How to Wire Multiple LEDs

LED Christmas lights are popular due to their low energy use.

The need to wire multiple LEDs (light emitting diodes) can arise for many understandable reasons. You may want to make your own light emitting diode sign. Perhaps you are trying your hand at building your own string of LED Christmas lights for the holiday season. When wiring multiple LEDs, it is important to note that they should always be wired in series. Very rarely will there be a reason to wire your LEDs in a parallel manner as this all but guarantees the circuit will not function properly.

Things You'll Need

• 9-volt battery
• LEDs
• 100 ohm resistor
• 1" wire, 4 pieces

Instructions

1. Wrap one end of your first wire around the positive terminal of a 9-volt battery.

2. Wrap the other end of that wire to the anode (long wire) of your first LED.

3. Wrap an end of your second wire to the cathode (short wire) of your first LED.

4. Wrap the other end of your second wire to the anode of your second LED.

5. Connect one end of your third wire to your second LED by wrapping it around the cathode.

6. Wrap the other end of your third wire to an end of your 100 ohm resistor.

7. Connect your 100 ohm resistor by wrapping an end of the fourth wire around the open end.

8. Wrap the other end of your fourth wire around the negative terminal of your 9-volt battery.

Tips & Warnings

• You can tape or solder the wires to the LEDs and the 100 ohm resistor to make a more stable connection (always ensure metal-on-metal contact).

• You can add as many LEDs in this fashion, making sure you connect them cathode to anode, though you will eventually need a stronger power source than a single 9-volt battery..

References

• "The Art of Electronics"; Paul Horowitz, Ph.D., Winfield Hill, Ph.D.; 1989
• "Physics For Scientists and Engineers"; Randall D. Knight, Ph.D.; 2004