How to Build a Simple LED Circuit

This article tell how to make simple circuit for LED light.

LED is small special light that shine when to get electricity.

This project show how to join some parts together to make LED turn ON.

LED circuits used in many things like torch (flashlight), car back lights and even in big signboards!

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

How to Connect LED with Battery Circuit:

Here we explain some examples of LED circuits like blinking LED 220V LED and more.

First we will show simple LED circuit with one resistor in series works.

To choose correct resistor one must do small math to know the following:

• Battery voltage (power supply)
• LED voltage drop (usually around 2V)
• How much current one want (like 10mA or 20mA)

With this one can find good resistor value so LED works safe and does not burn.

Formula and calculations for a series LED circuit :

Source Voltage−LED Voltage Drop/Amps = Ohms

where:

Amps = mA/1000

For instance: Source Voltage = 9V

LED Voltage Drop = 3.1V typical for a blue or white LED

Desired Current = 13 milliamps

So, the resistor needed is calculated as: (9 to 3.1) / (13/1000) = 452Ω

thus a 470Ω resistor should be used.

How to Build:

To build a LED circuit with a resistor in series is mentioned below:

Find Resistor Value:

• First check how much voltage the LED is using (forward voltage).
• Then one must know the battery or power supply voltage.
• Choose how much current one want for LED (like 20mA).
• Use Ohms Law: V = I × R so R = (Supply Voltage − LED Voltage) ÷ Current
• Take resistor value close or little higher to keep LED safe.

Connect the Parts:

• Put LED and resistor on breadboard or get ready for solder.
• Connect short leg cathode of LED to negative (-) of battery.
• Connect long leg anode of LED to one leg of resistor.
• Other leg of resistor go to positive (+) of battery.
• Be sure all wires tight and no short circuit.

Test the Circuit:

• Turn ON power.
• See if LED glow properly.
• Use multimeter to check current and see if it is same as what is needed

Fix Brightness if Needed:

• If LED is too bright or not bright than change resistor value.

Make it Strong:

• If all good solder parts to make it strong.
• Use tape or heat shrink to cover open wires.

Final Test:

• Last check to see if LED work perfect in the project.

Note:

• By following these steps one can make simple LED circuit with resistor.
• Be careful while working with electric parts and always check twice with wires and math.

How to Build a 220V LED circuit:

A 220V LED circuit is setup with some electric parts to make LED work from 220V power.

This kind of circuit are used in places where light plug give 220V like some countries have that high voltage.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

LED Circuit Work on 220V Warning!:

Do this only if anyone knows good about electronic stuff.

This circuit connect direct to 220V power.

Very dangerous can give big shock.

This uses parts like one capacitor, one zener diode, one resistor and LED.

How big the capacitor is will decide how much current will LED need

For example 0.1 microfarad (µF) capacitor give around 4 mA to LED.

If use 470 nano farad (nF) then LED get about 20 mA.

How to Build:

To build a Simple LED Circuit one need to know the working with 220V is very risky.

One must handle with care and follow safety rules.

Building the Plan:

• First decide how much current one needs for an LED to choose capacitor and other parts for that.
• Look at some diagram or guide to know how to put parts in right way.

Safety First:

• Be sure power is OFF and unplug before anyone touches anything.
• Use tools with plastic handle and do not touch wires with bare hand.
• Work in place with fresh air and alway follow safety rule.

Connect the Parts:

• Put all parts like diagram.
• Be careful with direction of diode and capacitor that they wont work if it is wrong side.
• Use wire with cover (insulated) for join parts.
• Check everything again and check for no loose wire or short circuit.

Test the Circuit:

• After everything is connected now plug in power.
• See if LED turn is ON it should glow.
• Use meter to check how much current is going it should match as per needed

Fix Problems:

• If LED is not flashing or something strange happen than turn OFF and unplug quickly.
• Check again for all wire or maybe something wrong or broken.
• Change broken parts or fix wire then try again.

Finish the Job:

• When all parts are working fine keep all parts tight and safe.
• Cover any open wire or metal with tape or insulator.
• Write down some notes like what capacitor used or how much current.

Final Safety Check:

• Check again if all parts are strong and no open wire left.
• Run circuit little time and see if it stay safe.

Note:

• This is not small project it operates on 220V that can hurt or kill.
• If one do not know much about electronics better ask help from a trained person but do not try alone.

Conclusion:

To conclude this How to Build a Simple LED Circuit overall give useful and low power way to make light in many kinds of electronic things and system.

References:

Calculate series resistor value for LED on 220 Vac RMS supply