An LED indicator light is an integral part of electrical systems in contemporary electrical devices helping users to view the status of different types of devices and machines. If you want to fix, specify the operating mode of a device, or even beautify your project, it is crucial to learn how these lights function. In this detailed guide, we will discuss the principles of Diode LED lights, their benefits, applications, LEd lamp connection, and more. By the time you are done with this article, you will be able to use the systems with LED indicator lights embedded confidently. So, stay connected!

Figure no 1 LEd lights

1) What is an LED indicator light?

“An LED indicator light is a form of small energy-saving lights embedded in devices and systems to communicate information that the device or device is operating.”

Figure no 2 LED indicator lights

The term ‘LED’ is short for the Light Emitting Diode which means a device that is capable of emitting light once a current passes through a semiconducting material. They are widely used since they require low energy, have a longer life span, and are more robust than the electric/bulb types.

LED diode lights have found applications in vehicles, appliances, industrial machinery, and various electronic gadgets. These signals replace the need for complex instructions by communicating different conditions such as operational modes, battery charge status or errors. For instance, when a green light is on, it usually indicates that the device is functioning perfectly while the red light is on only indicates an error.

LED lights can have several shapes and different colours and are used differently. There are some that pulsate or change the colours to provide enhanced information. Because of their small dimensions, LED lights are ideal for contemporary designs that require space efficiency.

2) How LED Indicator Lights Work

To be very straightforward: Electricity is transformed into light.

First, keep in mind that every LED has a semiconductor. This semiconductor is usually made up of two layers. One layer is negatively charged due to an excess of electrons. While the other layer is positively charged due to lack of electrons. What happens is that when we provide electricity, the electrons migrate from the cathode (negative layer) to an anode(positive layer). Now this jumping of electrons results in the emission of energy in the form of light. This approach is called electroluminescence, cool!

This jumping occurs in the illuminated area that is built inside the LED light to funnel the semiconductors.

The light emitted from a semiconductor can be either red, green, blue or any other colour depending on the material used. So, it is evident LEDs do not contain filaments therefore emit light efficiently and remain cool, unlike other bulbs.

3) Advantages of LED Indicator Lights

LED indicator lights contain the advantage that they can be efficiently used in multiple systems and devices, the following highlights some important ones in detail:

+ Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency is one of the biggest benefits of the LED light. LED light uses 80% less energy when compared to other bulbs. You know it’s critical when it comes to battery-powered devices as it saves a significant amount of money in bigger systems.

+ Cost-effective: A cost-effective solution such as LED bulbs because of their significant operational lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. Therefore, it is an ideal substitute for other industrial machinery and vehicles as it would be difficult to replace them.

+ Durability: LEDs are constructed using solid-state parts. They are remarkably resistant to physical shocks, vibrations, and external stress. Furthermore, they can survive drops or harsh weather conditions (high or low temperatures) without cracking, unlike glass bulbs.

+ Compact Design: Due to their tiny size and weight, LEDs are perfect for installation into thin or intricate products. Compact electronic devices like mobile phones, vehicles, and control panels which are limited in space, widely utilize these.

Figure no 3 Compact design of LED lights

+ Instant Illumination: LEDs do not require to be warmed up and can be turned on immediately. And, it is not the case with other older types of lights. This is an important feature for safety indicators, emergency lighting and other tools which require immediate illumination.

+ Low Heat Emission: An energy-saving feature of all LEDs is that they produce relatively little heat when being used. So, decreasing the chances of being burned or blowing up. This allows them to be used on sensitive devices and systems where the heat emission should be kept in check.

4) Applications of LED Indicator Light

The LED light indicators have pretty much the same applications as the other when it comes to their use. However, due to the device’s efficiency as well as its reliability, it has gained positive reception within applications ranging from:

• Electronics: All portable devices such as smartphones, computers, and chargers have the use of LED light indicators. Power indicator displays are used to show the particular status of the device or its battery. For example, a fully charged device may indicate the status with a green light whereas a low battery device may display a red light.

• Home Appliances: The use of LED indicators is also common in home appliances. For instance, a washing machine, microwave or even a refrigerator may have LED indicators used to indicate the specific mode selected, temperature settings or even turned on.

• Automotive Industry: The use of LED diodes now common practice in the automotive industry. They are used within the dashboard of vehicles, signal lights, and brake lights. They are also employed externally in turn signals and tail lights to promote safety.

Figure no 4 Applications of LED indicator lights

• Industrial Equipment: Since electric motors and synchronous machines are widely used in the manufacture of industrial tools and other devices, LEDs have found their utilization towards the indicators. The lights use LED indicators to show the operating status of the machine, errors and even tell when maintenance is needed.

• Medical Devices: Medical instruments like monitors, infusion devices, and diagnostics tools make use of LED lights. They are used to indicate whether the device is in standby mode whether an error occurred or even when the device is on.

• Consumer Electronics: Monitors, consoles, and stereo systems typically incorporate LED indicators to display whether the device has power, has a connection or is in standby mode.

• Commercial Aviation: Control panels signal lights and navigation systems on aircraft and marine vessels employ LED lights to promote safety and simplicity of communication.

• Security Systems: LED indicators are widely used in fire detectors, CCTV surveillance systems, and emergency lights. They remain conspicuous even in dimly lit settings.

These lights are being used in a variety of industries praising their versatility, clarity, and energy efficiency.

5) LED Indicator Light Selection Guide

Choosing the right LED indicator is key in ensuring that the performance of the LED meets the application requirements. Considerations include the size of the mounting hole, voltage rating, colour of the LED, and robust nature. Other considerations such as ingress protection rating, quality of the material, length of the wire, and head design also need to be appropriate for the application.

To assist you in this matter, we recommend Yueqing Dahe Electric Co., Ltd.. They are a good source of LED indicator lights. Their LED lights have great strength, various designs and good features.

• Attributes of CDOE Metal Indicator Lights

• Drilling Hole Dimensions: This product can be made with a range of panel hole sizes from 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 19mm, 22mm, and 25mm.

• Compatible Voltages: There are different voltage choices to be included such as 3V, 6V, 12V, 24V and 220V which permits numerous conditions.

• Colours of LED Used: The indicator lights can be made using red, green, blue, white, yellow, orange, RG bi-colour, GB bi-colour or RGB tri-colour depending on the requirements for different LED aims.

• Waterproof rating: The waterproof rating of their LED lights is IP67.

• Protection rate: IK08

• Durable Shell Material: Their shells are made of stainless steel or nickel-plated brass to enable toughness and resilience.

• Cable Type: Wiring is incorporated directly with the equipment and includes 15cm fitted cables for easy use.

• Head Design Types: Flat round pods or domed head indicators are the two options available for use and selection.

• Compact and Lightweight: Effective in high visibility and efficiency while use of space is kept at a minimum.

Other than just these applications within the automotive, electronics, and industrial merchandise domains, CDOE lights also have indicator applications across various industry types due to their compact nature and quality.

6) LED Indicator Light Wiring Methods

Let’s discuss LED light wiring step by step;

Step 1) Grasp LED Wiring: Make sure the LED indicator light is polarized. It must have two wires, positive and negative, which makes them polarized.

Step 2) Examine Voltage: Pay attention that the voltage being supplied to the LED matches the power supply, as high or low voltage can damage it.

Step 3) Wiring: The positive wire of the power source must be attached to the LED positive terminal and the negative wire to the negative turn.

Figure no 5 Wiring of LED indicator light

Step 4) Resistor Usage: In case the power applied to the source is above the limit, attach a current limiting resistor. You know, doing so can reduce damage. The resistor should be used in accordance with the voltage and current ratings of the connected LED.

Step 5) Resistor Calculation: The required Resistor value can be measured in ohms by subtracting the voltage value of the supplied LED from the supplied power and dividing it by the current rating.

Step 6) Test the connection: Make sure the connections are right and the wires are firmly fixed in place to eliminate the possibility of a short circuit.

Step 7) Wire Insulation: Insulate exposed wires to eliminate shorts and damage.

Step 8) Final LED Testing: Lastly, turn on the circuit after the wiring is done. Well, the LED light indicator if wired correctly should turn on.

• LED Trouble Shooting: Depending on whether LEDs are not turning on or turning on, you should check up on, polarity, voltage and system resistor values.

7) FAQ

1. Where to buy indicator lights?

The indicator lights can be purchased from online electronics websites such as Alibaba and AliExpress.

2. What are the reasons for the indicator light not lighting up?

Common reasons are reverse polarity connections, low voltage supply to it, damaged LED as well as poor wiring and use of an incompatible power supply or resistor.

3. How to choose a suitable current limiting resistor?

Select a resistor corresponding to the forward voltage and current rating of the LED. Employ Ohm’s Law to find out the resistance necessary.

4. What are the reasons for the indicator light flickering?

Unstable voltage, bad connections, weak power supply, or malfunctioning LED can cause voltage flicker.

5. How to extend the life of the indicator light?

In order to prolong the life span of an LED, it is critical to employ currently limiting resistors. Apart from this, make sure that there is proper voltage to the power supply.