ac leds
Hi Me_guitarist,
Here's an idea how things could be done, I only had eight blue leds of
9000 mcd at 20 mA. The circuit is very simple, the 330 nF capacitor
limits the current through the circuit to about 22 mA. The voltage drop
over the 220 Ω resistor was 5 V and the ripple was 300 mV pp.
The 100 Ω resistor, the 55 V VDR and the 220 µF capacitor play also a
significant role in the circuit. They limit the inrush current of the
leds to a safe value in order not to damage them at turn-on. During
normal operation the 55 V VDR doesn't do anything at all.
The 100 Ω fusable resistor, far left, will act as a fuse without bursting
into a fireball. Next to that is the 330 nF / 250 Vac / X2 class capacitor.
Check local safety regulations and use an approved type of capacitor
constructed from flame retardent materials. A 400 Vdc capacitor is not
designed to withstand 230 Vac and is most certainly not approved. The
12 MΩ bleeder resistor is also special, it's a high voltage type. This one
is a 500 mW type that can withstand 5 kV (dc + peak ac), a 250 mW type
is also ok 1600 V (dc + peak ac).
And last but not least use a safety transformer to isolate you from the mains.
The best way to learn is by experience, but that doesn't apply here !
on1aag.