Will Touching LED Light DI68VR With Bare Skin Cause Light to Fail

Published 11/09/2017

Question:

I just purchased a truck light kit and I was confused I thought the bulbs were defective they didnt have a glass bulb on the top. But now seeing these pictures they are good. My question now is can you touch them with your fingers without damaging them like halogens? Please get back to me. Thank you.

asked by: Frank L

Expert Reply:

You ask a very interesting question.

The product you referenced, the 921 Bulb-Type LED Replacement # DI68VR, does not have a glass envelope (or "bulb") around its nine light-producing LEDs. LEDs do not require a vacuum to operate the way incandescent and halogen bulbs do so they do not need a glass envelope to provide that vacuum.

The reason it is not a good idea to touch halogen bulbs with our bare fingers is that the natural oils on our skin, not to mention any residue from things we've touched recently, can migrate into the gap between the bulb glass and base once the bulb gets hot. This can lead to early Halogen bulb failure. This concern comes up with halogen bulbs in particular mostly because they run quite hot, much hotter than standard incandescent light bulbs and much, much hotter than cool-running LEDs.

It is certainly better NOT to touch the LED elements with your bare skin but you do not have to worry about the element failing from this exposure. Ideally, wear a pair of disposable latex rubber gloves when installing them. My technical contact at Arcon confirmed the units you have will be fine to use - but it is best to wear gloves next time you handle them.

expert reply by: Adam R