Do you want to know how to connect multiple LED lights to one switch? Then I must say you just came to the right place. We have compiled and prepared all the key material needed to help you learn the theory of electrical circuits and its connection to LEDs, based on our years of offering LED education.
Here in this article, we will try to make it easy for you to understand “How to connect multiple LED lights to one switch?”
Without any further delay, let’s get started with the most common question that people ask frequently.
What Type of Circuit Should Be Used?
Although the needs of a lighting application generally limit the sort of circuit that may be used, the most effective approach to operating high-power LEDs is to utilize a series circuit with a constant current LED driver. A series circuit ensures that each LED receives the same amount of current.
This implies that each LED in the circuit will have the same brightness and that one LED will need more current than the others. When each LED receives the same amount of current, problems like thermal runaway are less likely to occur.
But nothing to worry about, because parallel circuits are still a suitable alternative and are frequently utilized.
In this circuit, three LEDs are connected in series. The current in a series circuit follows one path from start to end, with the Anode (positive) of the second LED linked to the Cathode (negative) of the first. This is sometimes referred to as a “daisy-chained” or “looped” lighting fixture.
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Daisy-Chaining Light Fixtures
Daisy-chaining is not the same as placing lights together in a row. When you connect lights in series, if one of them fails, they all go out. Standard electrical color-coding makes it simple when you are wiring them in parallel.
If you’re simply connecting one light fixture to a switch, the fixture box will have one live cable with black, white, and bare ground wires. Connect the black wire to the light’s black wire, the white wire to the light’s white wire, and the bare wire to the light’s ground wire or ground screw.
If you wish to add a fixture, you’ll need an extra wire to connect it to the box. That wire will most likely be routed via the ceiling. Simply connect the black wire to the two existing black wires, then repeat with the white and ground wires.
Because you’re increasing the number of wires in each group from two to three, you might require larger wire covers. You may attach another fixture to the one you just connected using the same technique, and you may keep adding fixtures until the total current demand of the circuit meets the breaker rating limit.
How To Connect Multiple LED Lights To One Switch?
Are you acquainted with how to connect multiple LED strips to a single power source? Well, I’ve found that most LED strip light vendors don’t give clear and straightforward installation instructions to their customers. Many of them make the assumption that you already know something about lighting gadgets before you go out of your way to buy them.
Guideline (Step-by-step)
Step 1: Choose the kind of circuit you’ll use
The series mode is the simplest circuit type for connecting your LED strips. From starting to ending, the current in this circuit follows a single route. The positive end of one LED strip is connected to the negative end of the next, and the series continues to both ends of the LED strip splitter, which is then plugged into the wall’s main electricity.
Step 2: Connecting the LED strips together
You’ll need to figure out what shape you’d like the lights to take. The pattern you choose will likely be determined by the area or item you wish to light. After you’ve decided on a form, connect the anode of the first strip to the cathode of the next until you’ve used up all of the strips you’ve purchased.
From end to end, you now have a length of multiple strips connected together. Before attaching it into its male counterpart for powering, connect the ends of the series of strips to the 2.1 mm female connector that comes with the gear.
Step 3: Checking the strips’ power needs
Before you plug the LED strips into a power source, make sure to check the power rating. The sum of the voltages required by each strip in the series includes the net amount of power required. Remember that though the same amount of current flows from one end to the other in a series circuit, the voltage varies on every point.
As a result, to prevent reducing the quality of the light output, make sure the power output is sufficient to power all of the strips. If the power outlet is too strong, your strips may be damaged and rendered useless. Keep in mind that these strips are costly, and you don’t want to ruin your party by ruining them before they’ve served their purpose.
Step 4: The LED strips’ placement
To make connections easier and prevent using too much cable, it is preferable to have the power source as near as possible to the position of the strips. The major goal of the single power source is to avoid an ugly tangle of cords throughout the house. Locating the nearest power source results in a shorter connection with a lower chance of tripping.
Step 5: Checking the connections
To be in the safe zone, examine each node individually to check that everything is in order. The anodes and cathodes, as well as whether or not they are in excellent functioning order, are some of the places to keep an eye on.
You should also inspect each of your LED strips for visual flaws that might indicate a problem with their overall design. Make sure the solder is hard and solid if you’ve done any soldering to guarantee a stable bond.
Step 6: Connecting to a power source
You can contemplate connecting in when you are completely certain that your joints are fault-free. However, before you connect in, double-check that all of your gadgets are in position. To guarantee a smooth connection to the power source, have the 2.1 mm female connector as well as its male counterpart.
Plug the female half into its male counterpart to observe whether the strips light up. The LED strips should light up wonderfully if your connections are good and all of your gadgets are in good functioning condition. Once the LED strips are flashing brilliantly, you may either turn them off and wait for the big day, or leave them on all night.
Final Words
Did you like the step-by-step guideline of how to connect multiple LED lights to one switch? I am sure you did, because if you follow this tutorial you do not need to hire any technician, rather you can do it on your own.
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