Electrical question...

[Mafesto]

I have a shed with no power, so am using a generator whenever needed.
I strung a couple of construction lights through the rafters for lighting (20 lamps total).


Here is the weird thing, all lamps work with incandescent bulbs, but only a few work with LED bulbs.


Is there an issue using LED bulbs with a generator?
Not a big deal to use incandescent, but would like to learn whatever there is to learn here.

 

[xc6rider]

That seems odd. I'd think you'd have problems the other way around.

 

[Mafesto]

I do realize that LED bulbs are polarity sensitive.
But the strings have a ground plug, so the only way that could be the issue is if the string was manufactured incorrectly. Very unlikely. I wish I would have taken a cheater & rotated the plug 180 to verify, but as I said...unlikely.


I am under the impression that LED is not voltage sensitive, so I am ruling out voltage drop at the moment.


Tomorrow I will test all of the bulbs to rule that out as well.

 

[stum1967]

Sounds like a question for Google.

 

[xc6rider]

Sounds like a question for Google.

He a forum member?

 

[Mafesto]

Sounds like a question for Google.

I thought the jokers on here knew EVERYTHING!!!

 

[Mafesto]

Tomorrow I will test all of the bulbs to rule that out as well.

All bulbs good.

 

[Pro-8250]

The power in your house comes off of a generator to. It's just some what bigger. Yes LED's, your computer screen and even the motor in your newer washing machine are polarity sensitive. But this doesn't mean anything to you really because the AC connections to the LED are not polarity sensitive anymore than your computer is. AC line side feeds a transformer which lowers the voltage and then a rectifier changes it to DC which feeds the LED. (Light Emitting Diode.) Check the voltage output of the generator. It should be close to 118 volts AC. The voltage in my house is 125. To low of voltage off the generator is most likely the problem. Also long extension cords with small wire like an 18 AWG will cause voltage drop.

 

[xc6rider]

Got lights yet??

 

[Mafesto]

Running incandescents for the time being. I guess that's a good way to use them up.
Still haven't checked voltage at generator or on light string.
However, the door opener is plugged into the light string & seems to work fine.