Why are LED sources the most common type used for testing purposes?

LED sources are widely used for testing purposes primarily due to their long lifespan and low cost. The longevity of LED sources means that they require less frequent replacement, resulting in lower maintenance costs and less downtime during testing procedures. This reliability is critical in testing environments where consistency and availability are paramount.

Additionally, the low cost of LEDs makes them economically viable for various applications, especially in situations where multiple sources might be needed for thorough testing. This affordability allows technicians and installers in the field to utilize a dependable light source without incurring significant expenses, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency.

While the other factors such as brightness, color variety, wavelength range, and energy consumption are certainly beneficial features of LEDs, the combination of long life and cost efficiency makes them particularly suited for testing applications in fiber optics. This ensures that testing can be performed effectively without excessive resource allocation or operational disruptions.