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LED Fundamentals

A light-emitting diode(LED) is an electronic light source. The first LED was built in the 1920s by Oleg Vladimirovich Losev, a radio technician who noticed that diodes used in radio receivers emitted light when current was passed though them. The LED was introduced as a practical electronic component in 1962

Light Emitting Diodes (LED) are solid-state electronic devices used to produce light. They are a special type of diode encased into tiny transparent plastic body and emit light when powered.

Unlike traditional light bulbs and fluorescent tubes, LED’s do not use metal filaments and they do not heat up and eventually burn out making them a far more efficient solution. The semiconductor p-n junction is solely responsible for the light emissions determined by the LED.

Dorman products use advanced control circuits to manage the light output and colour performance of their products. These circuits also manage the power consumption of the products and consequently maximise their life expectancy. This advanced technology enables Dorman products to achieve the extreme specifications set by our customers worldwide.

Advantages of LED

  • Energy Efficiency - Typically two to three times more efficient than an incandescent bulb producing the same light levels


  • No colour filters required, maintaining light output levels


  • Colour maintained during dimming


  • No need for parabolic reflectors


  • Resistant to shock and vibration


  • Cool operation reduces attraction of contaminents and subsequent baking on effect