kristriple Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 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! Sent from my KFTT using Ford OC mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 LED's are indeed polarity specific unless you use CREE bulbs which have smart polarity switching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristriple Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 Which means it would work in either direction without damaging it? Whichever kind it is, I can't "blow it" by reversing the polarity? Sent from my KFTT using Ford OC mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nighthawk Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 Cree LEDs work anyway round, just make sure they fit the in the socket as I bought some but they was too big lol Sent from my HUAWEI Ascend P2 using Ford OC mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristriple Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 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! Sent from my KFTT using Ford OC mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristriple Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 Ha! Cheers Gents. Much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevegtuk Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stef123 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Depending n the type of led you are using, the longer leg is the positive side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nighthawk Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Or another way is there's a flat edge which is negative (cathode) Sent from my HUAWEI Ascend P2 using Ford OC mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristriple Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 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? Sent from my KFTT using Ford OC mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 I'd use some common sense to be honest. You should be fine as long as the lettering and spacing is unaltered from standard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisisfraa Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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