So soon enough I’ll be moving into a small studio and was wondering. Would a long LED strip through my Studio be cheaper than the actual lights? For sure I’d know their gonna be more fun but looking for an alternative to save money on electricity.

  • DocMcStuffin@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    LEDs are diodes; so, yes they need DC power. They don’t necessarily need a transformer. Modern bulbs use an integrated circuit with some discrete components that handle the conversion. Some cheaper bulbs use a capacitive dropper circuit with a bridge rectifier; they’re not as efficient. The really cheap ones omit the capacitor in the rectifier; they flicker.

      • DocMcStuffin@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        When I took electronics, transformer meant a pair of coils of wire wrapped around some magnetic material. Their purpose is to step the voltage up or down. You still need components to convert from AC to DC. The easy way to do that is a rectifier with a capacitor that holds the charge.