How To Find Correct Current For Unknown LED Strip?

Ken_McE · May 30, 2005

I have come into possesion of the LED taillight off a Cadillac. I would like to add it to my car but am concerned about overdriving it if I just wire it in directly. The unit has 34 LEDs and says "12.8V, 4.9W". Is it possible to figure out what the correct current is to drive this thing?

PhotonWrangler · May 30, 2005

If the assembly itself is rated at 12 volts, then the current limiting is already built in. Hook up a cigarette lighter test cord and try it there first.

Reptilezs · May 30, 2005

using the formula watts = volts x amps we can find out the answer. so 4.9 divided by 12.8 = .3828 amps

ACMarina · May 30, 2005

Re: How To Find Correct Current For Unknown LED St

It should work, I'd guesstimate. .

Ken_McE · May 30, 2005

[ QUOTE ]
PhotonWrangler said:
If the assembly itself is rated at 12 volts, then the current limiting is already built in. Hook up a cigarette lighter test cord and try it there first.

[/ QUOTE ]

It runs nicely off a 12 volt battery. My concern was that GM might have put the current limiter in some other part of the vehicle, leaving me with a voltage surge unprotected unit.

How To Find Correct Current For Unknown LED Strip?

Ken_McE

Flashlight Enthusiast

PhotonWrangler

Flashaholic

Reptilezs

Enlightened

ACMarina

Flashlight Enthusiast

Ken_McE

Flashlight Enthusiast

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