DIY LED lamp is less powerful than expected











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I am making an LED lamp using an LED strip. The LED strip I am using is a 240 LED/m SMD2835 strip, which operates at DC12V, and is supposed to use 18W of power per meter.



My lamp is constructed as seen on the diagram: I cut it into 20cm strips, installed them on an aluminum heatsink and wired in parallel. I have tested each of the 20cm strips separately, and they draw around 0.3A of current at 12V, which is very close to the specification.



However when I wire everything together, the completed circuit draws only around 1.4A of current, which is 16.8W, while it's supposed to be around 28.8W (18W/m * 1.6m). I also noticed that each individual 20cm strip is not as bright, compared to when powered individually. I also measured voltage in the beginning and in the end of the strip - and it is much lower than 12V!



First I thought the problem is with my power supply - and I have tested it with different ones, ranging from cheap 12V 3A wall plugs, to bigger 60W bricks, but unfortunately - same result. Finally I tested it with an adjustable voltage power supply, and I noticed that when I set output voltage to around 14V, then voltage across the strip becomes around 12V and it draws around 2.5A of current, which makes it much closer to how much power it is supposed to draw according to my design (and it is much brighter, too - like when I powered 20cm strips individually).



I am very confused... Can you explain this behavior? Should I buy a power supply with a slightly higher output voltage, so that it drops down to 12V when connected to the strip? If so, how do I calculate how much output I need? Thank you.



Circuit Diagram










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  • If the voltage is measuring less than rated, then the power supply is being unable to keep up with the current demand of the LEDs (or you are experiencing huge losses in an overly long run of undersized wire). Generally speaking questions about lashups of undocumented discount consumer products don't really belong here. It's not clear that your design is sound - where in the system is current regulation supposed to be accomplished???
    – Chris Stratton
    5 hours ago

















up vote
1
down vote

favorite












I am making an LED lamp using an LED strip. The LED strip I am using is a 240 LED/m SMD2835 strip, which operates at DC12V, and is supposed to use 18W of power per meter.



My lamp is constructed as seen on the diagram: I cut it into 20cm strips, installed them on an aluminum heatsink and wired in parallel. I have tested each of the 20cm strips separately, and they draw around 0.3A of current at 12V, which is very close to the specification.



However when I wire everything together, the completed circuit draws only around 1.4A of current, which is 16.8W, while it's supposed to be around 28.8W (18W/m * 1.6m). I also noticed that each individual 20cm strip is not as bright, compared to when powered individually. I also measured voltage in the beginning and in the end of the strip - and it is much lower than 12V!



First I thought the problem is with my power supply - and I have tested it with different ones, ranging from cheap 12V 3A wall plugs, to bigger 60W bricks, but unfortunately - same result. Finally I tested it with an adjustable voltage power supply, and I noticed that when I set output voltage to around 14V, then voltage across the strip becomes around 12V and it draws around 2.5A of current, which makes it much closer to how much power it is supposed to draw according to my design (and it is much brighter, too - like when I powered 20cm strips individually).



I am very confused... Can you explain this behavior? Should I buy a power supply with a slightly higher output voltage, so that it drops down to 12V when connected to the strip? If so, how do I calculate how much output I need? Thank you.



Circuit Diagram










share|improve this question







New contributor




user655136 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




















  • If the voltage is measuring less than rated, then the power supply is being unable to keep up with the current demand of the LEDs (or you are experiencing huge losses in an overly long run of undersized wire). Generally speaking questions about lashups of undocumented discount consumer products don't really belong here. It's not clear that your design is sound - where in the system is current regulation supposed to be accomplished???
    – Chris Stratton
    5 hours ago















up vote
1
down vote

favorite









up vote
1
down vote

favorite











I am making an LED lamp using an LED strip. The LED strip I am using is a 240 LED/m SMD2835 strip, which operates at DC12V, and is supposed to use 18W of power per meter.



My lamp is constructed as seen on the diagram: I cut it into 20cm strips, installed them on an aluminum heatsink and wired in parallel. I have tested each of the 20cm strips separately, and they draw around 0.3A of current at 12V, which is very close to the specification.



However when I wire everything together, the completed circuit draws only around 1.4A of current, which is 16.8W, while it's supposed to be around 28.8W (18W/m * 1.6m). I also noticed that each individual 20cm strip is not as bright, compared to when powered individually. I also measured voltage in the beginning and in the end of the strip - and it is much lower than 12V!



First I thought the problem is with my power supply - and I have tested it with different ones, ranging from cheap 12V 3A wall plugs, to bigger 60W bricks, but unfortunately - same result. Finally I tested it with an adjustable voltage power supply, and I noticed that when I set output voltage to around 14V, then voltage across the strip becomes around 12V and it draws around 2.5A of current, which makes it much closer to how much power it is supposed to draw according to my design (and it is much brighter, too - like when I powered 20cm strips individually).



I am very confused... Can you explain this behavior? Should I buy a power supply with a slightly higher output voltage, so that it drops down to 12V when connected to the strip? If so, how do I calculate how much output I need? Thank you.



Circuit Diagram










share|improve this question







New contributor




user655136 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











I am making an LED lamp using an LED strip. The LED strip I am using is a 240 LED/m SMD2835 strip, which operates at DC12V, and is supposed to use 18W of power per meter.



My lamp is constructed as seen on the diagram: I cut it into 20cm strips, installed them on an aluminum heatsink and wired in parallel. I have tested each of the 20cm strips separately, and they draw around 0.3A of current at 12V, which is very close to the specification.



However when I wire everything together, the completed circuit draws only around 1.4A of current, which is 16.8W, while it's supposed to be around 28.8W (18W/m * 1.6m). I also noticed that each individual 20cm strip is not as bright, compared to when powered individually. I also measured voltage in the beginning and in the end of the strip - and it is much lower than 12V!



First I thought the problem is with my power supply - and I have tested it with different ones, ranging from cheap 12V 3A wall plugs, to bigger 60W bricks, but unfortunately - same result. Finally I tested it with an adjustable voltage power supply, and I noticed that when I set output voltage to around 14V, then voltage across the strip becomes around 12V and it draws around 2.5A of current, which makes it much closer to how much power it is supposed to draw according to my design (and it is much brighter, too - like when I powered 20cm strips individually).



I am very confused... Can you explain this behavior? Should I buy a power supply with a slightly higher output voltage, so that it drops down to 12V when connected to the strip? If so, how do I calculate how much output I need? Thank you.



Circuit Diagram







led led-strip led-driver






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asked 5 hours ago









user655136

61




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user655136 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






user655136 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.












  • If the voltage is measuring less than rated, then the power supply is being unable to keep up with the current demand of the LEDs (or you are experiencing huge losses in an overly long run of undersized wire). Generally speaking questions about lashups of undocumented discount consumer products don't really belong here. It's not clear that your design is sound - where in the system is current regulation supposed to be accomplished???
    – Chris Stratton
    5 hours ago




















  • If the voltage is measuring less than rated, then the power supply is being unable to keep up with the current demand of the LEDs (or you are experiencing huge losses in an overly long run of undersized wire). Generally speaking questions about lashups of undocumented discount consumer products don't really belong here. It's not clear that your design is sound - where in the system is current regulation supposed to be accomplished???
    – Chris Stratton
    5 hours ago


















If the voltage is measuring less than rated, then the power supply is being unable to keep up with the current demand of the LEDs (or you are experiencing huge losses in an overly long run of undersized wire). Generally speaking questions about lashups of undocumented discount consumer products don't really belong here. It's not clear that your design is sound - where in the system is current regulation supposed to be accomplished???
– Chris Stratton
5 hours ago






If the voltage is measuring less than rated, then the power supply is being unable to keep up with the current demand of the LEDs (or you are experiencing huge losses in an overly long run of undersized wire). Generally speaking questions about lashups of undocumented discount consumer products don't really belong here. It's not clear that your design is sound - where in the system is current regulation supposed to be accomplished???
– Chris Stratton
5 hours ago












4 Answers
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up vote
1
down vote













From your mention of a test with a 14 volt supply, it appears that most voltage is being lost in the wires between the supply and light panel - if so, you need significantly larger wire for that connection.



All wires have some resistance, and you must consider this resistance when determining the required wire size for a given current and cable length.






share|improve this answer





















  • This. Also, these strips are actually fully powered at 14V not 12V, so even if wire resistance isn't an issue, they will not be as close to the rated current draw when only powered by 12V.
    – Passerby
    3 hours ago


















up vote
1
down vote













Your connecting wires are too thin, you are dropping voltage in your leads.



You need to select the right size of wire and potentially use a star connection to drive the strings.



If your strip is using SMD2835 LEDs these will be FULLY bright at 12V DC. The typical LED characteristics (when warmed up) will be as below:



enter image description here



Notice that the Vf is around 3.3V maximum and you will find you strip has three LEDs in series with each current limiting resistor. The LEDs visibly turn on at about 9-9.1V (low brightness). If there were 4 in series you would have to use above 12V DC to get them to turn on, and this is NOT the case.



To select your wire size. there are plenty of charts and in the one shown below you would not use less than 16AWG wire for you application:
enter image description here



The leads from your power supply MUST be able to carry the full current rating. The leads from LED string to LED string could be much smaller if you used a star connection for your wiring.



Most LED strings actually have the voltage marked clearly on the strip, here is one image:



enter image description here
NOTE: The vast majority of LED strings will NOT work in automotive use as they get too hot.






share|improve this answer






























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    It sounds like 12 volts is actually the 'turn-on' voltage of the LED's, so you need at least 12 volts just to get them to have dim light. By going up to 14 volts you have gone far past the point to where the LED's would be at maximum brightness. Use at least 22 gauge wire.



    LED's are current driven devices, so above 12 VDC they will consume more current in a non-linear fashion such that at 14 volts you should have current limiting to protect the LED's from burning up. If they are too HOT to touch then they have too much current flowing through them.



    Current limiting can be done with a power supply that sources 14 to 15 VDC and also has an adjustable current limit. Maximum brightness actually may be too bright. Inserting a 1 ohm 10 watt resistor in series with each strip will help lower the current as the resistors will dissipate the over current as heat.



    With the resistors in place you can measure the DC voltage across each strip and get a better idea of the voltage the LED's will clamp hard at. Measure the voltage across the resistors to get a reading on the current consumed by each strip. They should be close. Do not force the LED's to run at a higher voltage or current then what seems like a 'comfortable' maximum brightness.



    They can be warm to the touch and that means the current is at a safe long-life setting. Properly driven LED's should last 20 to 50 years. If they are 'cool' or slightly warm to touch then lifespan could be close to 50 years. Heat is their only enemy when they are in a circuit, and heat is created by current.






    share|improve this answer




























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      The 12V stripleds intended for automotive use ( in the description) are rated at 14.2V with engine running.



      They will be dim at 9V and full brightness at 14.2 with 3 LEDs in series 1 or 2 resistors for the current limiting at rated drop voltage.



      This explains your results.



      If however, they include a 12V supply or do not mention Auto or motorcycle use, the heat rise may not tolerate 14.2V and the power rating may be optimized for 12V 2% tolerance.



      The lack of specs and standards is pervasive issue.






      share|improve this answer























      • This is not true, the LED strips you buy are rated for 12V, and the majority designed for a 12V DC with PWM for brightness control.
        – Jack Creasey
        1 hour ago










      • OK I'll limit the adjective
        – Tony EE rocketscientist
        51 mins ago










      • @JackCreasey the majority have a resistor where the forward current is less than nominal unless you have 14V across the strip. Pull one out and measure the resistance and voltage across it and see.
        – Passerby
        36 mins ago










      • @Passerby I've used dozens of the LED strips and they are all 12VDC. If you look at the sheer number of rolls of LED strips that ship with a 12V power supply option and use PWM for brightness control it would tell you that they are NOT designed for automotive use ….they are designed for general lighting and at 12V DC for full brightness. Will the work in an auto application ….sure but they will run hotter, and you see many comments about just how hot they run in those applications. Just do a Google search for "led strip lights in auto use run too hot" you will find dozens of comments.
        – Jack Creasey
        19 mins ago











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      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

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      4 Answers
      4






      active

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      active

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      active

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      up vote
      1
      down vote













      From your mention of a test with a 14 volt supply, it appears that most voltage is being lost in the wires between the supply and light panel - if so, you need significantly larger wire for that connection.



      All wires have some resistance, and you must consider this resistance when determining the required wire size for a given current and cable length.






      share|improve this answer





















      • This. Also, these strips are actually fully powered at 14V not 12V, so even if wire resistance isn't an issue, they will not be as close to the rated current draw when only powered by 12V.
        – Passerby
        3 hours ago















      up vote
      1
      down vote













      From your mention of a test with a 14 volt supply, it appears that most voltage is being lost in the wires between the supply and light panel - if so, you need significantly larger wire for that connection.



      All wires have some resistance, and you must consider this resistance when determining the required wire size for a given current and cable length.






      share|improve this answer





















      • This. Also, these strips are actually fully powered at 14V not 12V, so even if wire resistance isn't an issue, they will not be as close to the rated current draw when only powered by 12V.
        – Passerby
        3 hours ago













      up vote
      1
      down vote










      up vote
      1
      down vote









      From your mention of a test with a 14 volt supply, it appears that most voltage is being lost in the wires between the supply and light panel - if so, you need significantly larger wire for that connection.



      All wires have some resistance, and you must consider this resistance when determining the required wire size for a given current and cable length.






      share|improve this answer












      From your mention of a test with a 14 volt supply, it appears that most voltage is being lost in the wires between the supply and light panel - if so, you need significantly larger wire for that connection.



      All wires have some resistance, and you must consider this resistance when determining the required wire size for a given current and cable length.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered 5 hours ago









      Peter Bennett

      36.6k12967




      36.6k12967












      • This. Also, these strips are actually fully powered at 14V not 12V, so even if wire resistance isn't an issue, they will not be as close to the rated current draw when only powered by 12V.
        – Passerby
        3 hours ago


















      • This. Also, these strips are actually fully powered at 14V not 12V, so even if wire resistance isn't an issue, they will not be as close to the rated current draw when only powered by 12V.
        – Passerby
        3 hours ago
















      This. Also, these strips are actually fully powered at 14V not 12V, so even if wire resistance isn't an issue, they will not be as close to the rated current draw when only powered by 12V.
      – Passerby
      3 hours ago




      This. Also, these strips are actually fully powered at 14V not 12V, so even if wire resistance isn't an issue, they will not be as close to the rated current draw when only powered by 12V.
      – Passerby
      3 hours ago












      up vote
      1
      down vote













      Your connecting wires are too thin, you are dropping voltage in your leads.



      You need to select the right size of wire and potentially use a star connection to drive the strings.



      If your strip is using SMD2835 LEDs these will be FULLY bright at 12V DC. The typical LED characteristics (when warmed up) will be as below:



      enter image description here



      Notice that the Vf is around 3.3V maximum and you will find you strip has three LEDs in series with each current limiting resistor. The LEDs visibly turn on at about 9-9.1V (low brightness). If there were 4 in series you would have to use above 12V DC to get them to turn on, and this is NOT the case.



      To select your wire size. there are plenty of charts and in the one shown below you would not use less than 16AWG wire for you application:
      enter image description here



      The leads from your power supply MUST be able to carry the full current rating. The leads from LED string to LED string could be much smaller if you used a star connection for your wiring.



      Most LED strings actually have the voltage marked clearly on the strip, here is one image:



      enter image description here
      NOTE: The vast majority of LED strings will NOT work in automotive use as they get too hot.






      share|improve this answer



























        up vote
        1
        down vote













        Your connecting wires are too thin, you are dropping voltage in your leads.



        You need to select the right size of wire and potentially use a star connection to drive the strings.



        If your strip is using SMD2835 LEDs these will be FULLY bright at 12V DC. The typical LED characteristics (when warmed up) will be as below:



        enter image description here



        Notice that the Vf is around 3.3V maximum and you will find you strip has three LEDs in series with each current limiting resistor. The LEDs visibly turn on at about 9-9.1V (low brightness). If there were 4 in series you would have to use above 12V DC to get them to turn on, and this is NOT the case.



        To select your wire size. there are plenty of charts and in the one shown below you would not use less than 16AWG wire for you application:
        enter image description here



        The leads from your power supply MUST be able to carry the full current rating. The leads from LED string to LED string could be much smaller if you used a star connection for your wiring.



        Most LED strings actually have the voltage marked clearly on the strip, here is one image:



        enter image description here
        NOTE: The vast majority of LED strings will NOT work in automotive use as they get too hot.






        share|improve this answer

























          up vote
          1
          down vote










          up vote
          1
          down vote









          Your connecting wires are too thin, you are dropping voltage in your leads.



          You need to select the right size of wire and potentially use a star connection to drive the strings.



          If your strip is using SMD2835 LEDs these will be FULLY bright at 12V DC. The typical LED characteristics (when warmed up) will be as below:



          enter image description here



          Notice that the Vf is around 3.3V maximum and you will find you strip has three LEDs in series with each current limiting resistor. The LEDs visibly turn on at about 9-9.1V (low brightness). If there were 4 in series you would have to use above 12V DC to get them to turn on, and this is NOT the case.



          To select your wire size. there are plenty of charts and in the one shown below you would not use less than 16AWG wire for you application:
          enter image description here



          The leads from your power supply MUST be able to carry the full current rating. The leads from LED string to LED string could be much smaller if you used a star connection for your wiring.



          Most LED strings actually have the voltage marked clearly on the strip, here is one image:



          enter image description here
          NOTE: The vast majority of LED strings will NOT work in automotive use as they get too hot.






          share|improve this answer














          Your connecting wires are too thin, you are dropping voltage in your leads.



          You need to select the right size of wire and potentially use a star connection to drive the strings.



          If your strip is using SMD2835 LEDs these will be FULLY bright at 12V DC. The typical LED characteristics (when warmed up) will be as below:



          enter image description here



          Notice that the Vf is around 3.3V maximum and you will find you strip has three LEDs in series with each current limiting resistor. The LEDs visibly turn on at about 9-9.1V (low brightness). If there were 4 in series you would have to use above 12V DC to get them to turn on, and this is NOT the case.



          To select your wire size. there are plenty of charts and in the one shown below you would not use less than 16AWG wire for you application:
          enter image description here



          The leads from your power supply MUST be able to carry the full current rating. The leads from LED string to LED string could be much smaller if you used a star connection for your wiring.



          Most LED strings actually have the voltage marked clearly on the strip, here is one image:



          enter image description here
          NOTE: The vast majority of LED strings will NOT work in automotive use as they get too hot.







          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited 8 mins ago

























          answered 1 hour ago









          Jack Creasey

          13k2622




          13k2622






















              up vote
              0
              down vote













              It sounds like 12 volts is actually the 'turn-on' voltage of the LED's, so you need at least 12 volts just to get them to have dim light. By going up to 14 volts you have gone far past the point to where the LED's would be at maximum brightness. Use at least 22 gauge wire.



              LED's are current driven devices, so above 12 VDC they will consume more current in a non-linear fashion such that at 14 volts you should have current limiting to protect the LED's from burning up. If they are too HOT to touch then they have too much current flowing through them.



              Current limiting can be done with a power supply that sources 14 to 15 VDC and also has an adjustable current limit. Maximum brightness actually may be too bright. Inserting a 1 ohm 10 watt resistor in series with each strip will help lower the current as the resistors will dissipate the over current as heat.



              With the resistors in place you can measure the DC voltage across each strip and get a better idea of the voltage the LED's will clamp hard at. Measure the voltage across the resistors to get a reading on the current consumed by each strip. They should be close. Do not force the LED's to run at a higher voltage or current then what seems like a 'comfortable' maximum brightness.



              They can be warm to the touch and that means the current is at a safe long-life setting. Properly driven LED's should last 20 to 50 years. If they are 'cool' or slightly warm to touch then lifespan could be close to 50 years. Heat is their only enemy when they are in a circuit, and heat is created by current.






              share|improve this answer

























                up vote
                0
                down vote













                It sounds like 12 volts is actually the 'turn-on' voltage of the LED's, so you need at least 12 volts just to get them to have dim light. By going up to 14 volts you have gone far past the point to where the LED's would be at maximum brightness. Use at least 22 gauge wire.



                LED's are current driven devices, so above 12 VDC they will consume more current in a non-linear fashion such that at 14 volts you should have current limiting to protect the LED's from burning up. If they are too HOT to touch then they have too much current flowing through them.



                Current limiting can be done with a power supply that sources 14 to 15 VDC and also has an adjustable current limit. Maximum brightness actually may be too bright. Inserting a 1 ohm 10 watt resistor in series with each strip will help lower the current as the resistors will dissipate the over current as heat.



                With the resistors in place you can measure the DC voltage across each strip and get a better idea of the voltage the LED's will clamp hard at. Measure the voltage across the resistors to get a reading on the current consumed by each strip. They should be close. Do not force the LED's to run at a higher voltage or current then what seems like a 'comfortable' maximum brightness.



                They can be warm to the touch and that means the current is at a safe long-life setting. Properly driven LED's should last 20 to 50 years. If they are 'cool' or slightly warm to touch then lifespan could be close to 50 years. Heat is their only enemy when they are in a circuit, and heat is created by current.






                share|improve this answer























                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote









                  It sounds like 12 volts is actually the 'turn-on' voltage of the LED's, so you need at least 12 volts just to get them to have dim light. By going up to 14 volts you have gone far past the point to where the LED's would be at maximum brightness. Use at least 22 gauge wire.



                  LED's are current driven devices, so above 12 VDC they will consume more current in a non-linear fashion such that at 14 volts you should have current limiting to protect the LED's from burning up. If they are too HOT to touch then they have too much current flowing through them.



                  Current limiting can be done with a power supply that sources 14 to 15 VDC and also has an adjustable current limit. Maximum brightness actually may be too bright. Inserting a 1 ohm 10 watt resistor in series with each strip will help lower the current as the resistors will dissipate the over current as heat.



                  With the resistors in place you can measure the DC voltage across each strip and get a better idea of the voltage the LED's will clamp hard at. Measure the voltage across the resistors to get a reading on the current consumed by each strip. They should be close. Do not force the LED's to run at a higher voltage or current then what seems like a 'comfortable' maximum brightness.



                  They can be warm to the touch and that means the current is at a safe long-life setting. Properly driven LED's should last 20 to 50 years. If they are 'cool' or slightly warm to touch then lifespan could be close to 50 years. Heat is their only enemy when they are in a circuit, and heat is created by current.






                  share|improve this answer












                  It sounds like 12 volts is actually the 'turn-on' voltage of the LED's, so you need at least 12 volts just to get them to have dim light. By going up to 14 volts you have gone far past the point to where the LED's would be at maximum brightness. Use at least 22 gauge wire.



                  LED's are current driven devices, so above 12 VDC they will consume more current in a non-linear fashion such that at 14 volts you should have current limiting to protect the LED's from burning up. If they are too HOT to touch then they have too much current flowing through them.



                  Current limiting can be done with a power supply that sources 14 to 15 VDC and also has an adjustable current limit. Maximum brightness actually may be too bright. Inserting a 1 ohm 10 watt resistor in series with each strip will help lower the current as the resistors will dissipate the over current as heat.



                  With the resistors in place you can measure the DC voltage across each strip and get a better idea of the voltage the LED's will clamp hard at. Measure the voltage across the resistors to get a reading on the current consumed by each strip. They should be close. Do not force the LED's to run at a higher voltage or current then what seems like a 'comfortable' maximum brightness.



                  They can be warm to the touch and that means the current is at a safe long-life setting. Properly driven LED's should last 20 to 50 years. If they are 'cool' or slightly warm to touch then lifespan could be close to 50 years. Heat is their only enemy when they are in a circuit, and heat is created by current.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered 4 hours ago









                  Sparky256

                  10.9k21534




                  10.9k21534






















                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote













                      The 12V stripleds intended for automotive use ( in the description) are rated at 14.2V with engine running.



                      They will be dim at 9V and full brightness at 14.2 with 3 LEDs in series 1 or 2 resistors for the current limiting at rated drop voltage.



                      This explains your results.



                      If however, they include a 12V supply or do not mention Auto or motorcycle use, the heat rise may not tolerate 14.2V and the power rating may be optimized for 12V 2% tolerance.



                      The lack of specs and standards is pervasive issue.






                      share|improve this answer























                      • This is not true, the LED strips you buy are rated for 12V, and the majority designed for a 12V DC with PWM for brightness control.
                        – Jack Creasey
                        1 hour ago










                      • OK I'll limit the adjective
                        – Tony EE rocketscientist
                        51 mins ago










                      • @JackCreasey the majority have a resistor where the forward current is less than nominal unless you have 14V across the strip. Pull one out and measure the resistance and voltage across it and see.
                        – Passerby
                        36 mins ago










                      • @Passerby I've used dozens of the LED strips and they are all 12VDC. If you look at the sheer number of rolls of LED strips that ship with a 12V power supply option and use PWM for brightness control it would tell you that they are NOT designed for automotive use ….they are designed for general lighting and at 12V DC for full brightness. Will the work in an auto application ….sure but they will run hotter, and you see many comments about just how hot they run in those applications. Just do a Google search for "led strip lights in auto use run too hot" you will find dozens of comments.
                        – Jack Creasey
                        19 mins ago















                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote













                      The 12V stripleds intended for automotive use ( in the description) are rated at 14.2V with engine running.



                      They will be dim at 9V and full brightness at 14.2 with 3 LEDs in series 1 or 2 resistors for the current limiting at rated drop voltage.



                      This explains your results.



                      If however, they include a 12V supply or do not mention Auto or motorcycle use, the heat rise may not tolerate 14.2V and the power rating may be optimized for 12V 2% tolerance.



                      The lack of specs and standards is pervasive issue.






                      share|improve this answer























                      • This is not true, the LED strips you buy are rated for 12V, and the majority designed for a 12V DC with PWM for brightness control.
                        – Jack Creasey
                        1 hour ago










                      • OK I'll limit the adjective
                        – Tony EE rocketscientist
                        51 mins ago










                      • @JackCreasey the majority have a resistor where the forward current is less than nominal unless you have 14V across the strip. Pull one out and measure the resistance and voltage across it and see.
                        – Passerby
                        36 mins ago










                      • @Passerby I've used dozens of the LED strips and they are all 12VDC. If you look at the sheer number of rolls of LED strips that ship with a 12V power supply option and use PWM for brightness control it would tell you that they are NOT designed for automotive use ….they are designed for general lighting and at 12V DC for full brightness. Will the work in an auto application ….sure but they will run hotter, and you see many comments about just how hot they run in those applications. Just do a Google search for "led strip lights in auto use run too hot" you will find dozens of comments.
                        – Jack Creasey
                        19 mins ago













                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote









                      The 12V stripleds intended for automotive use ( in the description) are rated at 14.2V with engine running.



                      They will be dim at 9V and full brightness at 14.2 with 3 LEDs in series 1 or 2 resistors for the current limiting at rated drop voltage.



                      This explains your results.



                      If however, they include a 12V supply or do not mention Auto or motorcycle use, the heat rise may not tolerate 14.2V and the power rating may be optimized for 12V 2% tolerance.



                      The lack of specs and standards is pervasive issue.






                      share|improve this answer














                      The 12V stripleds intended for automotive use ( in the description) are rated at 14.2V with engine running.



                      They will be dim at 9V and full brightness at 14.2 with 3 LEDs in series 1 or 2 resistors for the current limiting at rated drop voltage.



                      This explains your results.



                      If however, they include a 12V supply or do not mention Auto or motorcycle use, the heat rise may not tolerate 14.2V and the power rating may be optimized for 12V 2% tolerance.



                      The lack of specs and standards is pervasive issue.







                      share|improve this answer














                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer








                      edited 46 mins ago

























                      answered 3 hours ago









                      Tony EE rocketscientist

                      60.9k22192




                      60.9k22192












                      • This is not true, the LED strips you buy are rated for 12V, and the majority designed for a 12V DC with PWM for brightness control.
                        – Jack Creasey
                        1 hour ago










                      • OK I'll limit the adjective
                        – Tony EE rocketscientist
                        51 mins ago










                      • @JackCreasey the majority have a resistor where the forward current is less than nominal unless you have 14V across the strip. Pull one out and measure the resistance and voltage across it and see.
                        – Passerby
                        36 mins ago










                      • @Passerby I've used dozens of the LED strips and they are all 12VDC. If you look at the sheer number of rolls of LED strips that ship with a 12V power supply option and use PWM for brightness control it would tell you that they are NOT designed for automotive use ….they are designed for general lighting and at 12V DC for full brightness. Will the work in an auto application ….sure but they will run hotter, and you see many comments about just how hot they run in those applications. Just do a Google search for "led strip lights in auto use run too hot" you will find dozens of comments.
                        – Jack Creasey
                        19 mins ago


















                      • This is not true, the LED strips you buy are rated for 12V, and the majority designed for a 12V DC with PWM for brightness control.
                        – Jack Creasey
                        1 hour ago










                      • OK I'll limit the adjective
                        – Tony EE rocketscientist
                        51 mins ago










                      • @JackCreasey the majority have a resistor where the forward current is less than nominal unless you have 14V across the strip. Pull one out and measure the resistance and voltage across it and see.
                        – Passerby
                        36 mins ago










                      • @Passerby I've used dozens of the LED strips and they are all 12VDC. If you look at the sheer number of rolls of LED strips that ship with a 12V power supply option and use PWM for brightness control it would tell you that they are NOT designed for automotive use ….they are designed for general lighting and at 12V DC for full brightness. Will the work in an auto application ….sure but they will run hotter, and you see many comments about just how hot they run in those applications. Just do a Google search for "led strip lights in auto use run too hot" you will find dozens of comments.
                        – Jack Creasey
                        19 mins ago
















                      This is not true, the LED strips you buy are rated for 12V, and the majority designed for a 12V DC with PWM for brightness control.
                      – Jack Creasey
                      1 hour ago




                      This is not true, the LED strips you buy are rated for 12V, and the majority designed for a 12V DC with PWM for brightness control.
                      – Jack Creasey
                      1 hour ago












                      OK I'll limit the adjective
                      – Tony EE rocketscientist
                      51 mins ago




                      OK I'll limit the adjective
                      – Tony EE rocketscientist
                      51 mins ago












                      @JackCreasey the majority have a resistor where the forward current is less than nominal unless you have 14V across the strip. Pull one out and measure the resistance and voltage across it and see.
                      – Passerby
                      36 mins ago




                      @JackCreasey the majority have a resistor where the forward current is less than nominal unless you have 14V across the strip. Pull one out and measure the resistance and voltage across it and see.
                      – Passerby
                      36 mins ago












                      @Passerby I've used dozens of the LED strips and they are all 12VDC. If you look at the sheer number of rolls of LED strips that ship with a 12V power supply option and use PWM for brightness control it would tell you that they are NOT designed for automotive use ….they are designed for general lighting and at 12V DC for full brightness. Will the work in an auto application ….sure but they will run hotter, and you see many comments about just how hot they run in those applications. Just do a Google search for "led strip lights in auto use run too hot" you will find dozens of comments.
                      – Jack Creasey
                      19 mins ago




                      @Passerby I've used dozens of the LED strips and they are all 12VDC. If you look at the sheer number of rolls of LED strips that ship with a 12V power supply option and use PWM for brightness control it would tell you that they are NOT designed for automotive use ….they are designed for general lighting and at 12V DC for full brightness. Will the work in an auto application ….sure but they will run hotter, and you see many comments about just how hot they run in those applications. Just do a Google search for "led strip lights in auto use run too hot" you will find dozens of comments.
                      – Jack Creasey
                      19 mins ago










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