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MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Oct 27, 2017

Wall Wart Efficiency? Dealing With Interpretations. WuuWee

I made the mistake of trying to trace this down. Accessing US government regulations. Boy was that ever a mistake.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/02/10/2014-02560/energy-conservation-program-energy-conservation-standards-for-external-power-supplies

Objective: Making my own custom LED night lights. I -could- use a dedicated LED driver but the temptation to series 10mm white LEDs is strong. Four 20ma devices. Or one solitary. Or two...whatever the job demands.

Rather than try and justify a timer or photoelectric switch, I would rather leave the device enabled. Yes, I am aware of zero crossing points and reverse biasing with a 2nd LED and current control with a 300 volt capacitor and resistor. Is that -really- the optimum reliable/efficient way to go?

Discussion and opinions very welcome.

The night lights are intended for floor molding lighting that is similar to what movie theaters use. Some will be AC powered. A few will be battery enabled (with a switch).

I accumulated six failures with photoelectric. Five on DC and one using AC. I would really rather not use a photocell unless I can find one that is discrete sized and reliable.

Nevertheless - powering the LEDs is open for discussion.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Oct 27, 2017
    Mexican house. Receptacles are as rare as a (political figure) with common sense. and then most of the few are four feet off the floor and both embedded in concrete and already occupied. Synonym for Mexican electrical construction planning = (Whim).

    For the cement my plan is to trough an 18 zip down to the deck then use moldboard along the walls. Into the moldboard will go the power supply the the 10 mm solid state devices will also be sunk into the moldboard. Kitchen in the center. Bathroom to the rear, bedroom has the entry door.

    I have to continue this education into acute schizophrenia by moving to the orient and learning to read from down to up, right to left.

    Philosophy: "Why does this box of ten cost more than ten indivudual pieces?

    Answer: For the convenience
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Oct 27, 2017
    LED night lights, $1 plug-in LED modules and $1 cell phone charger cube. With or without touch dimmer circuit, warm or cool color, single or double sided. Optionally replace the cell phone cube with your choice of 5v power supply; like that USB port in the radio, or behind the TV, or whatever.


    Image: eBay

    6 pcs for $4 shipped:
    Clicky

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