ARCOL have developed a number of specialist resistors to enable conventional 12Vdc systems in cars to power a new generation of LED conversion solution without the risk of overload. The products work as a ballast to augment the resistance in the LED, mimicking that of a conventional bulb while dissipating the extra power to avoid damage.

The LEDs generate brighter light while using lower power consumption, and are more resilient than conventional bulbs. Both the LED and the resistor must withstand off road contamination, salt spray and vibration, something which causes conventional filaments to break. ARCOL’s products further increase resistance, enabling the LEDs to run on conventional car electrics. Multi LED arrangements also mean that single failure does not blow the whole bulb. The components are projected to have a service life equivalent to the vehicle they are fitted to.