78Views2Replies
is it possible to hook leds up to just wires and connect them to batteries?
I want to just simply hook up a single led without having to use a circuit board and sodring gun (SP) can I simply hook up some wires to it and connect it to a battery?
Comments
11 years ago
Most LED's will light up if you put TEN milliamperes into them. If youconnect them directly to the voltage source WITHOUT a resistor, then the current will be MUCH MORE than 10 milliamperes... and the led's will burn out INSTANTLY. I will not torture you with OHMS LAW equations to calculate the resistance you need. INSTEAD, just use this rule of thumb. For every ten volts, add 1000 ohms. So, if your voltage source is 10 volts, you need a 1000 ohm resistor. if it is 20 volts, you need 2000 ohms resistor (in series) with the led. The POLARITY of the led must also be correct. if youconnect it backwards, it will burn out. That should be enough information to get you going. hope it helps..... framistan
11 years ago
Yes but you have to match your led to your battery. If they are over powered they will burn out and if underpowered they will not light.