We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Electronics

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are LED Throwies?

By Jeremy Laukkonen
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 7,973
Share

A light emitting diode (LED) throwie is a small device that is often used in various forms of street art. LED throwies are typically constructed of a colored LED, a battery, and a small rare earth magnet. These relatively inexpensive components are taped or glued together, and then thrown at magnetic surfaces. Light emitting diodes are energy efficient, so LED throwies may remain illuminated for quite some time. They may be thrown randomly at ferromagnetic surfaces such as street signs or traffic light poles, though they can also be utilized in more more organized forms of street art.

The simplest and most inexpensive type of LED throwie can be constructed simply by connecting an LED to a battery and then taping both to a rare earth magnet. This is usually achieved with electrical tape, though using an epoxy adhesive may result in better weather resistance. It is also possible to use additional components to create a throwie that can be turned off, or one that will only turn on when it comes in contact with a magnetic surface.

The components used to construct basic LED throwies are typically inexpensive, potentially allowing a guerrilla artist to assemble a large number of them without a heavy financial investment. The three main components are often available at discounted prices when purchased in bulk, further reducing the cost to create LED throwies. Alterations to the basic design that add additional functionality may raise the cost of the throwies, and also increasing the time required to create them.

In addition to being inexpensive and easily constructed, LED throwies can also be considered a type of non-destructive graffiti. While other forms of street art can damage public or private property and require expensive cleanup efforts, throwies may simply be removed without damaging the underlying structure. The batteries will also run out of power on their own, given enough time.

Many guerrilla artists and technology enthusiasts may choose to simply toss large numbers of LED throwies at the ferromagnetic surfaces of public structures. This can result in a bright, multi-colored type of light art that may be visually appealing in the dark. Others might choose to incorporate LED throwies and other types of LED light art into their street art or other installations. This can include the addition of throwies to an existing piece, or the incorporation of LEDs into a design so that it can offer a different appearance at night.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By LeptonMan — On Sep 13, 2011

My greatest concern with throwies is environmental impact and post project cleanup. While LEDs are individually small, the throwies do contain heavy metal components and the batteries will generally contain mercury.

The throwies left on the public building/structure surface or transportation will end up dispersed throughout the environment and make collection difficult.

Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-are-led-throwies.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.