mph_medic
Southaven, MS (Outside Memphis, TN)
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I seem to have a problem with my 12v lights.. I have replaced the reg bulbs with three different LED's.. all have heated up and failed... Just for Sh*ts and giggles I took two of them to a friends RV plugged them in and after 30 mins they were not hot nor did they smell like they do in my RV.. Could my power supply be producing more than the 12v needed, and if so is there a way to adjust it down ???
Never do anything you wouldn't want to explain to the Paramedics...
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
Yes, it could be. No, there is usually not an easy way to lower the voltage unless you have a good deal of knowledge about power supplies.
The work around if you do not wish to change the converter is to get led bulbs with a "buck" controller or bulbs that work from 8 to 30 volts.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
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mph_medic
Southaven, MS (Outside Memphis, TN)
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thanks.. I will get a meter on it tonight and see just how much Im getting at the bulb on the gen and on the pole...
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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Joined: 01/05/2005
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The converter will produce more then 12 volts. It could be as high as 14.4, but that is normal.
The LEDs shgould be rated higher then 15 volts normally for their operating range.
What is make and model of the LED lamps?
Bud
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Note anything BELOW 14.6 (if charging in bulk mode) is acceptable, 13.6 is about normal float, 12.6 is fully charged 12 volt is seriously low battery.
Note also these voltages are approximate, your meter could be off a bit, and you may never actually see any of the ones I listed.
If however you see 16, you are running HOT, way too HOT.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
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Sloop Smitten
San Marcos, CA
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I bought three led's and all three blew in a very short time. They were cheap ones from China off eBay so no great monetary loss. I suspect the 12V rated China LED's may not handle the higher voltages (14V and more) that the converter was putting out. All of them blew while on the converter when energized with 120V and not when running solely off the battery. My converter puts out 14V when charging the battery and then drops back to 13.6 V or so. I wonder if the OP purchased his from China as well.
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mph_medic
Southaven, MS (Outside Memphis, TN)
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Must be the CHEAP led's.. Cause I'm getting 13.4v ... and only goes down about .2 when I change from pole to generator... back to reg bulbs.. I never really boondocks so no big loss ..
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westend
all over
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I use a bunch of the LED SMD panels and they're running OK at 13.6 v, the float charge. Some of the LED bulbs are sold for use in a car and that has over 14v during normal running. You might want to check the converter and see what it's putting out, if it gets too high, it could be bad for your batteries (not directed at the OP, I see he has 13.4 v).
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timjcarter9
Fort Macleod, Alberta Canada
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Are you hitting a battery disconnect switch when plugged in?
The battery has to be in line to smooth out the power.
Just a thought.
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