Failed Rectifier?

[Ralph A]

I believe I have a failed rectifier. The lights are a 100ct green C-6, from Action Lighting. (this is now the second problem I've had with there lights) The are hot glued into 1/2 cutout plywood for a wreath. I tested the lights prior to instillation as well as after. Anyway, now they are failing at the halfway point. What I mean is the first rectifier comes right off the male plug and then you have 50 lights and then a second and smaller rectifier followed by the last 50 lights. It is after the second rectifier that the lights only glow at 10% of what they should. Is this a failed rectifier or something else?

It would be a lot of trouble to remove the lights, but it can be done. I would rather replace the rectifier. Is that possible? I do have a spare set that I could cut the wires and replace the rectifier What do you all think?

Thanks for the help! Ralph

[Max-Paul]

Hi Ralph,

Hmm, not really sure that it is a rectifier. I have seen this while building up custom LED strings for a few of my props. In my case it was an LED that failed but would still sort of conduct. Look closely if you have not yet and tell me, are all of the LEDs running about 10 percent on the failed 50. Or is one completely out?

I had a 70 ct string fail this past winter. Blew the fuse too in the controller. After tear down I checked the string and found the rectifier had failed. I was able to cut out the rectifier and replace with a new one. But this was at the end of the string. I really do not have any idea what would be found in a blob in the middle of the string. But first lets make sure it is the rectifier. So, first confirm all 50 LEDs are at 10%. Then do you have a volt meter? does it have real sharp prods to pierce the wire jacket? You are going to want to prod the wires to confirm the voltage coming out of the blob.
BTW how many wires coming out of the blob on the side of the failing LEDs?

[Gary Levelius]

Most times, the "blob" in the middle of a string such as yours is indeed a rectifier and a resistor (for current limit) built into a small capsule. Typically, you can actually split a 100 light string into two 50 light strings. Have you been in contact with the vendor? They might be able to help you repair it.

-Gary-

[Ralph A]

Hey Gary, The Vendor is Action Lighting and I have not yet contacted them. Once I am sure what the problem is I just may do that. Thanks. I was not aware you could split LED's?

Ralph

[Gary Levelius]

Not all of them can be, or can be easily distinguished where to split them. The ones our local Lowes and Menards carry have a rectifier at the plug and another one in the middle of the string. Cutting the string on the side of the middle rectifier closest to the power plug and then putting another plug there will yeild a fully working 50 light string. Easiest way to find where to cut is to look for the section of the string with only two wires. This is typically the middle. I have several LED Holiday Lighting strings that have dead halves and I've managed to resurect the good half and re-use them. Of course, be sure to tape the loose ends from the front half of the string so you don't electrocute someone with bare wires.

Some of the really long strings may have three or four sections with two wires between the individual sections of the string. You may get three or four smaller strings from them.

-Gary-

[Ralph A]

COOL!! Useful advise.