Miniature chandelier wiring

[zzzach]

Hi all! I have been working on a miniature chandelier, and need some help with my circuit. I only know the basics, and don't want to mess this up. Anyways, I want to use a 9-volt battery to power four 3-volt (55ma) lights. As my first test I ran them as shown in the picture. They all light up, and are super bright, but from my understanding, in this set up they are all getting the full 9 volts, correct? Can someone help me figure out the resistance I need for each light, and how I could make a simple and small circuit board for it?

Thanks!

 

[Martaine2005]

Hi zzzach,
Looks like you have them all connected in parallel, and yes all getting 9v.
Probably better to wire them 2 pairs in series. 4x3=12v you only have 9v.
What 'lights' are they?

Martin

 

[zzzach]

Hi zzzach,
Looks like you have them all connected in parallel, and yes all getting 9v.
Probably better to wire them 2 pairs in series. 4x3=12v you only have 9v.
What 'lights' are they?

Martin

Thanks for the quick reply! I bought the lights from All Electronics. They are actually miniature bulbs, not LEDs. From their website:
3V T-1 (3MM) LAMP W/ 10" INSULATED WIRE LEADS

Thanks!

 

[Martaine2005]

Well, seeing as they have a maximum current limit too of 55ma, two in series as my pic above and 100 ohm resistor on each string should be fine.

Martin

 

[Alec_t]

It would be kinder on the bulbs if you replaced the 9V battery with two AA alkaline cells in a battery holder. Then you wouldn't need any resistors.

 

[zzzach]

It would be kinder on the bulbs if you replaced the 9V battery with two AA alkaline cells in a battery holder. Then you wouldn't need any resistors.

Problem with that is the space restriction, but I appreciate the feedback.

 

[zzzach]

Well, seeing as they have a maximum current limit too of 55ma, two in series as my pic above and 100 ohm resistor on each string should be fine.

Martin

Thanks for the help! I'll post a photo when it's all put together.

 

[Bluejets]

These appear to be similar to the old "wheat grain bulbs" from way back when..............
More important to limit the voltage to the stated value, current will look after itself.
Current in this instance is given as a specification rather than a current limit as in an LED.