Different from other light

An LED is a diode, meaning that it is polarized (one end is positive and one end is negative). By convention, current can only go from the anode (positive end) to the cathode (ground, or negative end). Therefore the LED does not “like” and alternating current that alternates directions, but “likes” a nice steady current source. This means that using an LED is not as simple as changing a bulb. It requires electronics to change the normal AC (Alternating Current) into a steady direct current (DC) with a low voltage.

LEDs can be said to be the digital version of light as opposed to traditional light sources, which could be said to be analog. Thus LED’s are much easier to manipulate, can change colors and intensity with an electronic controller and are adaptable to many, many different applications.