LED indicator lights are signal transmitters of various equipment and machines. They have a crucial function—predict the failure before it is too late.
Therefore, choosing a low-quality and incompatible LED indicator light can cause system failures and a budget loss. So, the right choice created a win-win situation with quality options.
We will elaborate on the LED indicator lights, explore their types, and give some helping hands with tips.
What Are LED Indicator Lights?
LED indicator lamps are colorful lights that show a signal. They use the LED power and RGB colors to show red, green, or different color options for the indications.
For example, a green light shows the system is running efficiently without any errors. A red light is an indication of failure.
Because of powerful signaling features, indicator lights are used in machinery, vehicles, and electronic devices.
Types of LED Indicator Lights
LED indicator lights have four essential types. Let’s explore them.
Wired LED Indicator Light
Wired LED lights come with a wired connection, making the power source connection easy to handle and maintain. It doesn’t require additional setups and is a seamless connection.
Pin LED Indicator Light
LED indicator lights have a metal pin at the bottom instead of wires. These are integrated into the circuits and perform their functionality.
Screw Pin LED indicator light
These lights have a threaded design and are screwed into the system to turn the lights on. They are often part of robust indication systems like vehicles and industrial equipment.
Stitching the LED indicator light
Stitching LEDs come with a unique stitching pattern on a flexible surface or fabrics. They are a part of decorative applications because of their low durability and better aesthetics.
Key Factors to Consider when Choosing the LED Indicator Lights
LED indicator lights are compatible with different systems and offer a range of features. Here is how you can optimize your selection based on the other options.
Voltage and Current Ratings
Voltage and current both matter a lot. A high voltage can burn out your LEDs. At the same time, a low voltage can cause flickering and dim lights. The same goes for the current, which also requires compatibility.
Suppose your system runs on 12V, you must purchase a 12V indicator light. Also, check the compatibility by going through the manufacturer’s manual.
Size and Mounting Style
LED indicator lights should be of a standard size. Going for too big a light can cause a high budget and power consumption. At the same time, a small LED indicator light is challenging to see.
Similarly, the mounting style can vary from panel mount to screw mount. A panel mount has the holes to fix, while a screw mount uses the screwing to fix the light on indicator.
Brightness
Where are you going to deploy your indicator light bulb? If it is indoor, low to medium brightness works here. For outdoor applications, the sunny day or bright sunlight can hinder the visibility of the LED indicator lights. So, purchase a high-brightness indicator light for outdoor applications.
Colors
LEDs come with an RGB color pattern. These lights can produce various colors, such as red, green, yellow, blue, and white.
You should define the meaning of each color. For example, a red color is a warning, while a green signal is a smooth functionality. Meanwhile, a yellow color can show the standby mode.
Lifespan
LEDs are already famous for their long lifespan. 20,000–50,000 hours is a standard life. You should contact the top suppliers for a higher lifespan and check the quality before purchasing indicator lights.
Environmental resistance
Industrial environmental conditions are harsh and might cause instant damage to the led indicators. You should get IP65 for Dustproof and splash resistance. Also, IP67 is for waterproofing and can survive rain or short immersion.
Lens and Viewing Angles
Lens shape and materials can also impact the indicator lights. Clear lenses give better visibility. Similarly, a wider viewing angle is ideal for direct viewing.
Compliance and Certificates
Electrical and electronic products and lighting should have the following certificates.
- CE (European safety standards)
- RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances, safe for the environment)
- UL (Safety certification, standard in the US)
- These give security and ensure you’ve the quality products in your hand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing LED Indicator Lights
Consumers often make a few mistakes while purchasing the LED indicator lights. These include:
Ignoring Voltage Compatibility
Wrong voltage and current mean your indicator lights are not rated for that. They will not turn on or may burn out depending on the supplied voltage.
Choosing Incorrect Brightness
If you choose the low brightness but install the light indication in the outdoor applications, you’ve made a grave mistake, as visibility is pretty low. So, choose the correct brightness.
Overlooking Color-coding Standards
Red is for your intense or warning, while green shows the smooth functionality. Please don’t mix them and choose the wrong indicator lights.
Neglecting Mounting Size
If you have a panel mount structure, select the correct hole size. Similarly, flush-mounted indication light require a flat surface for installation.
Not Considering The Environment.
Environmental conditions are the most prominent factors. You should consider them before anything. Getting the certificates and verifying compliance with rules and regulations is even better.
FAQs
1. How much voltage is required to turn on LED indicator lights?
Light indicator work with a low-voltage system, such as 3V, 5V, 12V, or 24V. Before purchasing an LED light, you should ensure the voltage compatibility to avoid mishaps.
2. What causes LED indicator’s abnormal flickering or color changes?
It is often the problem with the power source. Either there are weak connections or the systems are incompatible. You should fix the loose wires or replace the current LED with a compatible solution.
3. Can LED indicator lights be used outdoors?
Yes. They are durable, but you should confirm the IP rating for dust and waterproofing before that. Install only if the IP rating confirms the outdoor use.
4. What is the standard hole size for panel-mount LEDs?
Standard hole size varies from one LED to another mounting system. Usually, 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, and 22mm are the standard hole sizes for panel mount LEDs.
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