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Electrical Wire and Cable


Learn About LED Lighting


Hands-On Application for LED Lighting – Wiring LED Lights for specific applications – LED Lights are becoming very popular for several applications around the home. This will help you learn more about LED Lights.



Home Electrical Wiring Video

Hooking Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
for Backup Power

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Practical Applications For LED Lighting

[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have an old Air Hockey Table and today I replaced the power chord because the old one had broken, works great now, minus the fact that it’s an old fan giving it the air power. I’m going to be wiring up a switch to it, a simple ON/OFF light switch I had handy will work.

The problem though, is that I want to wire some LED’s to it to have some more light on the playing surface. The issue is not getting the LED’s but how to wire them to the power source because they require so little voltage compared to the Hockey Table, I think the table is 125v. So I can’t just wire them directly to the Main power source.

I know how to wire them so they have a separate power source such as some batteries but I don’t want to do that. Some one was telling me to use some Resistors but I don’t know how to wire these or which to buy. Here’s the specifications on the LED’s I’ll be using:

–WHITE–
Source Material: InGaN
Emitting Colour: White
Emitting Wavelength (nm): NA (Broad)
Size: 3mm
Intensity (mcd): 7000-9000
Viewing Angle (deg): 20
Forward Voltage (V): 3.0-3.4
Forward Current (mA): 20-30

–BLUE–
Source Material: InGaN
Emitting Colour: Blue
Emitting Wavelength (nm): 465-470
Size: 3mm
Intensity (mcd): 5000-7000
Viewing Angle (deg): 20
Forward Voltage (V): 3.0-3.2
Forward Current (mA): 20-30

–GREEN–
Source Material: AlGaInP
Emitting Colour: Pure Green
Emitting Wavelength (nm): 520-525
Size: 3mm
Intensity (mcd): 12000-15000
Viewing Angle (deg): 20
Forward Voltage (V): 2.8-3.2
Forward Current (mA): 20-30

–RED–
Source Material: AlGaInP
Emitting Colour: Red
Emitting Wavelength (nm): 625-630
Size: 3mm
Intensity (mcd): 8000-10000
Viewing Angle (deg): 20
Forward Voltage (V): 1.8-1.9
Forward Current (mA): 20-30

This electrical wiring question came from: James from Carson, California.
Additional Comments: Your website is very very helpful on everything else I have looked up.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question James.

Hands-On Application for LED Lighting

Wiring LED Lights for specific applications
LED Lights are becoming very popular for several applications around the home. This will help you learn more about LED Lights.

The Following resources will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Wire for the Home

wiring a switch
electrical-switches
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

home lighting
recessed lighting
Home Lighting Articles
Home Lighting Articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


More articles about Electrical Wiring, LED, Lighting and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Learn About LED Lighting”
  1. Jonathan Mazanec says:

    Hello,
    I am looking to start a career in the new LED technology. Can you please give me an idea where to start, because finding a school that offers information on the LED is almost impossible. Any help is greatly appreciated!
    Thank you.
    Jonathan

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Jonathan,
    The lighting industry is always changing towards more efficient lighting technologies, and we see this happening with LED lighting as well. Some countries are retrofitting public lighting fixtures in mass quantities which will require an initial up front investment, but in the long term will end up being a great savings in energy, and help in the movement towards a more Green Environment. There are several opportunities within the LED and other lighting technologies, from design, manufacturing, distribution, and best of all the application and installation. You may work with a interior designer or decorator who is knowledgeable about these new lighting technologies, where they may refer their clients to contractors and installers to perform the work.
    Best of luck with your career in LED Lighting Technologies!
    Dave