Q- What is an LED ?
A- An LED is a Light Emitting Diode. A Light Emitting Diode is a semiconductor light source which is essentially a diode.
A diode is a two-terminal electronic component that conducts electric current in only one direction.
When current is put into the diode it emits light.
Q-Are LEDs really that efficient?
A- Yes! Some LED replacements use 12% the power of of the bulbs they replace.
Q- What is the greatest benefit to me when using LEDs in my camper (RV) ?
A- One of the greatest benefits is power consumption. A single battery charge can last 4 to 5 times longer in a LED outfitted unit.
Safety is a great benefit and what some consider to be the most important.
In some applications LEDs can be much brighter and other drivers can see you more easily.
Another great benefit is heat. LEDs produce much less heat and your RV AC does not have to work as hard to cool your unit.
Q- What are 12 volt LEDs reported in lumens and not reported in watts ?
A- Being that Amps *Volts = Watts and the power from a RV power converter is 13.6 volts and a fully charged 12 volt battery is a little over 12 volts the watts will be different. The AC 110 volts are more consistent and thus the watts are more consistent.
Q- How can I gauge the power consumption of a light?
A- If the light you want to test is over an Amp power draw you can use clamp on meter. If you are wanting to test a LED with low power consumption you can hook the light in series with the power supply, and a meter. The below picture is a small analog meter which may work best in some cases.
Q- What does Polarity Dependent mean?
A-Polarity Dependent is where the current needs to flow in one direction for the light to work. LEDs are diodes and all diodes are Polarity Dependent. For a greater understanding click here for Wikipedia's explanation about polarity.
NOTE: if you have a LED light that will work in one socket but NOT another, read next question below.
Q- Why will one LED light work in one light socket and not another?
A- The light fixture may have been wired where the negative and positive poles were inverted. The
incandescent bulb that was in the in the fixture was not polarity dependent which is why it worked. Changing the two wires
on the back of the light should make the LED light work.
Q - Why are some LED lights listed as Polarity Dependent and some not?
A- Some LED lights are designed to be goof proof and others don't need to be.Pictured below (Picture A) is an 1157 socket. 1157 sockets have an offset tips and keeps you from
inserting incorrectly. Picture B has a Bridge Rectifier on the back. A bridge rectifier takes the
current and sends it to the LEDs in the correct polarity (direction) so the LEDs will work. Picture
C is an 1156 which has the single positive pole on the bottom thus the polarity is always correct.
A |
B |
C |
Q - Of the two poles on the bottom of a 1157 bulb
which one is the Running light and which one is the Stop&Turn light?
A.
