Making broken, burned-out bulbs a thing of the past, light-emitting diode (LED) lights come in a dazzling array of products and uses. Essentially cool-burning electronic lights comprised of clusters of tiny, glowing diodes, they can be configured to fit almost any lighted application or technology. Rechargeable LED lights tend to be used for portable applications like photography, spot lighting, and safety lighting. Their versatility and low power requirements permit them to function on rechargeable batteries. Units that eventually run out of electricity can be recharged from almost any electrical source, including home power outlets and car outlets, using chargers, adapters, or sometimes hand cranks.
LED lights operate electronically, by passing electricity over a conductive material in a circuit. Electrons become stimulated as they are captured and released by this material, emerging as photons or light. These light particles collect in a receptacle, typically shaped as a small, plastic bulb, designed to focus and project the energy as light. The process permits illumination of many colors, depending upon various materials and intensities. Diodes, or electronic components housing LED elements, can further increase illumination when placed together for more intense light and enhanced with the use of reflectors and colored filters.
Taking the place of conventional hot-burning utility lights, rechargeable LED lights produce less heat and require lower energy consumption. Work lights might be portable and sit on stands, mounts, or hooks for convenient placement around garages or outdoors. Typical products can include nightlights, motion lights, garden lights, and path lights.
Rechargeable LED lights might be handheld or used on lighted key chains. Weatherproof flashlights may sport hand cranks for mechanical recharging; these long-lived, rechargeable LED lights can serve in emergencies like power outages or vehicle breakdowns. Outdoor lights in fixed placements for landscaping installations might feature motion-sensitive activation and solar recharging. Their low power consumption often permits homeowner installations without an electrician's license.
The lifespan of rechargeable LED lights depends on how often they are used, as well as the type of batteries they require. Alkaline batteries are common and low cost, and require replacement more often compared to newer technologies. Contemporary types, such as lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, offer greater energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, usually at a higher price.
Numerous other types of rechargeable LED lights perform duty elsewhere. Battery lanterns light up campsites and pose little to no risk of fire. Emergency lights sit in standby mode waiting to automatically activate in a power outage; they provide safety lighting in case of blackout or fire in homes and businesses. Spotlights can be used in the field for hunting or rescue operations, while lanterns decorate backyard patios. These mass-produced, energy-efficient products, with their long hours of operation, low energy consumption, and minimal risks of fire or breakage, fill more dark corners with their signature spectral glow.