When an Oz friend mentioned that the open circuit voltage of these little power supplies might well be close to 12V anyway, I thought I'd put that to the test.
Then I shorted the supply to test its resillience...
Then I measured the short circuit current too....

13 thoughts on “Random tests on an inline 3w led lamp driver. including short circuit.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pps2020 says:

    Is this a safe driver to use for a diy 3x 1w led desk lamp ? Is this isolated from mains voltage ?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daan Wilmer says:

    :O Did you leave the leads on your multimeter in the amps range? Normally you put them back as soon as possible AND say it out loud, because safety first.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rav Gupta says:

    I thought only older magnetic transformer had a notable difference hence the rating at a particular load say 12V @ 500mA. So matching the power adapter to the device was sometimes important. Ive had a hard time locating reasonably priced magnetic AC TO DC transformers. I will probably use 16VAC doorbell transformer with diodes or a stock bridge rectifier.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Supanova says:

    Hey Clive, Where do i get one of those mains voltage quick connect box's?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Lamb says:

    Love your mains connector, I've never seen one like it. Are they readily available?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars zx8401ztv says:

    Very well contolled considering the crude job it has to do 🙂

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars rbland says:

    I bought two cheap LED drivers from ebay. They caused horrible interference (buzzing) on an AM radio throughout the whole house. Quite noisy little circuits!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars twocvbloke says:

    Short circuit? I want flaaaaaaaaames… 😛

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MrBuck295 says:

    very informative thanks

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RobiSydney says:

    mains test block, the only one I can find is from the UK and it's $65 from ebay. Has anyone found a comparable device on the US/Canada side of the pond for less?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars da-Share says:

    I suspected the open voltage would only be a little more than the nominal Vf rating of 3 LEDs.

    Otherwise the output cap, etc would have to deal with over-voltage if the output was disconnected due to wiring / LED failure.

    Based on your current measurement, you should be able to run up to a metre of (30 LEDs/metre) strip at full brightness, or 500mm of the 60 LEDs/metre strip.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars taylorrc29 says:

    what is the mains quick disconnect box called?

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt O says:

    Hey Clive! Been looking at your videos, and now I want to put in some LED bulbs in my room instead of the normal incandescent. Have you ever looked into the IR controlled 16 color change LED bulbs?? You know way more about it then me and would love your recomendation. Also I'm in the US so we run on 120V or whatever it is. THANK YOU!

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