How To: wire 2 to 6 red LEDs to house outlet

**bombboyer** · 11-18-2004, 02:57 AM

I know this is a bit off topic, but I thought this would be a great place to ask about something like this.

I need to wire up 2 to 6 (haven't decided how many yet) small (as small as I can find) LEDs to an AC plug for use in my house. I want to use as thin gauge wire as possible to connect the LEDs, and I'd like to avoid a "wall wart" unless it is in the cord.

As reference, I'm trying to decorate this with red LEDs to make it look more "rose-like". So I want it to be as elegant as possible.

I can handle that though, I just need help as to what parts I need and where to buy them. Thanks.

EDIT: What about this transformer? Would that be a good one to hack up?

EDIT2: Thinking these LEDs? Yes? no?

**Ricky327** · 11-18-2004, 03:22 AM

Just connect them up in series with a resistor

(+)----[Resistor]----|>|--|>|--|>|--|>|--|>|--|>|----(-)

You can use enameled copper wire, they can be very thin...as thin as hair strand. You can use SMD resistor and LEDs if you wish...just glue them on.

Buying the parts from US, no idea. Digikey seems to popup quite often in here.

**bombboyer** · 11-18-2004, 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by Ricky327

Just connect them up in series with a resistor

(+)----[Resistor]----|>|--|>|--|>|--|>|--|>|--|>|----(-)

You can use enameled copper wire, they can be very thin...as thin as hair strand. You can use SMD resistor and LEDs if you wish...just glue them on.

Buying the parts from US, no idea. Digikey seems to popup quite often in here.

thanks for the info, but I'm pretty new at this, trying to learn by doing. I need a bit more hand holding. How big of resistors do I need? Do I need a transformer? Help with amperages and voltages would be great.

**Ricky327** · 11-18-2004, 03:41 AM

3V PSU is not enough to power up the 6 LEDs in series. If we assume the voltage drop is 2V for a red LED, then you will need 6x2 V atleast to operate them.

This will help you out :

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homep...Bowden/led.htm

Those LEDs on ebay are very bright, sure you can use them if you want.

**0l33l** · 11-18-2004, 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by Ricky327

Those LEDs on ebay are very bright, sure you can use them if you want.

Not VERY bright. Those are about medium. I need atleast something around 10,000mcd to be a good 3rd brakelight. I'm trying to do a conversion from 2 18w incandescent bulbs to lots of SMD LEDs

**bombboyer** · 11-18-2004, 04:09 AM

OK, I can get ahold of a 6VDC 300mA transformer, and the LEDs in first post. Whats next?

**Change** · 11-18-2004, 04:40 AM

http://www.pauck.de/archive/mailingl.../msg01840.html

Hit up

for more LED wiring info.

**Ricky327** · 11-18-2004, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by 0l33l

Not VERY bright. Those are about medium.

Standard LEDs are rated at around 50mcd or even lower and not 5,000 so I didnt think hes trying to convert the flower base into a brake light

Anyway you want high output LED? then check out limileds luxeon V :

http://www.lumileds.com/products/line.cfm?lineId=3

Light output rated at 120lm claimed to be the most powerful LEDs in the world, they cost $46 each at my local shop :

http://www.maplin.co.uk/search.aspx?...nu=y&doy=18m11

**Ricky327** · 11-18-2004, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by bombboyer

OK, I can get ahold of a 6VDC 300mA transformer, and the LEDs in first post. Whats next?

I did say 2x6V atleast...thats = 12V atleast.

The link I gave you shows 5 LEDs in series and using 15V.

**0l33l** · 11-18-2004, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Ricky327

Standard LEDs are rated at around 50mcd or even lower and not 5,000 so I didnt think hes trying to convert the flower base into a brake light

Anyway you want high output LED? then check out limileds luxeon V :

http://www.lumileds.com/products/line.cfm?lineId=3

Light output rated at 120lm claimed to be the most powerful LEDs in the world, they cost $46 each at my local shop :

http://www.maplin.co.uk/search.aspx?...nu=y&doy=18m11

I hope that I will be able to use SMDs, if not then Luxon it is