gm280
Supreme Mariner
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2011
- Messages
- 14,605
Re: Led trailer light issues...
Oh yes the "GROUND" gremlin strikes again... However, folks also have to remember a few things as LEDs are taking over. They are LEDs, Light Emitting Diodes, and NOT regular lights bulbs with filaments in them that have zero polarity. LED Diodes do have a positive and negative connection. And because of that there will be more problems as more folks change over to them. An LED will only light if the polarity is observed. You simply can't connect them any way you wish and have them work properly. AND you certainly can't buy LEDs and simple connect 12 volts up to them or they will burn out near instantly for sure. Since they are polarity sensitive and only require a mere fraction of what filament bulbs require for current, you have to limit how much voltage you apply to them without current limiting resistors... Most LEDs take only a volt or two to allow them to work (light), and a very few milliamps as well. A standard taillight bulb (like the old 1157, 1257, etc.) takes 12 volts will an amp or more to light...see the problems...
Oh yes the "GROUND" gremlin strikes again... However, folks also have to remember a few things as LEDs are taking over. They are LEDs, Light Emitting Diodes, and NOT regular lights bulbs with filaments in them that have zero polarity. LED Diodes do have a positive and negative connection. And because of that there will be more problems as more folks change over to them. An LED will only light if the polarity is observed. You simply can't connect them any way you wish and have them work properly. AND you certainly can't buy LEDs and simple connect 12 volts up to them or they will burn out near instantly for sure. Since they are polarity sensitive and only require a mere fraction of what filament bulbs require for current, you have to limit how much voltage you apply to them without current limiting resistors... Most LEDs take only a volt or two to allow them to work (light), and a very few milliamps as well. A standard taillight bulb (like the old 1157, 1257, etc.) takes 12 volts will an amp or more to light...see the problems...
