IKEA Inreda Led spotlights

[35mm]

A couple of things... LEDs will only work with correct polarity as they are diodes (Light Emitting Diode), and one important property of diodes is that they act like one way valves, only allowing the current to flow one way. So if you get the polarity wrong, they won't blow up or break, but just won't work.

The other thing is, LEDs don't contain a hot element like bulbs do, they contain a gap which is why they are so efficient and don't generate heat. This makes them naturally quite robust and fairly flexible to voltage. So unlikely to overheat or catch fire. A voltage regulator is recommended to keep them running within their designed voltage range, but if these lights are cheep to replace, and a voltage regulator isn't so cheep and can introduce RF noise issues, then you can suck it and see. If you find your self having to replace them too soon, fit a regulator which you can pick up in Maplins or the web.

 

[FullCircle]

I've had these on my boat for a year or so.

Discard the transformer.

Wire up as you would any 12v light (wires need to be right way round or they won't light up).

Excellent warm white.

Works for me.

Works for me too.

I also fitted their 900mm long strip lights by also adopting the throwaway the transformner trick.

No problems over 2 seasons, good quality light.

 

[mcframe]

I see that some contributors say they have been using the lights successfully, which is well and good. The fact is, without proper testing, one simply doesn't know if excessive currents are flowing at higher voltages and cumulative damage is occurring.

Fair point - I can see there might be problems if you sail all night, then start the engine or plug into the mains, just before dawn with depleted batteries and the lights on.

I'd imagine that the LEDs or the fuse, or ikkle wires might fail before anything serious - there are plenty more high-ampage things to worry about [install/maintain/use correctly] instead.

How about we test a set of IKEA LEDs to destruction? ;->

WRT regulators, radios and nav kit might be OK with >12v, but what about that cheap phone charger in the lighter socket?