---
title: "What Is LED? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "An LED, or light emitting diode, is a small solid-state light source that makes light efficiently when electric current passes through it."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Lighting

# LED

An LED, or light emitting diode, is a small solid-state light source that makes light efficiently when electric current passes through it.

ENERGY STAR explains that an electrical current passes through a microchip, which illuminates the tiny light sources we call LEDs. The heat LEDs make is absorbed into a heat sink. LEDs do not usually burn out. Instead, their brightness dims slowly over time, a change called lumen depreciation.

Many LED products need a matching [LED driver](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led-driver) and a compatible dimmer. Brightness is measured in [lumens](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/lumen), and the look of the light in [color temperature](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/color-temperature). See [LED lighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/led-lighting-installation).

[Daniel Electric can helpLED lighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/led-lighting-installation)

## Related terms

-   [Lumen](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/lumen)
-   [LED driver](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led-driver)
-   [Color temperature](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/color-temperature)
-   [CRI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/cri)

## Sources

1.  [ENERGY STAR: Learn About LED Bulbs](https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_about_led_bulbs)
2.  [ENERGY STAR: Learn About LED Bulbs](https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_bulbs/learn_about_led_bulbs)

TECL #21005 · Family owned since 1988

## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)