Hi all,

It's been a while since I tinkered with anything electronic, so I just thought I'd double check with some experts :p

Am I right in saying that an LED can't be wired up the wrong way? One way blocks the current/voltage, the other lets it through, minus 0.7v on the other side?

Cheers in advance!

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LED's are indeed polarity specific unless you use CREE bulbs which have smart polarity switching.

Which means it would work in either direction without damaging it?

Whichever kind it is, I can't "blow it" by reversing the polarity?

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Cree LEDs work anyway round, just make sure they fit the in the socket as I bought some but they was too big lol

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It's a sealed unit with 2 wires. They are not colour coded the same as the bikes wires, so just thought I'd check. Replacement number plate lights for my bike. Fitting a tail tidy!

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If you connect LED's the wrong way round they just won't work.

I'd recommend making temporary connections to check polarity first, I use mini crocodile jump cables from Maplin.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/370mm-quick-hook-up-test-cable-n90ap

It saves crimping or soldering connections they doing the palm to forhead manoeuvre.

Ha!

Cheers Gents. Much appreciated.

If you connect LED's the wrong way round they just won't work.

I'd recommend making temporary connections to check polarity first, I use mini crocodile jump cables from Maplin.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/370mm-quick-hook-up-test-cable-n90ap

It saves crimping or soldering connections they doing the palm to forhead manoeuvre.

Forehead-Slap.jpg

alot cheaper here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-X-Croc-Clip-Test-Leads-Crocodile-Clips-50cm-/140528431612?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20b825b1fc

Depending n the type of led you are using, the longer leg is the positive side.

Or another way is there's a flat edge which is negative (cathode)

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It was a sealed unit, so I could only see the bulb and the 2 wires coming out of the back of it. Anyway, it's done. Fitted and working first time. I'm rather proud of myself! 99% of the time if I pick up any kind of tools, there's gonna be a disaster!!

Came across another problem though....

The standard number plate won't fit, my high end exhausts are in the way. After a phone call to the manufacturer, I have to bend the exhaust brackets to make it fit. Something they forgot to mention pre purchase!!

After some digging, I found a replacement number plate that keeps the lettering and spacing the same, just cutting the excess yellow from the edges.

I don't want to attract any unnecessary attention from the boys in blue. Will the new one be ok?

What does everyone reckon? Especially you stoney. Would you pull me up on it?

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I'd use some common sense to be honest.

You should be fine as long as the lettering and spacing is unaltered from standard.

An LED has an anode and a cathode, meaning a positive and negative side.

So yes, since it's DC current you can only hook it up one way, the right way :P