Help Removing Bulbs from Mini Christmas String

[Alan Segal]

I need to have 20 miniature christmas bulbs in a string.

They are normally 50/string. (about 2.5 volts each). [I cant find any miniature bulbs multicolored with a higher voltage). [FYI I cannot black out the bulbs as they would have to fit behind a picture frame, and heat would build up.]

I know I would need about 15 watts disipated through a resistor.

I have read somewhere that I could use a capacitor instead of or with a resistor to decrease that wattage through the resistor.

Does anyone have a formula for calculating the capacitor(&resistor) I would need?

 

[Martaine2005]

My honest opinion would be to change the set for LEDs.
15 Watts is quite significant.
You could wire 2 bulbs in parallel through a series string to halve what you have now..
In other words 5v bulbs in series..

Martin

 

[Alec_t]

I have read somewhere that I could use a capacitor instead of or with a resistor

That is potentially (pun intended) LETHAL, since there would be no mains isolation and any component failure could leave some point of the circuit at mains voltage. Much safer to use LEDs as stated.

 

[Alan Segal]

5v bulbs in series wont work with 120VAC
I would need 20 sets of bulbs (40 total).

I may just go with a 25V transformer if I cant find anything else.

 

[Martaine2005]

Yes, sorry....I worked on 50 x 2.5v and 25 x 5v.
But LEDs are more efficient, cool running and safe!.

Martin

 

[dorke]

Alen,
There are so many options out there for LED chains
many colors to chose from,safe,and very cheap.
Absolutely no reason to DIY

 

[Alan Segal]

Thanks you guys, but I am restoring an art project that my wifes grandmother made many years ago, so I need the old time bulb shape and look.

I will just string 2 sets of 10 (series) bulbs parallel, and use my RS 25 volt transformer.

 

[Deleted member 42405]

Stick leds in the bulbs?
Yeah, I know that sounds stupid- another reason why I need that badge.

 

[Alan Segal]

The look of the old time bulbs is gone.
I just have 2 series strings of 10 bulbs each, and connected them in parallel to a 20v wall wart. Added a fuse just for protection. Looks great.