How to Test LEDs for Functionality, Color, Brightness and Uniformity

LEDs, light emitting diodes, emit light when an electric current passes through them in the correct direction. In LED installations, current limiting resistors are necessary in a series to prevent LEDs from being permanently destroyed by high currents. They are often used in many electronic devices due to their low power and voltage requirements, and high efficiency.

An LED's plastic body does not determine its color; instead, its color is determined by the semiconductor material used to construct it. Thus, some LEDs may come with translucent or milky bodies and their colors will not be discernible until they are lit.

Video Product Inc's LED Tester provides a quick and easy solution to checking the color, relative brightness, uniformity and functionality of any LEDs.

Materials needed:
- VPI's LED Tester (Part #: TESTER-LED)
- LED lights
- 9V battery

Step 1:

First, determine the Anode (a) and Cathode (k) sides of the LED light. The longer leg is the anode and the shorter leg is the cathode.