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Author Topic: LED Puck Lights Flickering  (Read 3709 times)

Michael Rump

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LED Puck Lights Flickering
« on: February 19, 2017, 04:30:45 PM »
All,

Janis noticed last night that one group of six LED ceiling lights flickered 'ON' when a heater fan turned 'OFF.'
We verified that the same condition occurred with all three heating fans.
Have read posts about polarity differences with LED's purchased on line (mine) and probably made in China.

Does anyone have a suggestion for possible causes or things to check?

Have thought about changing these six LED's back to halogen, but like the LED's better.

Many thanks in advance.
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Mike and Janis Rump
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Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: LED Puck Lights Flickering
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2017, 05:28:29 PM »
Mike,
If the LEDs light up, the polarity is correct. Did the LEDs come On or were they already on and then flickered when you turned off the fans? Assuming the latter is sounds like the voltage is increasing when the fans go off. I'd verify the house batteries are fully charged. Both the fans and the lights run on 12V DC. The problem isn't caused by the LEDs in any case.
Steve
« Last Edit: February 19, 2017, 05:30:48 PM by Steve Huber Co-Admin »
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Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Michael Rump

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Re: LED Puck Lights Flickering
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2017, 06:22:48 PM »
Steve,
Lights were off watching TV and they just flickered 'ON.'  I will check house batteries, but gages all indicate fully charged (13.8).
Appreciate your thoughts!
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Mike and Janis Rump
2004 Patriot Thunder
CAT 505 HP C12
2014 Honda CRV

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: LED Puck Lights Flickering
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2017, 07:16:56 PM »
Mike,
Sounds like you may be getting a voltage spike when you turn off the fans. If so, one solution would be to install a diode at the fan. Install with the band on the diode toward the terminal that has 12V on it when fan is on.
Steve
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Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Edward Buker

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Re: LED Puck Lights Flickering
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2017, 01:26:21 PM »
Mike,

If they just flickered on momentarily then Steve is "on the money". When the fan voltage shuts down the residual magnetic field collapses and the motor momentarily becomes a generator. The diode at the fan will short the spike to ground and absorbs the energy, so it will not travel through the wiring to the leds. The other option, if it was convenient to rewire, is to move the leds or the fan to a different circuit/breaker.

These diodes would do the job...

https://www.amazon.com/1N4002-DO-41-Silicon-Rectifier-Diodes/dp/B00BQC1F0K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1487596865&sr=8-3&keywords=1n4002+diode

Later Ed
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Michael Rump

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Re: LED Puck Lights Flickering
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2017, 03:04:09 PM »
Steve and Ed,

Checked the batteries yesterday and one was quite low on water.  Topped them off and will check voltages in a day or so.  Diodes seem like a good option if batteries check out.
 
My understanding is to install the diode on the incoming 12 volt supply to the fan.

Really appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Regards,
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Mike and Janis Rump
2004 Patriot Thunder
CAT 505 HP C12
2014 Honda CRV

Edward Buker

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Re: LED Puck Lights Flickering
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2017, 04:03:04 PM »
Mike,

Install the diode anywhere near the fan that is convenient. This spike has always been there it is just that these lights use such a little amount of energy to illuminate them, that the spike produces lights. The halogens just absorbed the energy without producing light.

If there are some spade lugs connecting the fan you may be able to slip the leads of the diode in the spade lugs and still connect them if you pry up one of the female side metal lugs that encapsulates the male spade.  Insulate the exposed wire of the diode with some stripped wire plastic covering from a piece of scrap wire, if a suitable length can be stripped, or some electrical tape.

Later Ed
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