I'd just use a neon indicator lamp, these are able to work straight off mains voltage. google it and see if it will fit your purpose
+1 on the Neon, also the mains input is never referred to as + & -, it is AC.
Max.
There are Electrical Code requirements mandated for hard wiring AC that you ought to be aware of . Using a bridge & series R to drop 240Vdc to 1.6V means power lost in the resistor sharing the same current will be P_res.=150x P_led because of 240/1.6. At half power or 30mW, the resistor would consume, 4500 mW. Bad idea.
But using two LEDs in parallel but reversed, you can choose a series 500V rated film capacitor X1 type, that draws 10mA across 230V at 50Hz. Zc(50Hz)=23kOhm=1/(2pi*50*C)
Can you compute C?
Just **broken link removed**, and be done with it...
You can also get them very cheap and ready to go with leads attached from an appliance parts store, used in freezers etc.
Just drill a hole and pop them in.
Max.
I'm an electronics newbie and while I really appreciate your comments and suggestions, they are "over-my-head" at this point.
Its exactly because you are a newbie that everyone is suggesting neon lamps.
Don't get me wrong I encourage learning, but this is a potentially dangerous project to start off on. Unless you use a isolation transformer (and i suspect you wont due to complexity and size) you are talking about a mains connected circuit without a proper understanding of electrical safety and component failure modes. You could hurt yourself on this endeavor, but to be honest that's not what I'm concerned about. If you hurt yourself well that's your own fault but the set up you suggest could be used by a layman (general person) and hurt them and that's far more concerning.
If you want to learn I suggest getting a 230V to 12 or 24Vac step down transformer and fast blow low current <<1A ouput fuse. This will let you create practice circuits and develop understanding while not endangering yourself or anyone else.
If you want a quick solution which is quick and for the most part safe (not completely because the neon could have exposed wires if your enclosure isn't very good or not grounded correctly), then just buy a neon.
Again i just want to say i encourage learning and if you're proceeding safely I'm sure we'll all be happy to help guide you. But main's voltage is not something a "electronics newbie" should be playing with and its certainly not suitable for just lifting a circuit off a forum without deep understanding of what you are doing.
Because of the hazards involved with shock and fire, and the specialized parts required, this is not a project for a newbie.
But using two LEDs in parallel but reversed, you can choose a series 500V rated film capacitor X1 type, that draws 10mA across 230V at 50Hz. Zc(50Hz)=23kOhm=1/(2pi*50*C)
Thanks ToddB74, Its always helpful to have an understanding of a persons background and experience. I always start off by assuming the OP is a school student.
Tony has given you the start of an answer here.
This link should help http://www.marcspages.co.uk/tech/6103.htm
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