonable fuse (~1 amp?) in series with you wiring--just in case.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    #5
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    Re: Battery-powered LEDs wired for 12vdc

    Something else you may look at - - Wal-Mart has, or at least did have here in Canada, clear LED replacement bulbs, for automotive #1156. Has 9 LEDs in it and I find it great. Designed for direct use on 12 volts. Directional light output.
    Forget the current draw, 100 ma rings a bell. That would be 1/10 amp. Might also find them at other auto supply outlets.
    Wayne
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
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    Re: Battery-powered LEDs wired for 12vdc

    Wire 2 in series with 1 regulator. Each regulator is a waste of power (as pointed out before)
    You might get away with 3 in series, with some reduced light output & no regulator needed.

    And watch out, if lights are on, when recharging, you have over 14V in the system then.
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  • SeanF
    SeanF Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭
    #7
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    Re: Battery-powered LEDs wired for 12vdc

    Cool stuff...thank you all for the feedback.
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