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How to Attach a 12-Volt Resistor to an RGB LED

Most light emitting diodes (LEDs), including the red, green and blue (RGB) variety, work at around 4 to 4.5 volts (V). If more than one LEDs in series are connected together, the voltage requirement increases. Some commonly available LED lights use multiple LEDs and work on 12 V. For safe operation of LEDs, install a resistor in series with the LEDs. This resistor limits the current flowing through the LEDs---a necessary precaution since an excessively high current can damage the LEDs. A 12 V resistor is the one used for LEDs working at 12 V.

Things You'll Need

Soldering iron
Solder wire
Tweezers
LED power supply
Wire stripper

Instructions

- 1
  Turn on a soldering iron, and set it at a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
  Locate the anode terminal of the LED light, marked with a "+" sign. Place the light on a flat and dry surface such that the anode terminal is exposed.
- 3
  Hold a solder wire on the terminal, and press it gently with the tip of the soldering iron. The solder will melt and flow on the terminal's surface. Retract the solder wire, and put the soldering iron tip back into its holder.
- 4
  Place the 12V resistor on a flat and dry surface. Hold the solder wire on the end of any one of the two resistor leads, and touch it with the soldering iron tip. The solder will melt and flow onto the surface of the lead. Retract the solder wire and the soldering iron tip. Repeat this process to melt solder onto the other lead of the resistor.
- 5
  Hold the resistor with tweezers, and bring one of its soldered ends into contact with the anode of the LED light. Touch the anode's terminal with the soldering iron tip, and wait for its solder to melt and merge with the tip of the resistor's terminal. Retract the soldering iron tip, but keep holding the resistor until the solder has solidified.
- 6
  Strip off about 1/4 inch of insulation from the red cable of a LED power supply using a wire stripper. Place it on a flat and dry surface such that its stripped end remains exposed.
- 7
  Hold the solder wire on the stripped end of the red wire, and touch it with the soldering iron tip. The solder will melt and cover the wire. Retract the solder wire and the soldering iron tip.
- 8
  Hold the red wire, and bring its stripped end into contact with the free end of the resistor. Touch their ends with the soldering iron tip, and wait for the solder to melt and merge. Place the soldering iron tip back in its holder. Do not move the red wire until the solder has solidified.

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