how to reduce 12v to 6?

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URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=132896
Printed Date: May 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Topic: how to reduce 12v to 6?

Posted By: jso123
Subject: how to reduce 12v to 6?
Date Posted: December 05, 2012 at 10:43 AM

Hello,
Sorry I don't have a basic understanding of electronics, but this is probably an easy answer....

I want to run some Xmas lights ( on my car) off some caped off wires that used to run 12v driving lights. The led string lights I have are designed to run off 2 C batteries. I believe they are wired in serries. I want to run 2 strings together. Does that require 6 V? (1.5 V x 4)
Can I put in a resistor in the + line to reduce it? Or might these LEDs run ok on 12V?

They only cost $2.79/ string, so not a lot invested.

I know I could keep the battery packs, but would prefer to run them off an existing switch . Thanks for any direction. Scott

Replies:

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: December 05, 2012 at 5:35 PM

Yes you can do it with a couple of resisters. You'll build what's called a voltage divider. Here's the basics, with a calculator:
https://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/voldiv.html

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Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: December 05, 2012 at 10:37 PM

Forget the voltage divider.

Find out their current and use the normal R=V/I formula, eg - try LED calculator (Source = 12V or 14V, LED = 6V, current = ?ma (20, 40, 100?).