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LED Accessories
LEDs, otherwise known as light emitting diodes, operate much like other
semiconductors. Yet what sets LEDs apart from conductors like transistors
is the fact that LEDs operate based on current rather than on voltage.
Thus, any change in the voltage across your LED may result in a current
that wildly fluctuates. The larger the current, the faster your LED will
burn out.
The most common LED accessory is a resistor. After all, one of the easiest
ways to control current flow is by adopting resistors in series. That
being said, you don't want too much of your power going into the resistors
and getting squandered. Ideally, you want a relatively constant current
passing through your LED, so you get good light flow and make the most out
of your energy source.
Although many manufacturers promise that LEDs can survive for 100,000
hours or more, this figure varies significantly based on the size of the
wavelength that the LED emits. If your LED emits blue or green light,
chances are that it will burn out much quicker. Indeed, UV emitting LED
lights may burn out in as little as 1,000 hours. Check the specs on your
LED before stocking up.
On the other hand, LEDs which emit red light last longer--in many cases,
red LEDs will last the full 100,000 hours. This is because red light is
comprised of longer wavelength photons and is thus less energetic. LEDs
that are purchased from suppliers in Asia tend to burn out faster since
there are fewer quality controls on production lines overseas.
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