How to wire LEDs in parallel

LEDs and other diodes need extra protection when connected in parallel.

You want to give each LED it’s own protective resistor or current source.

Parallel LEDs should have or need their own protective resistor learning electronics shorts 102
Parallel LEDs should have or need their own protective resistor learning electronics shorts 102

If you don’t give each parallel LED it’s own series resistor, then the worst case scenario is that the LED with the lowest forward voltage will get all of the current while the other LED(s) get none.  The one getting all the current will likely burn out if the current exceeds the maximum current for one LED. After that, the other LED(s) will get that extra current.

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Even if the LEDs have the same forward voltage, sooner or later, one LED may conduct slightly better than another parallel LED. Therefore one LED can easily get more current than the other.

If the parallel LEDs have different forward voltages, then the LED with the lowest forward voltage will definitely get all of the current.

You simply wire each LED and protective resistor as if the others don’t exist. Just remember that the power supply, and any components in series with the parallel LEDs with protective resistors, needs to be able to handle the total current involved.

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