This little circuit allows to connect a LED to line voltage. Two issues have to be solved for that: LEDs cannot cope with such a high AC voltage, and the current has to be limited to ca. 15mA. The first issue is simply solved with a diode that eliminates the voltage in reverse-biasing. To limit the current of the LED a capacitive resistor is used.
In AC, capacitors work as frequency dependent resistors. With the formula shown below you can calculate the resistance inserting frequency (f) and capacity of the capacitor (C). Based on a frequency of 50Hz and a capacity of 220nF you arrive at a resistance (reactance) of 16kΩ which is just about right for one LED. For the US grid (110V, 60Hz) the values have to be adjusted accordingly.

It is also possible to adjust this circuit to connect several LEDs in parallel. This increases the required current, hence the capacitor has to be adjusted with the help of the formula.
Required parts
- C1: foil capacitor 220nF, 250V~ (stick to the values!)
- R1: 2,2kΩ
- R2: 220Ω
- D1: 1N4007 (or comparable; must be suitable for 220V/230V)
- LED1: standard LED
You will notice the additional R2 in the circuit diagram. It prevents that the capacitor charges too quickly when empty which would cause a short circuit.
What is the purpose of the 220R when you have a 220n and 2k2 surge suppressor?????
What about placing a small electrolytic capacitor (say 47uF 16V) over the LED in order to reduce 50 Hz flickering? Would that work?
The power supply is given to ckt diagram the R=2.2k is blast any other idea
This idea is wrong.
The power supply is given to ckt diagram the R=2.2k is blast and led is operate but idea me the ressistor is 56 k the operate yes or no
sir i whant to need to operate 20watts led 220v ac 20watts led voltage is 9 vdc 1- iused 12vtransformer with bridge rect but led to hot it will worked fine but i whant to need profacnel cct diagram plz email me thank reg mahmood
Circuit diagram
what if I’m going to use 63 pcs of LEDs in parallel at where LED1 is placed, should I use the same materials as R1,R2,C1 and D1 with the 230V power supply? Please help…
I have wanted to light super bright LED by using the main AC suply of 230v and 50Hz.help me
I have wanted to light the 30 white LEDs by using the main AC suply of 230v and 50Hz.
Circuit diagram
what if I’m going to use 180 pcs of LEDs in parallel at where LED1 is placed, should I use the same materials as R1,R2,C1 and D1 with the 230V power supply? Please help…
what if I’m going to use 200 pcs of LEDs in series or parallel at where LED1 is placed, should I use the same materials as R1,R2,C1 and D1 with the 230V power supply? Please help…
can we use resistor place of capacitor because i saw in led lamp circuit in that they using 6 2.2k resistor for blowing 30 led at 230 v ac 50 hz
your information is very nice.where to you use for LED light?how much range for capacitor used?
I need to connect a led in series with the resistor. where the supply for that is an AC 230v. Which i’m using for this as an indication.
Thank you fo your information.
India! It’s so… perfect and smart. Please, do not touch nothing, be just humans. Basicaly.
Thank you for publish this circuit. what will happned,when I put 3 Withe (3v) LED ?
Thanks for your information.
I need for led power circuit with 220v.(sorry for my english)
I need circuit for 30mA glowing LED.
Input is 230V AC, 10A.
Can i use 5 White led’s with the above circuit ?
very good. prasad @ wgl
I need for 100 led on 220V, i hope this is useful me.
This is post for 16 led on 220V, i hope this is useful.
sorry for my english, i’m Slovak.
http://www.pcforum.sk/schema-blikac-s-16-led-na-230v-vt10622.html
I need circuit which can operate 150 white (3v ) LED bulbs that should work on 230V
Dear sir
I need circuit which can operate 150 white (3v ) LED bulbs that should work on 230V
thanks im daminda from sri lanka
plze e-mail me a LED circuit that will replace 20w cfl lamps…..hope that u will help me…
i need a circuit that should work on 230v,for 15 – 20 LEDsalso the heat dissapation should be less.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for publish this circuit. what will happned,when we replace this LED to a 5colour LED, an add smoothing capcitor for it.
thank you.