Mains indicator LEDs

I don't know the precise standard these things are built to, but I imagine the choice often comes down to "we can either buy an expensive part where the manufacturer gives us guarantees about failure modes, or we can use more parts such that the failure of any one part is not catastrophic".
 
JohnW2 said:
Are you implying that the zener breakdown voltage of an LED is going to be about 5 V in all cases?
Click to expand...
Given that that's all the data sheet bothers to specify, we can only assume that. One isn't exactly intended to use it like that. In reality the LED either will breakdown, in which case what I said applies, or it won't, in which case the LED will be even safer. As I implied earlier, I wouldn't have designed it this way, because it makes use of properties of the components beyond what appears in the data sheets. However there's no obvious other reason not to do it.
 
DetlefSchmitz said:
Given that that's all the data sheet bothers to specify, we can only assume that.
Click to expand...
Yes, one might expect/'assume' that.

However, I've just had a play with a handful of LEDs (of a variety of sizes and colours) and all but on ehas a reverse breakdown ('zener') voltage greater than 30 V (the highest my bench PSU goes). The one exception was a small green one, which appeared to have a 'zener' voltage of about 15 V. None of them came to any harm as a result of application of 30 V (current limited by a 10 kΩ resistor). When I have some moments, I'll use a much high voltage source to ascertain what the breakdown voltages actually are.

It therefore seems that, at least for most LEDs, the specified 5V "maximum reverse voltage" may just be a (probably very 'conservative') arbitrary number pulled out of the air?

It is perhaps surprising that 'they' don't make (maybe they do?) LEDs with integral high-PIV diodes?

Kind Regards, John
 
Legrand sell leds. They are 3 off. 3mm LEDs which clip behind their white accessory’s and shine thru. (Giving 3 dots)

Maybe if use
 
AndyPRK said:
Legrand sell leds. They are 3 off. 3mm LEDs which clip behind their white accessory’s and shine thru. (Giving 3 dots)

Maybe if use
Click to expand...

Do you know a link?

I found some listed at £12.42 each which seems a lot.

Edit

Found them now I have the part number, 7300 58

Thanks
 
333rocky333 said:
Broke one open and this is inside, looks like a neon,
If you want John give us a few weeks and I may have a few more, if you want them I could post them
Click to expand...
Hi @JohnD I now have a small stash of at least ten of these now, if you still want them let me know
 
That's very kind, I could use three.

I can pay by bank transfer.
 
Seen the Legrand link and part number.
Commenting now just to keep updated if any further developments in future
 

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