"Phil Allison" wrote in message
...

"Ian Field = Fool"
Phil Allison

** LEDs are, believe it or not, DIODES !!

Having LEDs run on one half-phase of AC can cause flicker.

More importantly, you have to protect it on the alternate half-cycles,
the series resistor doesn't usually drop enough voltage at the reverse
leakage current to protect the typically 5V PIV.


** The spec of 5V is a nonsense.

Red LEDs take at least 9V reverse before any current flowed.

The white ones I have in stock took 22V with no current.

Getting away with a single static test is one thing - continuous repetitive
negative half-cycles might have a more tangible effect on LED life
expectancy.