Help with LED Power switch.

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trawetSluaP

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Jun 5, 2013
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Hi,

I've recently got a Bitfenix white LED strip for my case, a CM Stryker. I wish to connect the LED strip to my case's LED power switch so I can turn it on and off along with the LED fans.

I found a way to do this using the leftover cable from the IO panel however when connected to this cable the LED strip flickers, I assume due to it not receiving enough power. I can connect the LED to a molex connector and it works fine.

My query is, is it possible to connect the LED strip to both the IO panel AND the molex connector so it has sufficient power and I can still turn it on and off? Is it safe to do this? And what cable would I need to do it if it is safe?

Thanks
Paul
 
Solution
nukemaster
What exactly are you connecting this too? Power LED header? Those are made for ONE led(now saying a few would hurt it) and certainly not an led strip made to run on 12 volts(power led's do not even have inline resistors as far as I know).

Why not just mount a toggle switch(or what ever switch you like) on a backplate(pci) cover(or even make a hole for it on the back of the case.) and then take power from the Molex and run + to the switch then over to the led strip.

This would allow on/off as well as powering it from the power supply.

You should NOT connect it at 2 places.

More details on the IO panel connection you are making would help.
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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What exactly are you connecting this too? Power LED header? Those are made for ONE led(now saying a few would hurt it) and certainly not an led strip made to run on 12 volts(power led's do not even have inline resistors as far as I know).

Why not just mount a toggle switch(or what ever switch you like) on a backplate(pci) cover(or even make a hole for it on the back of the case.) and then take power from the Molex and run + to the switch then over to the led strip.

This would allow on/off as well as powering it from the power supply.

You should NOT connect it at 2 places.

More details on the IO panel connection you are making would help.
 
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Solution
manofchalk

manofchalk

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May 11, 2012
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I think he intends to hook it up to a fan LED switch, higher end Coolermaster cases have fans where you can turn the LED's off.

You should be able to do it, though expect to be stripping and soldering wires, you will also need some knowledge of how a circuit works. It also just might not be possible, the gauge of wire used for the front panel fan LED switch probably isnt sufficient to handle the full load of it.

NukeMasters suggestion is probably best, wire in your own switch and dont use the front panel one. It would be as simple as cutting the Active wire (The Negative, though technically the positive would work as well) then soldering in your own switch. Mount the switch somewhere accessible and your good to go.
Simplest solution is often best.
 
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trawetSluaP

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Yeah was planning on using the standard LED Power Switch that's installed with the case. However I see that wiring it up to two places would be bad so I think I'll go with the power switch on the rear of the case as I'm no good with soldering wires etc.

Thanks for your help people :)
 
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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I have always been in the habit of switching the pos side on DC. I know power flows - neg to pos.

Any reason to switch the negative(kill the power before it even gets to the device?)? Honest question here(for my own future reference).

I think I just do this the car way for ALL DC.
 
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manofchalk

manofchalk

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Its a safety thing.
Power flows from Negative to Positive, or from Negative to whatever could be short-circuiting the thing. So putting the switch on the Negative wire (The Active) will turn off power completely, while putting it on the Positive in the case of a short-circuit will achieve nothing.
In this situation its not too much of an issue being DC power, low amperage and only 12v. But apply the scenario to something like a toaster, with AC power and lots of current. If it short-circuits to the enclosure, you touch it (even if its turned off, if the switch is on the Positive wire) and you get zapped.

Your right its more of an issue with AC power as its more dangerous, but why not follow the safest route when dealing with DC.
 
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manofchalk

manofchalk

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I'l admit I'm speaking from the lofty qualifications of a High School education in Physics, so I wouldn't be surprised if I was wrong in terms of the AC power having a +/-.
Though I'm fairly sure my reasoning behind the DC power switch being on the Negative works out.
 
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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It does make lots of sense, If you can switch it as close to the battery or power source as you can it should be good to go for safety.

It all depends on the location of the switch. If the short is after the switch on either + or - it will not do anything as electrons can not flow if the path is open(switch), but if the short is before the switch, either switch will not help.

This is why you want to fuse as close to the incoming power as you can. When you do short something out, a properly sized fuse should blow.

Just a sort of FYI for the OP, any good pc power supply will turn of with any shorts(without any damage.). This is a great thing.

Some info on AC. if anyone wants to check it out. I play with some diy power supply stuff(with salvaged parts) from time to time too(AC -> DC) :) .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternating_current
 
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