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Can 2835 850NM SMD LED be used in security cameras?

Sep 08, 2025Leave a message

As a supplier of 2835 850NM SMD LED, I often get asked whether these LEDs can be used in security cameras. In this blog post, I'll delve into the technical aspects, advantages, and limitations of using 2835 850NM SMD LEDs in security camera systems.

Technical Overview of 2835 850NM SMD LED

The 2835 850NM SMD LED is a type of surface - mount device (SMD) infrared LED. The "2835" refers to the LED's package size, which is 2.8mm x 3.5mm. This compact size makes it suitable for a wide range of applications where space is a constraint. The "850NM" indicates the peak wavelength of the infrared light emitted by the LED. Infrared light at 850nm is near - infrared (NIR), which is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by cameras equipped with appropriate sensors.

The light output of 2835 850NM SMD LEDs is typically measured in millicandelas (mcd). These LEDs can offer relatively high luminous intensity, which is crucial for illuminating a target area in security camera applications. They also have a low forward voltage, which means they consume less power compared to some other types of LEDs, resulting in energy - efficient operation.

Suitability for Security Cameras

Advantages

  1. Invisibility to the Human Eye: One of the primary advantages of using 850NM infrared LEDs in security cameras is that the light they emit is invisible to the human eye. This allows for covert surveillance, as people in the monitored area are unaware that they are being illuminated. For example, in a residential area where privacy is a concern, using 850NM LEDs can enable continuous monitoring without disturbing the residents.
  2. Good Penetration and Reflection: Infrared light at 850nm has good penetration through various materials such as glass and fog to some extent. It also reflects well off objects, which means that it can effectively illuminate the area being monitored. This is especially important in outdoor security camera applications where adverse weather conditions may be present.
  3. Compact Size: The 2835 package size is small, allowing for easy integration into security camera modules. Security camera manufacturers can design more compact and sleek camera units, which are easier to install and conceal. For instance, in a small - scale security system for a retail store, the small size of 2835 850NM SMD LEDs can enable the cameras to be discreetly placed in corners or behind shelves.
  4. Energy Efficiency: As mentioned earlier, these LEDs have a low forward voltage and consume less power. This is beneficial for security camera systems, which often need to operate continuously. Lower power consumption not only reduces electricity costs but also extends the lifespan of the power supply components.

Limitations

  1. Visible Glow in Low - Light Conditions: Although the 850NM light is invisible to the human eye, in extremely low - light conditions, there may be a faint red glow visible from the LEDs. This can potentially give away the location of the security cameras. In some high - security applications where complete invisibility is required, 940NM infrared LEDs may be a better choice.
  2. Limited Range: The illumination range of 2835 850NM SMD LEDs is somewhat limited compared to more powerful infrared light sources. In large - scale outdoor security applications, such as monitoring a large industrial complex or a wide - open parking lot, additional lighting or a larger number of LEDs may be required to cover the entire area effectively.

Comparison with Other Infrared LEDs

There are other types of infrared LEDs available in the market, such as 3535 LED 980 NM SMD, 3535 SMD 1450 nm LED, and 3535 SMD IR LED 1050NM. Each of these has its own characteristics.

  • 980NM LEDs: These LEDs emit infrared light at a longer wavelength than 850NM LEDs. They are completely invisible to the human eye, even in the darkest conditions. However, they have lower luminous intensity compared to 850NM LEDs, which may result in reduced illumination in the monitored area.
  • 1450NM LEDs: Infrared light at 1450nm has different absorption and reflection characteristics compared to 850nm light. 1450NM LEDs are more suitable for applications where the target material has specific absorption properties at this wavelength. For example, in some medical or scientific monitoring applications.
  • 1050NM LEDs: These LEDs offer a balance between invisibility and luminous intensity. They are often used in applications where a combination of covert surveillance and good illumination is required.

Practical Considerations for Using 2835 850NM SMD LEDs in Security Cameras

  1. Optical Design: The optical design of the security camera system is crucial when using 2835 850NM SMD LEDs. The LEDs need to be arranged in a way that provides uniform illumination across the monitored area. This may involve using reflectors or lenses to direct the light in the desired direction.
  2. Heat Dissipation: Although these LEDs consume less power, they still generate some heat. Proper heat dissipation mechanisms, such as heat sinks, need to be incorporated into the camera design to ensure the long - term stability and performance of the LEDs.
  3. Compatibility with Camera Sensors: The camera sensors used in the security cameras need to be compatible with the 850NM infrared light. Some sensors may be more sensitive to 850NM light than others, and choosing the right sensor can significantly improve the image quality in infrared mode.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2835 850NM SMD LEDs are a viable option for security camera applications. Their invisibility to the human eye, good penetration and reflection properties, compact size, and energy efficiency make them suitable for a wide range of security monitoring scenarios. However, their limitations, such as the potential for a visible glow in low - light conditions and limited range, need to be considered when designing a security camera system.

If you are in the market for high - quality 2835 850NM SMD LEDs for your security camera applications, we are here to help. Our company offers a wide range of 2835 850NM SMD LEDs with different specifications to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need LEDs for small - scale indoor security or large - scale outdoor surveillance, we can provide the right solution. Contact us to start a procurement discussion and find the perfect LEDs for your security camera systems.

32-1050NM (4)(001)3535 (2)

References

  • Infrared LED Technology Handbook, [Publisher Name], [Year of Publication]
  • Security Camera Design and Installation Guide, [Author Name], [Year of Publication]