Electrical: LED bulbs polarity-Specific?

[BobPalma]

'Just learned this over on the Rock Auto monthly newsletter. Who knew?

True or False: LED light bulbs are polarity dependent. It matters which terminals are connected to positive and negative.

Answer: True. Like other diodes, a light emitting diode (LED) needs current to flow in one direction. Some LED light bulbs have additional circuitry to reverse the current if necessary, but especially with automotive LED bulbs, it is a good idea to test the bulb to make sure it works (switch the terminal connections if it does not light up) before reassembling the dash, reinstalling the taillight, etc.)

[bensherb]

di·ode
/ˈdīˌōd/
Learn to pronounce
noun
ELECTRONICS

1. a semiconductor device with two terminals, typically allowing the flow of current in one direction only.

[gordr]

LED's themselves are definitely polarity specific. Assembled LED "bulbs" may or may not be. All it takes is a small bridge rectifier incorporated into the chip upon which the LED is mounted. Bulbs that are not polarity-sensitive will probably have that procalimed in their specs as a feature.