This video doesn't just apply to the classic candle arch, it applies to most situations where lamps are wired in series multiples. On fairgrounds that often use series multiples of four 60V lamps you must change over from tungsten to LED in all four series holders.
The construction of this LED lamp was most impressive because they had clearly designed the electronic module to fit in with all the existing production machinery.
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11 thoughts on “Why you can’t mix led and tungsten in series circuits.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Electrical madness says:

    I have a candle arch like this, mine still has its incandescent bulbs that it came with and if any go I will still use incandescents because in my opinion they give a nicer glow

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Carlton Piercey says:

    I done bought these led lights for my eBay store. I broke some which still light up but I just can't sell them damaged. I was quite impressed with the 10-55v range. But what baffles me is it only works on ac. I tried on a DC power brick and it would flash once and go out. I actually am in the US. We are of course 120v. I done rigged two up to the mains in series with a .7w led night light of 120v. I did that because while I don't think 10v overage should hurt it, I just used that night light as a resistor for good measure and all 3 bulbs lit up! So that was quite cool and whilst the night light is a brilliant white the candle arch bulbs were a beautiful warm amber colour.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Falconer says:

    Three " Poundland " antique ( Tungsten filament ) 60 watt, 230 Volt lamps , wired in SERIES glow a nice orange and make a super dooper " nightlight " ( having approx 80 Volts across each lamp ) … to get the same effect with ONE lamp , wire it in series with a MAINS RATED 2 microfarad capacitor ( value critical ! ) .. probably a good idea to wire a half Watt 1 megohm resistor across capacitor to avoid shocks should you handle plug .. note 110 Volt ( USA ) folk will need a different microfarad value , but the 3 in line should still work OK with 110 Volt lamps ( ? ) in addition , the bulbs will last forever ( ! ).. tried – n- tested ….

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RonJohn63 says:

    Is a tungsten lamp the same as what we in God's Country call an incandescent lamp?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Graz D says:

    Hey Clive, I've never been able to find USB powered candle arches. they're either battery or mains. Why has no one considered a USB one?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars s0r03 says:

    Candle arch? Looks like a menorah to me not exactly Christmas decor but its that time of year though for both

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Ellson says:

    If you have 1 LED with 6 tungstens then aren't you initially running the capacitor in the LED one at several times its rated voltage hence the early failure ?

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Retiree Electronics says:

    Very nice design, they probably just pulled one production module out and inserted another an bang on with new technology. nice video

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Disconnect_No-Signal_Ch13 says:

    Newer LED variants have fuse and a DB107 rectifier in input.
    Everything else seems to be the same.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hotcakes says:

    Yay he says maths properly

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephen Hinkle says:

    LED lamps were flickering because they act as half wave rectifiers.

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