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Simple LED Tubelight Circuit

Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by Swagatam 88 Comments

An LED tube-light is lighting device built using high efficiency LEDs for illuminating a premise where it is installed, through the available AC mains supply.

Table of Contents
  • LED Tube light using a Transformer or Battery
  • Circuits Description
  • Transformerless LED Tube light Circuit with Constant Current for Power Saving
  • Circuit Operation
  • Parts List
  • Important Calculations
  • LED Specifications and Datasheet
  • 150 LED Transformerless LED Tubelight Circuit
  • Parts List
  • Construction Clues
  • How to Test it?
  • The PCB Design Layout for the above LED tube-light circuit can be seen in the following image.

In this post I have explained the complete construction details of a simple LED light tube light circuit using 20 mA, 5 mm high bright white LEDs.

The circuit can be operated directly from the 230V AC mains of your domestic supply. This will not only save electric power but also help curb the global warming issue.

WARNING: SINCE ALL THE CIRCUITS EXPLAINED BELOW INVOLVE LETHAL HIGH MAINS AC VOLTAGES, WE STRICTLY ADVISE YOU NOT TO BUILD THESE CIRCUITS UNLESS YOU ARE TOTALLY AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF AC MAINS VOLTAGES AND EXACTLY KNOW HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF BY EXERCISING PROPER SAFETY MEASURES, WHILE BUILDING THESE CIRCUITS.

LED Tube light using a Transformer or Battery

In the following first design we will see how to make a simple lED tubelight using a transformer based power supply, and by connecting the desired number of LEDs in series parallel connection.

Using white LEDs for illuminating our homes is becoming popular nowadays, due to the high power efficiency involved with these devices.

The diagram shows a straightforward configuration involving many LEDs, arranged in series and parallel.

Circuits Description

Referring to the shown LED tube light circuit using transformer we see the LEDs are driven by a general purpose 24 V power supply for illuminating the LED bank very brightly.

The  power supply incorporates standard bridge and capacitor network for the required rectification and filtration of the supply voltage to the LEDs.

The arrangement of the LEDs is done in the following way:

The supply voltage being 24, dividing it by the forward voltage of a white LED which is around 3 volts gives 24/3 = 6, meaning the supply voltage will be able to support at the most 6 LEDs in series.

However since we are interested to include many LEDs (132 here), we need to connect many of these series connected strings of LED through parallel connections.

That's exactly what we do here.

Total 22 strings of LEDs having 6 in each are connected in parallel, as shown in the figure.

Since current limiting becomes an important issue with the white LEDs, a limiting resistor is added in series with  each of the strings.

The value of the resistor may be optimized by the user for adjusting the overall illumination of the LED tube light.

The proposed design will provide enough light for illuminating a small 10 by 10 room brightly, and will consume not more than 0.02 * 22 = 0.44 Amps or 0.44 * 24 = 10.56 watts of power.
24 Volt, LED Tube Light Circuit Using Transformer, Circuit Diagram

LED tubelight circuit diagram using transformer rectified power supply circuit

In the above designs we have learned how to make LED tube light without any current control which may be OK if the LEDs are not power LEDs and do not have the property of getting too hot due the extremely high bright illumination.

However for power LEDs which are designed to emit extremely high bright lights and which have the tendency to become too warm quickly, a heatsink and a current control feature become very important.

Transformerless LED Tube light Circuit with Constant Current for Power Saving

Current control in an LED tube light becomes crucial because LEDs are current sensitive devices and can quickly get into a thermal runaway situation, ultimately damaging it permanently.

In an LED thermal runaway situation the LED starts drawing more current, and begins getting warmer due to the absence of a current control limit.

The rising heat inside the LED forces the LED to draw even more current, which in turn cause more heat, this goes on until the LED is completely burnt and destroyed. This phenomenon is known as thermal runaway situation in an LED.

To avoid this current control becomes too crucial for any LED driver circuit.

In this circuit resistor R2 is placed for converting the rising current to voltage across itself.

This voltage is sensed by R2 which immediately conducts and grounds T1's base rendering it inactive, the instantaneous process initiates a switching effect, producing the desired current control and safeguarding of the LEDs.

Each channel consists of 50 white LEDs in series. R2 is calculated with the following formula: R = 0.7 / I, where I = Total safe current consumed by the LEDs.

The whole circuit of the current controlled LED tube light may be understood in this manner:

Circuit Operation

When input AC is applied to the circuit, C1 drops the input current down to a lower level which can be considered to be safe for operating the involved electronic circuit.

The diodes rectify the low current AC and feeds to the next current sensing stage consisting of T1 and T2.

Initially T1 is biased through R1 and conducts fully illuminating the entire array of LEDs.

As long as the current delivered by T1 or rather current drawn by the LEDs is within the specified safe limit, T2 remains in a non-conducting state, however of the current drawn by the LEDs begins to cross the safe limit, the voltage across the limiting resistor R2 begins to develop a small voltage across it.

When this voltage exceeds 0.6, T2 begins to leak through its collector emitter pin outs.
Since the collector of T2 is connected to the base of T1, the biasing current to T1 now starts leaking to ground.

This inhibits T1 from conducting fully and its collector current stops rising any further. Since the LEDs form the collector load of T1, the current through the LEDs also gets restricted and the devices are safeguarded from the rising current intake.

Ths above rise in the current takes place when the input AC rises, producing an equivalent increase in the LED current consumption, but the inclusion of T1 and T2, ensures that anything that's dangerous to the LEDs is effectively controlled and curbed.

Parts List

Parts List for the proposed current controlled LED tube light circuit

ComponentSpecification
T1MJE13003
T2MJE304
R1, R2To be calculated
R31 M, 1/4 W
Diodes1N4007
C12 µF / 400 V
current controlled transformreless 220V LED tube light circuit

Important Calculations

Capacitive Reactance of C1

The input capacitor (C1) is used to drop the 220V AC mains voltage and current to a lower level suitable for the LED array. The current through the LEDs depends on the capacitive reactance of C1.

Formula for capacitive reactance:

Xc = 1 / (2 * π * f * C)

Where:

Xc = Capacitive reactance (in ohms)

f = Frequency of AC mains (50 Hz or 60 Hz)

C = Capacitance of C1 (in Farads)

Example:

For C1 = 2 µF (2 × 10-6 F) and f = 50 Hz:

Xc = 1 / (2 * π * 50 * 2 × 10-6)

Xc ≈ 1591.55 Ω

Current Through the LED String

The current is determined by the voltage across the capacitor and the reactance.

Formula for current:

I = V / Xc

Where:

I = Current through the LEDs (in Amps)

V = RMS mains voltage (e.g., 220V AC)

Xc = Capacitive reactance (calculated above)

Example:

For V = 220V and Xc ≈ 1591.55 Ω:

I = 220 / 1591.55

I ≈ 0.138 A or 138 mA

This current value will flow through the LED array and should match the LEDs maximum current rating.

Power Dissipation in LEDs

The power dissipation in the LED string can be calculated as:

P = I × VLED

Where:

P = Power dissipation (in Watts)

I = Current through the LEDs (calculated above)

VLED = Total forward voltage of the LED string

Example:

For 20 LEDs in series with each having a forward voltage of 3V, VLED = 20 × 3 = 60V.

If I = 138 mA (from the previous calculation):

P = 0.138 × 60

P ≈ 8.28 W

Resistor Calculations (R1, R2, and R3)

R1: Limits the base current for T1. Its value depends on the LED string specifications.

Formula for Base Current (IB):

IB = ILED / hFE

Where:

ILED = 120 mA = 0.12 A (desired LED current)

hFE: Current gain of T1 (from the MJE13003 datasheet, hFE ≈ 20 at this current level)

Calculation for IB:

IB = 0.12 / 20 = 0.006 A = 6 mA

Formula for R1:

R1 = VB / IB

Where:

VB = 0.7 V (typical base-emitter voltage drop of T1)

IB = 6 mA

Calculation for R1:

R1 = 0.7 / 0.006 = 116.67 Ω

Choose the nearest standard resistor value:

R1 ≈ 120 Ω

R2: Act as current sensing resistors for T2 to ensure constant current for the LED.

Formula for R2:

R2 = Vsense / ILED

Where:

Vsense = 0.7 V (voltage required to trigger T2)

ILED = 120 mA = 0.12 A

Calculation for R2:

R2 = 0.7 / 0.12 = 5.83 Ω

Choose the nearest standard resistor value:

R2 ≈ 5.6 Ω

R3: Ensures that the high voltage capacitor is able to discharge, preventing painful shock to the user after the circuit is unplugged from the AC mains.

Formula for R3:

The discharge time constant is:

τ = R3 × C1

For a capacitor C1 = 2 μF and rectified voltage Vrectified = 311 V:

To ensure safe discharge within 1 second:

τ ≈ 1 s

Calculation for R3:

R3 = τ / C1 = 1 / (2 × 10-6) = 500,000 Ω

Choose the nearest standard resistor value:

R3 ≈ 470 kΩ

Bridge Rectifier (D1-D4)

The diodes (D1 to D4) form a bridge rectifier to convert the AC input to DC.

Each diode must handle:

Reverse voltage: At least the peak mains voltage, Vpeak = √2 × Vrms. For 220V AC, Vpeak ≈ 311V.

Forward current: Equal to the LED current, e.g., 138 mA.

Diodes like 1N4007 are suitable since they support 1000V reverse voltage and 1A forward current.

LED String Voltage and Current

Total forward voltage of the LED string: VLED = Number of LEDs × Forward voltage of a single LED.

Yo must ensure that the total forward voltage is less than the rectified DC voltage (approximately 311V for 220V AC input).

LED Specifications and Datasheet

ParameterSymbolValue
Continuous Forward CurrentIF120 mA assumed here, can be customized as required.
Peak Forward Current (Duty /10 @ 1KHZ)IFP100 mA
Reverse VoltageVR5 V
Operating TemperatureTopr-40 ~ +85 ℃
Storage TemperatureTstg-40 ~ +100 ℃
Soldering Temperature (T=5 sec)Tsol260 ± 5 ℃
Power DissipationPd100 mW
Zener Reverse CurrentIz100 mA
Electrostatic DischargeESD4 KV

150 LED Transformerless LED Tubelight Circuit

The simple construction of an LED light tube light discussed here will not only save electric power but also if used in every house will help reduce the ever increasing global warming effects.

150 LED transformerless tubelight circuit

Today we are all aware regarding the bad effects of global warming and how it’s gripping our only planet day after day. But for this we ourselves are to be blamed.

You may be thinking how a common person can contribute to help solve the problem. Well look around you, yeah, it’s the lights that we are using presently generate quite an appreciable amount of heat to add to the global warming effect.

CFLs are considered to be quite efficient, but they too release quite a bit of heat. The issue can be very easily solved simply by transforming our heat producing lights into the "cool" white LED lights.

We will learn in this article how simple it is to build a LED light tube that can easily replace your existing "hot" fluorescent tube lights!

zener diode controlled 220 V 120 V LED tube light circuit diagram

Parts List

You will require the following Parts for the construction:

One 36 inches long, 2 inches in diameter white PVC pipe,
150 Nos. White LEDs (5mm),
4 nos. 1N4007 diodes,
3 nos. 100 Ohms resistors,
1no. 1M resistor, 1/4 W CR 5%,
1no. Capacitor 105/400V, Polyester,
14/36 Wire for connections,
Soldering iron, solder wire etc.

Construction Clues

The construction of this circuit is carried out through the following simple procedures:

Cut the PVC pipe lengthwise into half.

Drill equally distributed LED size holes over the entire area of the two halves of PVC pipes. As shown in the diagrams just fix all the LEDS throughout the pipe.

Be sure to keep the position of the polarity of all the LEDs in the same orientation, Cut and bend the LED leads so that the leads touch each other side by side.

Make 3 series of 50 LEDS each by soldering the joints.

Make sure that each series comprises the given resistor of 470 Ohms.
Connect the 3 series LEDs groups in parallel by joining their positive and negative leads together through flexible wires.

Make a bridge configuration rectifier by joining the 4 diodes together, and connect the relevant points to the LEDs and to a 2 pin mains cord, as shown in the figure.

How to Test it?

Testing this LED tube light circuit is probably the simplest part of the whole operation; it is done through the following simple steps:

After finishing the construction procedure as described above, just plug in the 2 pin plug into the mains socket (be extremely careful as the whole circuit may contain leakage currents).

Instantly all the LEDS should come ON giving a dazzling effect. If any of the series is dead or not glowing, switch OFF the power and check for the LEDs connected with wrong polarity.

Glue all the LEDs so that they may not come out of the holes I which they are inserted. Finally join the two halves of the PVC pipes with the LEDS, either by tying them or gluing them together with cynoacralite bond. Close the two open ends of the tube appropriately.

This concludes the construction of the LED light tube circuit. For optimum performance it would better to hang the unit from the ceiling so that the light is distributed equally.

The PCB Design Layout for the above LED tube-light circuit can be seen in the following image.

PCB layout for the 150 LED tube light circuit

Video Clip showing the testing of a similar LED tubelight using 108 LED in series parallel combination

Below is a 50 LED Tube Light made by Merley, for your viewing pleasure:

50 LED tubelight prototype

LED string light made by Mr.Bibin Edmond using the explained capacitive power supply.

ledstringlightcircuit

Here's the image of the simple capacitive PS circuit used for lighting the above string LED light.....

courtesy: Bibin Edmond

simple capacitive power supply for LED tubelight

In case you think that a transformerless based LED tubelight may not be reliable or not powerful enough, you can opt for a transformer based power supply design for accomplishing the same, as described below.

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  • 4.  RGB Spot Light Generator Mixer Circuit
  • 5.  Neon Lamps – Working and Application Circuits
  • 6.  Make this Plasma Ball Circuit

About Swagatam

I am an electronics engineer with over 15 years of hands-on experience. I am passionate about inventing, designing electronic circuits and PCBs, and helping hobbyists bring their projects to life. That is why I founded homemade-circuits.com, a website where I share innovative circuit ideas and tutorials. Have a circuit related question? Leave a comment.... I guarantee a reply!

Previous Post: « A Homemade Fence Charger, Energizer Circuit
Next Post: How To Calculate and Connect LEDs in Series and Parallel »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hendra AG says

    February 12, 2022 at 11:51 am

    Hello Mr Swagatam
    Sorry my english is bad
    I want ask you to give me a schematics for led driver ac 220 v and 50 watt
    I was make a driver and its not good
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      February 12, 2022 at 1:04 pm

      Hello Hendra, making an SMPS for driving LEDs can be quite difficult. It is better to buy a readymade SMPS and then configure the required LEDs to it through a current controller stage. I have discussed the full procedures in the following article:

      How to Design Simple LED Driver Circuits

      Reply
  2. Mike says

    October 12, 2021 at 1:17 pm

    Hi dear Sir Swagatam. Would you please describe the role of 100R resistors? Thanks in advance
    Best regards
    Mike

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      October 12, 2021 at 5:30 pm

      Hi Mike, 100 ohm resistors are for limiting current to the LEDs

      Reply
      • Mike says

        October 12, 2021 at 10:24 pm

        Hello dear Swagatam. Thanks a lot for your feedback.
        Respectfully yours
        Mike

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          October 13, 2021 at 1:07 pm

          You are welcome Mike!

          Reply
  3. Najieh Sadra says

    February 2, 2021 at 11:27 pm

    Dear Mr. Swagatam
    Hello and thank you so much for your interesting150 LEDs tube-light. I have an Oxalis flower at home which is very lovely it is also called butterfly flower. Do you think I can assemble this tube-light LEDs in order to supply sufficient light needed for it’s growing instead of indirect sun light?
    You are kindly requested to tell me how and what kind of Zener diods I can use instead of MOV since this is not accessible for me.
    Thank you in advance for your reply
    Best regards
    Najieh

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      February 3, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      Dear Najieh, you can try a 200 V 5 watt zener diode such as 1N5388B

      More info is given below:

      https://www.mouser.in/datasheet/2/308/1N5333B_D-1801430.pdf

      https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/on-semiconductor/1N5388B/1485521

      Reply
  4. Swagatam says

    January 29, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Glad you liked it. The above circuit is the cheaper version, although still reliable.

    The commercial types use SMPS concept, such as this one:

    https://www.homemade-circuits.com/ceiling-led-lamp-driver-circuit/

    Reply
  5. Amel says

    July 3, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    Hello Sir,
    I want to turn on 88 leds in two modes DIM and BRIGHT.
    The mode DIM is specified by low voltage (25VAC to 35VAC) and the current consumption must be between 5mA and 15 mA.
    the mode Bright is specified by hight voltage (98VAC to 132VAC) and the current consumption must be between 5mA and 50 mA.
    I should use passive components so I try to calculate the adequate current limiting resistor but it does’nt work when the voltage increases the current also increases and becomes out of specification.
    can you help me please

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      July 3, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      Hello Amel, using Ohms law at 35V and 10mA the resistor required for your LEDs will be:

      R = V/I = 35 / 0.01 = 3500 ohms

      at 110V using the same resistor will give

      I = V/R = 110 / 3500 = 0.031 amps = 31 mA.

      So your circuit is possible by using a zener diode control for the two modes.

      Reply
      • Swagatam says

        July 3, 2019 at 4:54 pm

        make 8 strings of 11 LEDs, and connect them in parallel.
        connect them to a transformerless power supply through the desired resistor as calculated in the previous comment.
        A pair of zener diodes can be toggled with a switch between a 35V zener diode and a 110V zener diode, in this diagram

        https://www.homemade-circuits.com/cheap-yet-useful-transformerless-power/

        Reply
        • Amel says

          July 3, 2019 at 7:54 pm

          Thank you one more time for you reply. I understand the schematic of the transformless power supply and the use of zener diode. but I did’nt understand how can I switch between the two zener diode?

          Reply
          • Swagatam says

            July 3, 2019 at 8:43 pm

            Instead of the single 12V zener, replace it with two separate zeners, 110V, and 35V. Connect the anodes of the zeners with the negative line but keep the cathodes unconnected. Use a SPDT switch to toggle these two zener cathodes so that they alternately connect with the positive of the LED chain (after the 3.5K resistor).

            Reply
            • Amel says

              July 4, 2019 at 4:54 pm

              thank you so much for your help.
              Another question, if I have the frequency between 350 HZ and 650 Hz which capacitor I should use in the transformless power supply to fix the current to 50 mA?

              Reply
              • Swagatam says

                July 4, 2019 at 5:12 pm

                You are welcome….you can calculate it using the information presented in the following article:

                https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-calculate-and-deduce-current-and/

                Reply
      • Amel says

        July 3, 2019 at 5:12 pm

        thank you sir for your response.
        I did’nt understand you, how many leds in evry chain I should use?
        NB: the leds are white and the forward voltage 3.2V
        how the zener diode control the two modes?

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          July 3, 2019 at 8:37 pm

          Each chain will have 11 LEDs. You will make 8 such chains and join their common +/- ends together so that all the chains become in parallel

          Reply
  6. Mandeep says

    October 29, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    Hello sir
    I am using 200k variable resistance in the strings. Is it right?.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      October 29, 2017 at 8:57 pm

      200k will not work

      Reply
  7. Mandeep says

    October 27, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    Hello sir
    Can i use the same circuit for 60 LEDS in each string and all the three strings with different colored leds i.e. one string of entirely of blue other of red and another green
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      October 28, 2017 at 8:59 am

      Hello Mandeep, yes you can do it, just make sure to add a zener diode across the bridge having a voltage rating slightly higher than the total forward drop value of the LEDs

      Reply
    • Mandeep says

      October 29, 2017 at 8:02 pm

      Thanks sir for your valuable response… but I am not able to find a zener diode of 200v. But 150v 1watt and 24v 1watt diodes are available. Also from the various comments I came to know about use of NTC MF75-5D9 instead of zener diode. But NTC 10D9 is the only avaliable option in my city. Is there any other method? Sir, can I use a variable resistance across the strings instead of 100 ohm resistors. Help me sir.
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Swagatam says

        October 29, 2017 at 8:48 pm

        Hi Mandeep, you can put the two zeners in series and achieve the required results…an NTC can be also used simultaneously but the zener should not be avoided because without zener the LeDs can become prone to fluctuations and burn in the process.

        an NTC 10D9 will also work, you can use it.

        you can use a 100 ohm pot with a series 100 ohm fixed resistor, that will ensure that the current is never exceeded over the unsafe level.

        Reply
      • Mandeep says

        October 29, 2017 at 8:58 pm

        Sir,
        Can I put one150V 1watt zener and two 24V 1watt zeners in series to get the required value.
        Also 100 ohms 1 watt resistor is not available so can I use 1/2 watt resistors

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          October 29, 2017 at 9:04 pm

          100 1/2 watt will do, please refer to my previous replies…

          Reply
    • Mandeep says

      October 29, 2017 at 8:43 pm

      can I use two zener diodes of 120v 1watt rating joined in series across bridge as 200v is not available

      Reply
      • Swagatam says

        October 29, 2017 at 8:57 pm

        yes that will do!

        Reply
  8. abdulbasit momin says

    September 10, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    sir i wanted to run 40 led of 5 mm to 230 v in what should be the changes done to the circuit

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      September 11, 2017 at 8:05 am

      Abdul, you can use the same circuit, just lower the input capacitor to 474/400V.

      Reply
  9. Bikram Kumar Sahoo says

    May 1, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    I want to use more led in a single string what is the maximum number of led can I connect. Also share the circuit diagram

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 2, 2017 at 4:48 am

      you can connect 93 LEDs max on each string….the series resistor will not be required in that case….

      Reply
  10. PVO says

    December 18, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    Simple LED Tubelight Circuit You say : 150 Nos. White LEDs 5mm .
    In dont no what 150 nos. means, is it like this:
    1) Coolwhite, Viewing Angle: 15°, Liminous Intensity 17000mCd, Forward Current 20mA,Forward Voltage 3,3V
    or
    2) Coolwhite, Viewing Angle: 20°, Liminous Intensity 9000mCd, Forward Current 20mA, Forward Voltage 3,5

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 19, 2016 at 2:24 am

      the LEDs must be rated at 3.3V/20mA, that's all..

      Reply
  11. shayan slt says

    September 8, 2016 at 10:05 am

    Hi Swagatam Majumdar
    Thank you .
    In this circuit we have not 470 ohms resistor but you say (Make 3 series of 50 LEDS each by soldering the joints. Make sure that each series comprises the given resistor of 470 Ohms.) where is this resistor in this circuit .

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      September 8, 2016 at 2:51 pm

      Hi Shayan, it's a typing mistake, it should be 100 ohms, not 470 ohms

      Reply
  12. sudhir gwadi says

    May 26, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    ok thanks for detailed advise….. yes I meant 10% increased resistance that will decrease current.

    Reply
  13. sudhir gwadi says

    May 26, 2016 at 5:46 am

    Pl also advise, I read somewhere that using resistance of 10% less value (to use 90 ohm instead of 100 ohm resistance) is good to increase life of LEDs. is it right ? is it makes any difference if I use 4 watt or 2 watt resistance instead of 3 watt.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 26, 2016 at 2:00 pm

      Sudhir, you mean to say it should be 10% more?? less will increase current for the LEDs and cause damage so it can be 10% more not less.

      Reply
  14. sudhir gwadi says

    May 26, 2016 at 5:38 am

    Dear Swagatam,

    greetings of the day….

    I have calculated 2000 ohm 3 watt resistance for series of 50 LEDs to replace 100 ohm 1 watt resistance for 8 mm LEDs in above circuit. The details are :
    Mains – 230 v
    Forward Voltage – 3.4 v
    Forward Current – 30 mA
    No. of LEDs – 50

    Using 2000 ohm 3 watt resistance is correct in series of 50 LEDs? pl advise.

    Have a nice day….

    Sudhir

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 26, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      Dear Sudhir,

      actually resistor can be eliminated in a capacitive power supply if the input capacitor is calculated correctly as per the LED specs…

      for 30mA, you can use a 0.68uF/400V input capacitor and connect all the LEDs without any resistor….but make sure to use a NTC in series with the input supply, MOV can be removed

      Reply
  15. Swagatam says

    May 21, 2016 at 11:18 am

    Hi Rajesh, 150 LEDs will naturally require more current than 50 LEDs, therefore you must upgrade the input capacitor accordingly to get brighter illumination from them…try adding more capacitor in parallel to it until the illumination is satisfactory.

    Reply
  16. sudhir gwadi says

    May 19, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    ok, thanks…..

    Reply
  17. sudhir gwadi says

    May 19, 2016 at 9:10 am

    Dear Swagatam,

    Thanks for reply. Actually I dont know milliamps of LEDs so I wanted the formula or method to know milliamps of LED. .

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 19, 2016 at 11:28 am

      sudhir, there's no method or formula for identifying the current of an unknown LED, try to find the datasheet of the LED, or inquire with your local parts dealer in your area

      Reply
  18. sudhir gwadi says

    May 19, 2016 at 4:27 am

    Dear Swagatam,
    Thanks for your reply. do u have idea that how much gap I should keep between two 8mm LEDs.
    One more thing, I dont know forward current of my LEDs so I was trying to search a formula or method to know forward current of led but couldnt find. can you share formula or method to know the forward current of an LED. I think it is necessary to calculate the resister value.
    have a nice day…..
    Sudhir

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 19, 2016 at 8:55 am

      Dear Sudhir,

      mostly it will be 3.3V for the 8mm LED, you can it connecting it to 3V supply with a series 1N4007 diode and without a diode, with diode it will not light up, and without diode it will confirming the 3.3V value.

      you can calculate the resistor value with the following formula:

      R = (U – fwd.LED)/I.

      R = resistance value required in series

      U = 330V

      fwd.LED = number of LEDs in series multiplied by 3.3V

      I = LED current specification.

      Reply
  19. sudhir gwadi says

    May 18, 2016 at 5:42 am

    Hello Swagatam,

    Thanks for sharing such a nice circuit.
    I want to use 8mm leds in this circuit. Can I do so. if yes, pl guide the changes required in components and their values as well as no. of leds. can u give me an idea how much gap should keep between two 8mm leds.
    Have a nice time.
    Sudhir

    Reply
  20. sudhir gwadi says

    May 17, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    Hello Swagatam,

    Thanks for sharing such a nice circuit. I want to use 8mm LED. Can I do so and there is any change will be required. if yes, pl specify suggested changes in components and their values.
    have a nice time.

    Sudhir

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 17, 2016 at 2:43 pm

      Hello Sudhir,

      No changes would be required except the resistor value, which can calculated using the formula explained in the following article:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2014/04/simplest-100-watt-led-bulb-circuit.html

      or you can also use the following software for the same:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/p/led-resistor-calculator_21.html

      Reply
  21. Syed Ameer Hamza Askari says

    January 15, 2016 at 8:00 am

    Sir mere area me 200v ka zener diode available nai hay or mov bhi available nahi hay laikin 100v ka zener diode available hay can i use it?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      January 15, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      Syed, you can connect 2nos of 100V zener in series and make a 200V equivalent…

      Reply
  22. Syed Ameer Hamza Askari says

    December 25, 2015 at 5:37 am

    Hi Sir, what is the difference between straw hat led and normal led and what is better?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 25, 2015 at 2:16 pm

      Syed, straw hat LEDs are more sharp with their light intensity, and furthermore generate more light than the regular ones at the same current level

      Reply
      • Awal says

        February 22, 2022 at 3:17 pm

        Hi sir, i ve come accross your wonderful experiment wish to learn more from you. Ok

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          February 23, 2022 at 9:51 am

          No problem Awal, you can ask questions, I will try to answer.

          Reply
    • Syed Ameer Hamza Askari says

      December 26, 2015 at 7:28 pm

      Thank U Sir

      Reply
  23. sivanesh bala says

    October 28, 2015 at 11:31 am

    sir it will work fine in white LED. but the MOV is heat while connecting with pink led…..
    also connect 70 pink it MOV heat

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      October 28, 2015 at 4:02 pm

      sivanesh, yes the circuit is supposed to work with all 5mm LEDs,

      MOV has no connection with the LEDs so the EDs cannot be responsible for its heating….. and moreover MOVs will never heat up unless these are faulty, or not correctly rated.

      Reply
  24. Unknown says

    October 7, 2015 at 11:26 am

    I am not so much used with voltage and other things. I saw a circuit in net which looks like the photos added above. I want to make it for 50 led bulbs 8mm . so what changes i should bring in it. whether can i attach 50 led in in a serial way.

    Reply
  25. jitendra says

    July 12, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    Hi
    can led lamp work ac as well as dc supply
    plese explain with circuit diagram

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      July 13, 2015 at 8:50 am

      yes it will work on both but on ac it will produce 50% less illumination….

      Reply
  26. Navdeep Goyal says

    October 11, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    what is power / volt of MOV to be used.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      October 12, 2014 at 5:16 am

      use MOV rated at 300v clamping voltage

      Reply
  27. fe62148ab22c299b78d9841b435c29d588a1414568 says

    August 27, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    Dear Swagatam Majumdar,
    I'm beginner and would like to ask some questions,
    this works well with 220v and 60hz?
    can use ultra bright leds?
    I use two zener diodes in series 0.5W 200v?
    I use 200v 5w zener diodes?
    if I do not find the diodor zener can use another type of diode?
    and where the value of the varistor to 220v 60hhz?
    you have a similar project?
    Thank you very much.
    best regards

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 28, 2014 at 4:10 pm

      Dear, the above circuit is specified for 220V AC 50Hz

      5mm ultra bright LED will do.

      use only a single 200V zener diode, two in series will not work. any other closer value will also do.

      If a zener diode is included, a varistor may not be required

      Reply
  28. sasi rokkam says

    August 25, 2014 at 6:21 am

    hai swagatam,
    can i use red leds instead of white bright leds in your home made tube light circuit?
    please reply me

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 26, 2014 at 7:14 am

      hi sasi, you can use 5mm red leds, no problems.

      Reply
  29. Merley Ailme says

    July 20, 2014 at 3:23 am

    Change your capacity nd resistor

    Reply
  30. AYUB KHAN says

    May 15, 2014 at 9:14 am

    hello sir,
    i am sorry for my bad english, sir can u help me to make led tube light which can replace fluorescent lamp with low power consumption but bright lighting

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 15, 2014 at 3:06 pm

      hello ayub, i'll try to publish it soon in this blog.

      Reply
  31. Abraham Antony says

    March 27, 2014 at 4:06 pm

    hai sir in this circuit if i keep 8mm white led any prblm and can i have the value of capasitor which is good to keep across the output of brige rectifier

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      March 29, 2014 at 3:25 am

      Hi Abraham, it's not very critical, you can probably use a 4.7uF/400V or a 10uF/400V capacitor at the output side of the bridge

      Reply
  32. Naresh S says

    March 27, 2014 at 10:34 am

    Hi sir,

    We are readymade dress makers. We are using power machines it has a 6V output supply from the motor. i connected 2 half hatted led in series. its is working but flickering highly. what should i do. if i want to use capacitor pls let me know which cap should i use.

    Thanks,
    Naresh

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      March 28, 2014 at 4:20 am

      Hi Naresh,

      Connect a 1000uF/25v capacitor parallel to the LEDs or the motor wires. The positive will go to the positive side of the wire and negative to negative.

      or connect a 1N4007 diode in series with the LED anode so that the supply passes through the diode then to the LEds….now connect a 100uF/25V directly across the LED series end terminals, this will solve the issue instanty

      Reply
  33. chatterjee surya says

    March 15, 2014 at 9:45 pm

    sir one question …..what does the polyesterflim capacitor actually did

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      March 16, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      surya, the capacitor acts like a resistance for AC and drops the current to desirable limits

      Reply
  34. akshay says

    February 19, 2014 at 11:07 am

    dear sir ,
    i have tried your circuit but there is one prblm …i am not getting the zener diode of required value .,,,is there any substitute component which can be used in place of that zener diode

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      February 20, 2014 at 5:12 am

      dear akshay,

      if you don't want to use a zener diode you can use a 20 ohm, 5 watt wirewound resistor in series with the input capacitor, this will take care of the surge currents.

      Reply
  35. Swagatam says

    January 7, 2014 at 7:37 am

    Hi Saty,

    the above designs are meant only for mains AC operations, 12V 7ah operation will require completely different wiring.

    you'll have to make series of 3 LEDs with a resistor and make 50 such strings and then connect them in parallel for operating with a 12V batt

    Reply
  36. saty says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:58 pm

    Hi Swagatam,
    I am saty, back again
    1.accoring to the 3rd circuit (150 led circuit) how to connect 12v/7AH battery pls let me know the changes of components or as represeted in the diagram.
    2.150 Leds over load protection is there am i right. Please let me,know
    2. overload protection to the batter 470 oms can be connected series to the D2 (2nd diagram 24 leds).

    Reply
  37. TESTER says

    December 25, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    90 to100 LED
    2amp 12V DC suplay input $$$$
    pls tell the resister specificaton with details????

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 26, 2013 at 6:43 am

      led wattage pls

      Reply
  38. Arpan Sinha says

    September 30, 2013 at 8:17 am

    Hi Swagatam Sir,
    Can i use a 3 zener diode in place of the 200v zener diode b'cuz 200v zener diode is not available near my house. If not please tell what i should do instead?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      September 30, 2013 at 12:03 pm

      Hi Arpan, 3V zener will not work, you can try an NTC thermister instead, as shown in this article:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2013/02/using-ntc-resistor-as-surge-suppressor.html

      Reply
  39. asaad un says

    September 8, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    hello sir i want to know what mov value ??? bcz here not available zener diode plz plz plz reply my question ???

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      September 9, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      Hello Asad,

      You can try this one: MOV-14D471K or simply a thermister will also do, you can try this one:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2013/02/using-ntc-resistor-as-surge-suppressor.html

      Reply
  40. Naresh S says

    July 11, 2013 at 9:12 am

    Thank you sir.

    Reply

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