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 Topic: L.E.D. Voltage Question
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11/2/2014 at 12:52pm
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Well I am thinking of changing my van lights to SMD LED's, I already have some Ikea 12v SMD LEDs which run off of a 12v transformer now obviously the transformer gives out exactly 12v where as when connected to the van electrics the voltage could be anywhere between 12.7v and 13.7v depending on the battery charge state.
Does any one know how voltage sensitive LEDs are
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11/2/2014 at 2:48pm
Location: Harrogate Yorkshire.
Outfit: Skoda Octavia 4x4 & Compass Omega 482
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I use these: http://www.bedazzled.uk.com/12v_LED_Bulb_Replacement.htm Spike protected, fused and can be used between 10-30 volts.
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Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4 (2012) towing a Compass Omega 482 (2014)
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11/2/2014 at 8:40pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: 1996 Bailey Senator 5000
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Strictly speaking you should use a LED driver. It's a voltage stabiliser. Some LEDS are happy at circa 13-14v but many have reduced life span at those voltages.
They're cheap as chips so not the end of the world.
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12/2/2014 at 12:51pm
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Thanks folks badboy have you a link for those at 99p I have not managed to find them that cheap
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12/2/2014 at 5:49pm
Location: Norwich
Outfit: Citroen Relay Campervan
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My LED lamps all work off the battery, without any problems, even when the battery is on charge so way over 12v.
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Cheers
John
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13/2/2014 at 2:24pm
Location: Yeadon Leeds!
Outfit: Swift Challenger & Defender 110SW
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some are fine with varying voltages, some arnt.
Ive had some LED strip run fine on 14V under testing, some has failed quite quickly.
Over voltage is a problem, under not really, it will give dimmer leds but not noticable unless its really low.
Measure the voltage at the fitting with a good multimeter, I found in my van only the very front fittings got more than 12.5V anyway with voltage drop. (less than 0.5V isnt going to be an issue)
For these fittings, I made a couple of voltage stabilisers (you can buy from ebay for a couple of quid) these make the voltage no more than 12V and protect the LEDs.
For the couple of quid it cost me to make them Id rather be certain.
more expensive lamps usually have some basic control in them, but Ive found cheap far east 12V LEDs/strip to be just as reliable.
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14/2/2014 at 11:50am
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Thanks for all your helpful advice, didn't realise you could get the voltage stabilisers that cheaply so maybe that's the way to go will let you all know how I get on
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21/2/2014 at 12:10pm
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Well I have fitted them and tried them for a short while and they seem fine, obviously only time will tell on the durability side of things.
Incidentaly these were the strip lights I converted HERE http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90192071/
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21/2/2014 at 12:40pm
Location: sunny south east!
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Quote: Originally posted by romany on 21/2/2014
Well I have fitted them and tried them for a short while and they seem fine, obviously only time will tell on the durability side of things.
Incidentaly these were the strip lights I converted HERE http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90192071/
I have used these very ones in small spaces at home such as under a cabin type bed, and work well. Take it you have converted the plug then to work off 12V (as they come with 240V plug as standard)?
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22/2/2014 at 4:01pm
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Quote: Originally posted by sunshinetours on 21/2/2014
Quote: Originally posted by romany on 21/2/2014Well I have fitted them and tried them for a short while and they seem fine, obviously only time will tell on the durability side of things.
Incidentaly these were the strip lights I converted HERE http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90192071/
I have used these very ones in small spaces at home such as under a cabin type bed, and work well. Take it you have converted the plug then to work off 12V (as they come with 240V plug as standard)?
Yes not much to do conversion wise as they have a transformer knocking the 240 down to 12v.
Just cut the wire light output side of transformer and reconnect to caravan 12v system, the concern is how they will cope with the slight voltage variation running off a battery.
Time will tell
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