Powering battery lights

[jdmgriffin]

Hi there. We have a 4 sets of what are currently battery operated lights. We would like to either connect them all to one power battery source or ideally to a plug to power them. Any advice appreciated

 

[DPG]

This is possible using a regulated 3VDC power supply, available from many places. Current capability needs to exceed the total of the currents taken by each light set.

Joints are best soldered and sleeved, but it's not as critical bearing in mind the very low voltages and currents involved.

A good solution would be to use DC/barrel plugs and sockets. Have a google to see what I mean. The most common size is 2.1mm and they are very cheap.

Can you solder?

 

[jdmgriffin]

Thanks for your reply. Excellent that looks a nice job.
Just to check.
Would I have one lengths of 2.1mm cable and connect each into this using solder? and then use barrell plug into adaptor.
I can solder a bit...but sure never a better job to practice

 

[jdmgriffin]

Also the current of each light...would that be 1.5v X 3= 4.5v would the 3VDC be sufficient

 

[DPG]

Also the current of each light...would that be 1.5v X 3= 4.5v would the 3VDC be sufficient

Sorry, thought there were 2 batteries. Yes, you are right - it's 4.5VDC you need.

The current needed depends on how much the lights draw. It will be very little, and I would say if you get a 1 Amp power supply that would be more than enough.

You can join the wires either in the DC socket, or splice together separately. It's not critical to be honest. Ensure they are all wired in parallel though, ie. all positive wires together and all negative wires together.

 

[jdmgriffin]

Sorry, thought there were 2 batteries. Yes, you are right - it's 4.5VDC you need.

The current needed depends on how much the lights draw. It will be very little, and I would say if you get a 1 Amp power supply that would be more than enough.

You can join the wires either in the DC socket, or splice together separately. It's not critical to be honest. Ensure they are all wired in parallel though, ie. all positive wires together and all negative wires together.

Perhaps something like the attached and solder the three sets of wires (after removing the battery packs) into the line there ?

 

[DPG]

That should do it nicely. Make sure you get polarity correct throughout.