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Domestic LED lamps
Posted: 29 Feb 2016, 05:19
by Jeff J
I've just bought some R63 (240v spotlight) LED lamps for home use. I can't find any info. on how they drop the volts. Is it simple rectification then resistance to drop volts or some more complicated electronics.There is a 15 led array inside but I can't get to any other of the components. I am puzzled because I thought if it was the former method then there would be a lot of heat generated, but they seem to run at room temp. Thanks
Re: Domestic LED lamps
Posted: 29 Feb 2016, 07:38
by ghost123uk
In those type of bulbs, It's all done electronically. Chips to do accurate voltage regulation cost pennies when mass produced on the scale that they are.
Re: Domestic LED lamps
Posted: 29 Feb 2016, 09:41
by LeeCarey
Domestic LED lamps typically use a series capacitor to drop the mains supply voltage to a suitable level. Sometimes known as a wattless dropper. If the current and voltage are 90 degrees out of phase then no heat is produced.
Re: Domestic LED lamps
Posted: 29 Feb 2016, 13:45
by CovKid
Warm white in the house, bright for workshops.
Re: Domestic LED lamps
Posted: 29 Feb 2016, 21:54
by Mr Bean
LeeCarey wrote:Domestic LED lamps typically use a series capacitor to drop the mains supply voltage to a suitable level. Sometimes known as a wattless dropper. If the current and voltage are 90 degrees out of phase then no heat is produced.
I know that in planning factories with machines you can improve the power factor by use of fluorescent lighting to offset the inductive load of the electric motors but I think the use of capacitors in the way suggested is a tad more complicated than the above infers.
From a quick internet search:
If he uses an LED, he'll need another diode in parallel, backwards, and probably need a Zener (Diode) in parallel to prevent over voltage. The incandescent doesn't care about this, so it may be a better choice
That is somewhat along my line of thinking. Any more specific knowledge anyone?
CS
Re: Domestic LED lamps
Posted: 01 Mar 2016, 05:28
by Jeff J
CovKid wrote:Warm white in the house, bright for workshops.
You don't appear to have that choice with R63's.
Re: Domestic LED lamps
Posted: 01 Mar 2016, 07:15
by CovKid
There are so many fitting converters now, its possible to fit a range of bulbs in just about any light fitting. Some I found locally, some online.
Well worth watching BigClive on youtube as he takes apart numerous LED bulbs.