M meterman New Member Jul 3, 2006 #1 I want my mini Christmas light set to be at half brightness. A diode should work right? Does it need to be a particular diode? Would a 1N4001 do it?
I want my mini Christmas light set to be at half brightness. A diode should work right? Does it need to be a particular diode? Would a 1N4001 do it?
JimB Super Moderator Most Helpful Member Jul 4, 2006 #2 The 1N4001 has a PIV ov only 50v or so. Far better to use a 1N4007. JimB
RODALCO Well-Known Member Jul 4, 2006 #3 1 N 4007 as already mentioned before is a good option. You can even fit the diode in the mains plug. Also an other option is to put 2 strings in series on the mains voltage which will run them at exact half voltage and quarter power. I have both options done this with my Christmas lights for the last 20 or so years with no problems at all. On off via timeclock so no further work required.
1 N 4007 as already mentioned before is a good option. You can even fit the diode in the mains plug. Also an other option is to put 2 strings in series on the mains voltage which will run them at exact half voltage and quarter power. I have both options done this with my Christmas lights for the last 20 or so years with no problems at all. On off via timeclock so no further work required.