Can 12 Volt LED Lights be Used in a 6 Volt System

Updated 01/19/2012 | Published 01/17/2012

Question:

I have read on other sites that LED lights such as this will work just as well on 6 volts as on 12v, is that true? Im looking for something like this to use as a 3rd brakelight/tailight on a vintage auto running 6v. Thanks!

asked by: Bob E

Expert Reply:

The extent of my knowledge about running LED lights at 6 volts rather than 12 volts is that the light will draw less amperage and subsequently put out less light than when the light is ran at 12 volts. For LED lights the difference in light output may not be as dramatic as it is with incandescent bulbs, but it will not work as well.

I contacted the manufacturer of this light to see if running the light on a 6 volt system would damage the light or reduce life expectancy. He stated that running at reduced power will dramatically reduce the life expectancy of the light because the LED bulbs are designed to be ran at 12 to 14 volts. He also said that he would not recommend it because the light may draw too much amperage and overheat the wiring possibly causing damage.

expert reply by: Robert G