Connecting LEDs without manual soldering offers many advantages. Soldering is a time-consuming and laborious process, as LEDs are difficult to solder and solder spatter can damage their light-emitting area. Furthermore, a soldered connection is difficult to undo and, over time, can become a weak point, significantly reducing the reliability of the connection. The heat from the soldering process can also be transferred to the LED, shortening its lifespan. In contrast, solderless sockets allow for greater uniformity with a robust yet removable connection, eliminating the need for heat.
The one-piece connection assembly incorporates TE's proven push-in termination method for solid wires from 18 to 22 AWG, pre-tinned wires from 18 to 20 AWG, and stranded wires up to 18 AWG. Termination of COB-L LEDs is simplified by positioning elements that place the LED in position within the socket during assembly. This provides mechanical protection for the LED's ceramic edges. Furthermore, the integrated polarization function ensures a secure and durable connection compatible with solid, stranded, or pre-tinned wires. This makes the installation process extremely quick and easy, requiring minimal manual labor, thus contributing to reduced time and costs.
Other notable features of the new socket include:
- A clear area for reflector mounting, compatible with custom or off-the-shelf optics.
- UV-resistant housing material to prevent discoloration.
- Polarity indicator molded into the housing.
The socket is specifically designed for NICHIA's PCB-mount LED integrated chips. It is suitable for applications such as shop lighting, commercial recessed lighting, and high-bay lighting. It is UL recognized under the UL 1977 standard for use in UL8750 applications and is RoHS compliant.
