LED Light voltage limiter

Discussion in 'OnBoard Electronics & Controls' started by Mylestec, Mar 23, 2009.

  1. Mylestec
    Joined: Mar 2009
    Posts: 10
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Miami

    Mylestec Junior Member

    I see there are differing opinions regarding my LEDs..... I'd love to go with PistnBroke's solution of slapping them in place without any protection because that is what I've already done! And while I'm comfortable using the LEDs within the voltage range supplied by my battery bank (although the vendor has yet to supply requested acceptable voltage range), I'm sure murphy's law will pop up at some point as I connect shore power with the lights on one day! Maybe someone here has experience with the same LED strips I bought? Here is the link to the product: http://superbrightleds.com/specs/WFLB96.htm As you can see these LEDs are relatively cheap. Further, on visual inspection I don't see any additional diodes (other than the LEDs of course!)

    Thanks to all who have responded!

    -brandon
     
  2. Luckless
    Joined: Mar 2009
    Posts: 158
    Likes: 7, Points: 18, Legacy Rep: 105
    Location: PEI, Canada

    Luckless Senior Member

    What does your wiring plan look like? A DC-DC regulator isn't a big investment, and saves worry about what happens if they fail when subjected to an over voltage. They usually fail fairly gracefully and go out, but CAN go off with a bit of a pop and a small blob of hot material.
     

  3. Mylestec
    Joined: Mar 2009
    Posts: 10
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Miami

    Mylestec Junior Member

    Simple two wire plan.... West marine 4 place fuse/switch panel, three buses: one common negative, one running light, one cabin light - to which several LEDs are connected.

    Right now I can't decide between regulating only the cabin light bus or preparing for when I change my NAVs to LED and regulating both buses. If I did the latter I could modify the positive leads on the panel and use only one regulator.... but that would mean I'd have to do it now and use a regulator that can handle more amperage due to the incandescent bulbs that are currently installed..... on the other hand the nav lights would more likely not require regulation since they should be able to handle the increased voltage from the charging system as they should be designed for this use (as opposed to architectural grade LEDs I have in the cabin).
     
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