5mm Cool White Flickering / Candle LED

The 5mm Cool White Flickering / Candle LED produces a randomized, organic flicker that mimics the movement of a real candle flame — not a steady blink, but a naturalistic shimmer. No 555 timer, no oscillator, no microcontroller required — just apply DC power through a current-limiting resistor and it starts immediately.

Multiple-candle realism: Two or more flickering LEDs near each other will naturally drift out of sync over time — just like real candle flames. This is by design; each IC runs independently.

Size	5mm (T-1 3/4)
Effect	Randomized candle flicker — built-in IC, no controller needed
Forward Voltage	3.0-3.4v
Brightness	14,000-15,000mcd
Package	T-1 3/4 through-hole DIP
Drive Current	20mA typical

Built for

Halloween props: Jack-o’-lanterns, cauldron fire effects, haunted fireplace mantels, skull sconces. Each LED flickers independently — use 2–3 together for convincing multi-flame fire.
Model railroad fire scenes: Burning buildings, campfires (Luke Towan technique: flicker LED behind crinkled cellophane), locomotive firebox glow, military diorama burning vehicles.
Christmas village fireplaces: Department 56 and Lemax building interiors with flickering fireplace glow. Schwibbogen candle arch tips.
Theater candelabras: NFPA 160 prohibits real flames on stage — flicker LEDs in wax shells are the industry standard for period drama, opera, and dinner theater.
Escape room torches: Dungeon torch wall sconces, altar candle scenes, mystical artifact glow.

Makeshift controller trick: Wire this flickering LED in series with standard LEDs, and they will follow the flicker pattern — creating a larger flame effect from a single flicker source.

Polarity matters — long lead is positive (anode). Add a current-limiting resistor matched to your supply voltage. Drop-in replacement for any standard 5mm LED — same footprint, no circuit changes.

Resistor quick reference (20mA):

Supply	Resistor	Rating
5V	100Ω	1/4W
9V	300Ω	1/4W
12V	470Ω	1/4W
15V*	620Ω	1/2W
18V	750Ω	1/2W

*Use 15V instead of 12V for vehicle/alternator sources to account for charging voltage (13.8–14.4V).

Full LED Resistor Calculator → for other voltages, series strings, and parallel configurations. Or skip the math with our 20mA Current Limiter (2–45V DC).

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Self-flashing LEDs have a fixed blink rate set by the internal IC (1Hz, 2Hz, or 6Hz depending on the variant). If you need adjustable timing, use a standard LED with a 555 timer circuit or an Arduino.

Wire a self-flashing LED in series with one or more standard LEDs, and the entire string will blink together. The flashing LED acts as a current gate, controlling the pattern for all LEDs in the chain. This lets you animate multiple LEDs with a single flashing LED — no separate controller needed.

No. Animated LEDs with built-in ICs require DC power. On AC, the IC cannot function and the LED will not produce the intended effect. For AC sources, convert to DC first with a bridge rectifier.

Power Source	Bridge Rectifier	100µF Capacitor
DC power supply	No	No
12V AC landscape transformer	Required	Required
DCC track power	Required	Required

Full wiring guide with circuit diagrams →

Complete your build

Battery holders — AA, 9V, and coin cell for portable builds
Switches — toggle, rocker, and mini slide
Hook-up wire — 22–30 AWG for clean wiring
LED Resistor Calculator — find the right resistor for your supply voltage

Sold individually (1 LED per quantity ordered).

PCB Design: KiCad footprint: LED_THT:LED_D5.0mm (built-in with KiCad). EasyEDA: search “LED_D5.0mm” in the built-in library. Download KiCad files ↓

Size	5mm Round Top Clear Flickering / Candle
Color	Cool / Clear White
Animation Type	Flicker / Candle Style
Luminosity/Brightness	14,000-15,000 mcd
Forward Voltage	3.0-3.4v
Current	20mA
Wavelength	N/A Cool / Clear White
Viewing Angle	20-30 Degrees
Mount Style	Through Hole (DIP)
Lens Color	Clear
LED Brightness Class	Super/Ultra/Extreme