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peecee69
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 1595
Location: Annapolis, MD/Bloomfield Hills, MI
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 Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 9:45 am Post subject: LED lighting |
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Since I can't find a good forum to ask this question in, and most people on TheSamba are pretty helpful and smart, I am asking here.
I have a strip of 12v LEDs that I'd like to run as accessory lighting in the footwell of my bug, but want to know if I need a regulator of some kind to ensure a stable 12v. I know my alternator puts out between 11.5v-13.8v, and I don't want to fry the LEDs. Connecting them to a fused connection from a relay seems straight-forward, but I'd like to have stable voltage so I don't damage the LEDs. I've asked on most of the LED websites, and none of the places I've asked seem to understand my concern, but won't tell me they'll send me replacement LED strips if I connect their strips to a battery in the way I've described. TIA!
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busdaddy
Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004
Posts: 53270
Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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| Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 10:19 am Post subject: Re: LED lighting |
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I don't think I've ever seen a LED that specified an exact voltage, most meant for ~12V say things like "8-30 volts DC" don't they?
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peecee69
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 1595
Location: Annapolis, MD/Bloomfield Hills, MI
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minger
Samba Member
Joined: November 03, 2003
Posts: 238
Location: Cleveland Ohio
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| Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 11:12 am Post subject: Re: LED lighting |
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From a physics stand point, LEDs are very voltage sensitive, hence the fancy dimmer switches they require for household lighting.
I know the physics of LEDs but physics also believes in frictionless surfaces, no air resistance, and the Earth is not spinning. Gotta be a EE here who actually deals with the way things actually are. |
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busdaddy
Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004
Posts: 53270
Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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VOLKSWAGNUT
Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007
Posts: 11225
Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
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| Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2020 6:01 pm Post subject: Re: LED lighting |
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If you are cooking strips.. something has shorted ...
I've used very similar strip products.. all over cars..... inside ..outside.. never had an issue.. but one thing is different.. I use weatherproof strips.
Perhaps its your method? perhaps the cheap strip is just junk?
Chinese timer ran out... 
The biggest issue I see.. .those indoor strip lights DONT have the protective layer covering them..
I suggest you switch to weatherproof strips. .... that's what I use regardless inside or outside a car.... they are constructed different..
Yep.. they cost more too
These red ones are hooked directly to a switch with a 5 amp fuse. .. no muss no fuss.. been in the rain and heat.. for over 5 years..... still going. 
..
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