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LEDs

The diagram below shows 3 methods of identifying the leads on a light emitting diode (LED). The most certain of the three ways is to look at the internal shape of the metal plates - some LEDs don't have the flat on the body, and the positive lead is only longer if the wires haven't been cropped. However, note that some jumbo LEDs have these plates reversed. If in doubt just try it both ways - since an LED is a type of diode it won't harm it if the polarity is wrong. Refer to the suppliers catalogue for pin-outs of bi-colour and tri-colour LEDs.

Identifying LED Pins, +ve has long lead, small plate, -ve has short lead. large plate, flat on body.Identifying LED Pins, +ve has long lead, small plate, -ve has short lead. large plate, flat on body.

The Negative lead (Cathode) can be identified by:

  • Shorter Lead
  • Larger Plate inside LED
  • Flat on body of LED adjacent to negative lead

The Positive lead (Anode) can be identified by:

  • Longer Lead
  • Smaller Plate inside LED

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