LED Installation Requirements

March 1, 2016

LED lights have special installation requirements:

Regular incandescent miniature bulbs can draw current in either direction – there are no ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ terminals. Incandescents will work regardless of which direction they're inserted.

Like batteries, LED only draw current in one direction – if the light is installed with the positive terminal touching the negative side of the socket, the LED won’t light up. Fortunately, Philips LEDs include circuitry that protects them from damage, even if they are installed incorrectly.

If a Philips LED light won't light up, the fix is easy:

  • Remove the LED from the socket.
  • Flip the LED 180°.
  • Insert the LED back into the socket.
  • Check to ensure the LED lights up.
  • Do not force the LED or alter the socket.
  • Be sure that you have the right LED for your application.

 

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LED CAN-bus issues:

  • Some vehicle’s Control Area Network (CAN-bus) systems treat low power consumption from bulbs as a sign of a burned-out bulb.
  • Since LED lights consume less power than incandescent bulbs, they can trigger a warning in some vehicles, as if a bulb is out.
  • Installing the Philips CAN-bus Enabling Adapter (CEA) in the circuit eliminates this problem.
  • The CEA also resolves “fast flashing” of the turn signals that can also occur with LED retrofit replacement.
  • Installation takes only minutes and requires only a pair of pliers.

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CAN-bus warning canceller

  • Philips provides two CEA products: CEA5W and CEA21W.
    • CEA5W is designed for interior applications and Philips 194 & Festoon LED retrofit bulbs.
    • CEA21W is designed for Philips LED products for all exterior applications, 21W bulbs (1156/1157, 7440/7443, 3157 and 921).

can-bus

Fun Fact: Philips and Intel produced the first CAN controller chips that came into the market in 1987

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