4 Ways To Tell Quality LEDs From Cheap LEDs | Sitler's LED Supplies (2024)

FAQs

4 Ways To Tell Quality LEDs From Cheap LEDs | Sitler's LED Supplies? ›

The first is that LEDs have one lead that is longer that the other. This longer lead is the anode (+), and the shorter one is the cathode (-). The second feature is a small flat notch on the side of the LED. The lead that is closer to the notch is always the cathode.

The first is that LEDs have one lead that is longer that the other. This longer lead is the anode (+), and the shorter one is the cathode (-). The second feature is a small flat notch on the side of the LED. The lead that is closer to the notch is always the cathode.

LED lighting differs from incandescent and fluorescent in several ways. When designed well, LED lighting is more efficient, versatile, and lasts longer. LEDs are “directional” light sources, which means they emit light in a specific direction, unlike incandescent and CFL, which emit light and heat in all directions.

As you can see, there are many factors that make up the quality of LED lights, and can impact both the short and long term costs. A higher initial investment for quality LED's can save actually save more in the long run that using so-called "cheap" LED's.

How to identify. Most residential LED light bulbs have a typical light bulb shape but are usually made with a plastic shell instead of glass, with only a portion of the body being translucent. Look for an "LED" or "LED LAMP" marking on the bulb as well.

Safer: LEDs are much cooler than incandescent lights, reducing the risk of combustion or burnt fingers. Sturdier: LEDs are made with epoxy lenses, not glass, and are much more resistant to breakage. Longer lasting: The same LED string could still be in use 40 holiday seasons from now.

You could connect a battery to the LED and a potentiometer. Start with high resistance on the potentiometer and gradually decrease it until you have a nice brightness. Then measure the voltage over the LED, and measure the current going through the circuit.

There is an excellent classroom exercise that usually starts with an analysis of reproduction paintings from the 'Old Masters'. Student learn to discuss the qualities of light, using such terms as intensity, brightness, direction, color, form, and distribution.

While other light bulbs can get extremely hot when you turn them on, LED lights usually only get slightly warm, if at all (they may even feel cold to the touch). It is because LEDs use less energy than other bulbs, which means they don't waste as much energy producing unnecessary heat.

Are cheap LED bulbs safe? ›

If cheap lighting has poor wiring you run the risk of electric shocks. The lighting may also have poor insulation which means there is a risk of burning when you touch or go near the light. In extreme cases, cheap lighting may overheat and catch fire which could have catastrophic consequences.

However, research indicates that different LED bulbs can vary significantly in their actual lifespans. In independent testing, numerous LED bulbs have been found to eke out less than 10,000 hours of light – despite claiming to be capable of lasting at least 15,000 or even, in the case of some bulbs, 50,000 hours.

LED lights contain no toxic materials and are 100 percent recyclable, and will help to reduce your carbon footprint by up to a third. The long operational lifetime span mentioned above also means that one LED light bulb can save material and production of 25 incandescent light bulbs.

LED polarity

This means that LEDs (and other diodes) have positive (+) and negative (-) sides to them. For an LED to work it needs to be connected to a voltage source with the correct side. The voltage supply side of the diode is the positive (+) side, this is called the anode. The negative side is called the cathode.