Rocketjunkie
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An ohmmeter or diode checker will *not* work on LEDs. Their forward voltage is too high. Diode checkers expect a forvard voltage 1 volt or less, LEDs range from 1.8 (red) to 3.5 (blue).
Most LEDs have a reverse voltage rating of 4-5 volts. If you are using a battery higher than this and hook it up backward, you *will* fry the LED.
Through hole LEDs will have a small flat on the cathode side of the lens part by the leads. Other styles have some kind of marking for the cathode lead. The cathode goes toward the *negative* side of the circuit.
Most LEDs have a reverse voltage rating of 4-5 volts. If you are using a battery higher than this and hook it up backward, you *will* fry the LED.
Through hole LEDs will have a small flat on the cathode side of the lens part by the leads. Other styles have some kind of marking for the cathode lead. The cathode goes toward the *negative* side of the circuit.
