Wiring Leds

[Lexus-IS]

I want to power multiple LEDs from the parking lights power. I'm considering doing a series circuit, so if one fails they all turn off and that way it doesnt look strange. However, i am stuck at the point where i dont know what kind and how many resistors I will need. I will have about 16 LED's wired together. Anyone know how i can go about this?

thanks

[steve2006]

If you are supplying 16 LEDs off a 12vdc supply they will not work in series because each LED needs on average ( depends on type) 1.6-2.0 volts to operate so connecting more than 6 in series will not allow enough voltage to each one for it to work plus you will need a current limiting resistor which will reduce the voltage further.

The recommended method is to put them inparallel each with its own resistor, the resistor value is dependent on the type of LED and its supply current requirements ( normally around 20mA)

Below is a calculator to work out the value of the resistor.

http://ledz.com/?p=zz.led.resistor.calculator