12 Volt LED Lights : Consumer's Guide

Maybe you've read or heard lately about the benefits and many uses of 12 volt LED lights. But now you're--pardon the pun--"in the dark" on the subject. For you, we present this consumer's guide with all you need to know about 12 volt LED lights.

First, let's discuss what LED lighting is. This refers to a semiconductor device, which makes use of solid-state electronics for the creation and dispensing of light.

An LED source (i.e., a diode) is made up of a layer of material, which is rich in electrons; a junction; and another layer of material deficient in electrons.

Both of these layers sit on top of a semi-conductor base. When power is applied within the junction, this excites the electrons. This process causes photons of light to be emitted. The light's color varies according to the layers' chemical composition.

In order to be powered by 12 volts, LEDs have to first be modified in the manufacturing process. This modification is accomplished by soldering a current-limiting resistor to an LED lead. After this resistor is securely in place, the LED can be wired up to provide light where it’s needed.

12 Volt LED Lighting Types

Some of the most common uses for 12 volt LED lighting is for customizing the exterior and interior of cars, SUVs, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, motor homes, ATVs, golf carts, snowmobiles, computers and go-karts.

Also, 12 volt LED garden lights, night lights, yard lights and fog lights are popular, and replacement LED light bulbs are becoming more and more easy to come by on the internet, or in bricks & mortar retail stores.

It seems that nearly every day, someone is coming up with a new use for LED 12 volt lights. They are far less expensive--and yes, more sleek-looking--than a traditional neon tube.

But besides the "cool" factor, there are definite benefits to LED 12 volt lights. For one thing, they don't get hot like their incandescent cousins do. Also, the 12 volt LED lighting uses much less power: only about two one-hundreds of an amp per LED. This means you could use one hundred LED 12 volt lights and still draw only two amps!

When you're buying 12 volt LED lights, remember the following: First, make sure the soldered area is of sufficient quality. Make certain this soldered area is also covered in a protective heat shrink. Ask about different colors so you can get exactly the look you're wanting. And make certain there are mounting clips with them.