Hey everyone! I'm working on a DIY project to create a battery-powered lamp using a DeWalt drill battery, and I've hit a few bumps along the way. I'm trying to make an LED strip lamp that can run for 20-30 hours using just 10cm of LED strip. My goal is to connect any DeWalt battery that ranges from 12V to 24V to a 12VDC LED strip. I've successfully run it with a 12V battery, but anything higher than that seems to overload the LED. I've tried using a DC-DC buck converter, but unfortunately, I ended up burning one out despite the specs matching the voltage and current.
I've mapped out a new setup that I think might work: DeWalt battery (12V-24V) -> 5A fuse for protection -> [DC-DC buck converter](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EQT63SS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title) -> [12VDC on/off switch](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S1MV462?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1) -> [12VDC LED strip](https://www.aspectled.com/n-series-narrow-flexible-led-strip-light-ultra-bright-36-leds-foot-1#led_light_color=12). I was thinking about positioning the switch closer to the end of the circuit to prevent any damage.
Am I on the right track, or is there something I'm missing? Thanks for any advice!
1 Answer
If you're serious about getting the most battery life, look for an LED strip without resistors and consider using a constant current driver instead. Resistors waste energy by generating heat. From what you've described, it sounds like your amp draw is pretty low, so a 2Ah battery could definitely last around 20 hours. I'd suggest repositioning the switch before the DC-DC converter to avoid any issues, but overall, your setup seems solid. Good luck!
Thanks for the tip! Just one concern: if the switch is rated for 12V, would using an 18V battery damage it?