I had 2 sets of 6 LEDs in series running off less than 10V. The LEDs are meant to work between 1.7 and 2.6 volts so should have been fine up to 15.6 volts. After running for a while one set stopped working and then the other. The legs of at least some of the LEDs got quite hot. Is there a reason for this?Thanks,Michael

Find a decent LED supplier such as Kingbright or Stanley, and downloada LED datasheet. All the information you need is in there. LEDS require a constant current, not voltage.-Andrew M

Why'd my LEDs pop?

May 04, 2006 44 Replies

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Michael C 20 years ago

"Alan Rutlidge"

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Alan Rutlidge 20 years ago

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Jasen Betts 20 years ago

For a "fraction" greanter than 1 I have measured values of "instantly" exceeding 30 minutes and "roofs" below 150mA

I hooked a cheap, crappy red LED across my pc's 5V bus with a miliammeter in series, current readings started at 145mA and after half an hour have dropped to around 94mA. the LED is hot to touch, but no scorcher.

I have heard reports of LEDs operating for days with a 5v supply.

Bye. Jasen

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Jasen Betts 20 years ago

after just over an hour it died open circuit. (with a 20A PSU behind it I wasn't expecting it to go the other way)

Bye. Jasen

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Michael C 20 years ago

Must be close to the truth to get such a strong denial. :-)

Michael

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