What is the typical operating current for an LED in a circuit?

In a typical circuit, LEDs are designed to operate efficiently at a current of around 20mA or less. This current level is commonly specified as a standard for many consumer LEDs to ensure optimal brightness without compromising the longevity of the device. Operating an LED much below 20mA may result in inadequate brightness, while exceeding this threshold can lead to overheating and potential damage to the LED.

While lower currents such as 10mA or 15mA may be appropriate for specific low-power applications or for achieving certain brightness levels, the standard operating current most manufacturers recommend is typically around 20mA. Thus, the choice indicating 20mA or less represents a widely accepted benchmark in the industry for general applications.