The LED lighting market is booming, driven by the energy efficiency and long lifespan of Light Emitting Diodes. Within this market, CREE LEDs have earned a reputation for high performance and quality, making them a desirable component for high-powered LED light bars used in automotive, industrial, and outdoor applications. However, this popularity has also unfortunately spawned a significant counterfeit market, flooding the market with fake Cree LED bars that offer inferior performance and potentially dangerous issues. If you've noticed a decline in brightness from your LED light bars, or are concerned about the authenticity of the products you resell, this article will equip you with the knowledge to identify genuine CREE LEDs from their cleverly disguised imitations. We'll delve deep into the methods used to differentiate real CREE LEDs from fakes, helping you protect your investment and your customers.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE LED ON LED LIGHT BAR IS CREE
Distinguishing genuine CREE LEDs from counterfeits requires a multi-faceted approach, going beyond just a cursory glance. Counterfeiters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making their products appear almost indistinguishable from the real thing at first sight. Therefore, a thorough examination is crucial. Here's a breakdown of effective identification techniques:
1. Visual Inspection: The First Line of Defense
While not foolproof on its own, a careful visual inspection can reveal several clues. Look for the following:
* The Cree Logo: Genuine CREE LEDs will typically have a clearly visible CREE logo etched or printed on the LED chip itself. Counterfeits may have a poorly replicated logo, a blurry logo, or no logo at all. Examine the logo closely under magnification; a genuine logo will be crisp and well-defined. Beware of logos that are simply printed on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) rather than the LED chip itself – this is a common tactic of counterfeiters.
* LED Chip Construction: Genuine CREE LEDs are known for their precise and consistent construction. Examine the chip's surface for any imperfections, inconsistencies in color, or uneven solder points. Counterfeits often exhibit rough edges, uneven surfaces, and poorly applied solder. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe for a more detailed inspection.
* Packaging and Labeling: The packaging should be consistent with CREE's branding. Look for high-quality printing, accurate information, and appropriate security features such as holograms or serial numbers. Poorly printed packaging, misspelled words, or a lack of crucial information are strong indicators of a counterfeit product. Always check for inconsistencies between the packaging and the LEDs themselves.
* The LED's Physical Dimensions: CREE LEDs have specific dimensions for each model. Using a caliper or ruler, compare the physical dimensions of the LED to the specifications listed on the official CREE website for the specific LED model. Discrepancies in size could indicate a counterfeit.
2. Electrical Testing: A More Definitive Approach
Visual inspection provides a preliminary assessment, but electrical testing offers more conclusive evidence. However, this requires specialized equipment and some technical expertise.
* Voltage and Current Measurements: Genuine CREE LEDs operate within specific voltage and current ranges. Using a multimeter, measure the forward voltage (Vf) and forward current (If) of the LED. Compare these readings to the specifications provided by CREE for that particular LED model. Significant deviations could suggest a counterfeit.
current url：https://fvznra.d193y.com/all/fake-cree-led-bar-89956