Why local IR LEDs matter for your projects
When a prototype deadline or lab practical depends on a single component, waiting weeks for imports breaks momentum. Communica keeps a broad range of IR LEDs in stock across our Samrand, Pretoria and Cape Town networks so you can finish circuits, test sensors and validate designs this week. Our local availability reduces lead time risk, provides VAT invoices for procurement, and supports branch collection or account quotes for schools and engineering teams.
Immediate value - not just parts
Beyond individual diodes we stock matched accessories: resistors, IR photodiodes/receivers, lensing, heatsinks and driver modules so you can assemble a reliable emitter/receiver pair at the bench. That means fewer trips to multiple suppliers and easier procurement for education labs and maker spaces.
Key specifications to check before you buy
Choosing the right IR LED is mostly about wavelength, forward current, viewing angle and package. Here is a quick spec comparison that helps you match an LED to common tasks such as remote control, short-range illumination, or camera-based sensing.
| Use case | Wavelength (nm) | Typical If (mA) | Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote control / IR communication | 850-940 | 20-100 | 3mm / 5mm / IR LED array |
| Night-vision illumination for cameras | 850 (visible glow) / 940 (no visible glow) | 100-1000 (with heatsinking) | High-power SMD / 1W LEDs |
| Proximity / short-range sensing | 850 | 20-50 | SMD 0805 / 1206 or through-hole |
Practical spec callouts
- Forward voltage (Vf): use this with your supply to size series resistor or driver.
- Radiant intensity / lm-equivalent: guides how bright the emitter will appear to a camera or receiver.
- Viewing angle: narrow-beam LEDs suit distance, wide-beam for even illumination.
Want to explore stock visually? Browse categories and see live availability on our Collections page: Shop by Category. For brand-focused searches, try the brands index: Shop by Brand.
Quick electrical sizing - resistor and driver guidance
Use Ohm's law and simple power checks to avoid burning LEDs. For basic bench hookups with a DC supply, follow the examples below.
Formulas
Resistor (series) value: R = (Vsup - Vf) / If
Resistor power: P = (Vsup - Vf) * If
Example: 5V supply, 940nm LED with Vf = 1.3V, target If = 20mA (0.02A):
R = (5 - 1.3) / 0.02 = 185 ohms (use 180 or 200 ohm)
Bench wiring diagram (single LED, series resistor)
+V (5V) ----[R]----|> (IR LED)---- GND
For camera illumination or high-power arrays, choose a constant-current driver rather than a resistor. We stock driver modules and heatsinks suitable for 1W and higher IR LEDs-see All Products for related parts: All Products.
