Can I power a led from 230 volts

[London Lad]

I am building a project (more on this later) where the only voltage present in the 'box' is 230-volt mains.

I want to run a led on the front panel but don’t want to use transformers or encapsulated psu's in the box.

Can I run a led from a resister / diode network? And if so how please?

 

[LesW]

You can use a capacitor to drop the voltage.

Caveats are: Use an 'X' rated cap or a 1000v variety. Install a zener diode across the LED of an appropriate voltage and ensuring correct polarity. Make sure all is well insulated and away from prying fingers. Cap value..?? Try a 1nF for starters, if no glow, up the value.

 

[michaelab]

RS components (and others) sell a selection of LEDs with integral resistors designed to run off a 230V mains supply:

see here

Michael.

 

[London Lad]

Thank you both