How To Use A 9-Volt Battery To Power LEDs

You can use light emitting diodes (LED) in many applications to provide status lights and illumination. LEDs are true diodes, meaning that they will only conduct electricity in one direction. LEDs emit light at a single frequency (color), which you cannot modify. The brightness of an LED is directly proportional to the amount of current flowing through it, and LEDs turn on and off much more quickly than an incandescent bulb. To limit current, connect a resistor in series with an LED. Follow a few simple steps to power an LED with a 9-volt battery.

Step 1

Examine the data sheet for the LED you wish to use. Identify the specifications for maximum current (Imax) and typical forward voltage (Vf typ).

Example: 9-volt battery LED Imax = 20milliamps (mA) Vf typ=2 Volts (V)

Step 2

Determine the voltage drop across the resistor (Vr). This voltage will equal the battery voltage (Vbatt) minus the Vftyp for the LED.

Example: Vr=Vbatt-Vftyp Vr=9 volts – 2 volts = 7 volts

Step 3

Calculate a working current (Iwork) for the LED—typically about 75 percent of the maximum current.

Example: Iwork= Imax x 0.75 Iwork=20mA x 0.75 = 15mA

Step 4

Choose a resistor value to allow 15mA of current to flow across.

Example: I=V/R ( Ohm's Law: Current = Voltage/Resistance) 15mA = Vr/R 15mA = 7 volts/R R=466 ohms

Step 5

Select a 466-ohm resistor, or the next highest value of standard resistor.

Step 6

Connect one end of the resistor to the positive terminal of the battery.

Step 7

Connect the other end of the resistor to the positive (anode) terminal of the LED.

Step 8

Connect the cathode of the LED to the negative terminal of the battery. The LED should illuminate.