What’s a Rectifier?

What Is a Rectifier — And Does Your Snowmobile Need One?

One of the most common questions riders ask when upgrading older snowmobiles from halogen to LED headlights is:

“Do I need a rectifier?”

Halogen bulbs used to be the standard, but their dim yellow glow has become outdated. Modern snowmobiles, ATVs, and side-by-sides are now equipped with bright white LED lighting from the factory — and for good reason. LEDs draw less power, last longer, and offer far better visibility.

But whether you can run LED bulbs on your sled depends on one thing:

whether your snowmobile uses AC or DC power at the headlight plugs.

AC vs. DC Power on Snowmobiles

Many snowmobiles — especially older models — use AC (Alternating Current) for their headlights.

Some models (especially Ski-Doos and machines with electric start) use DC (Direct Current) at the headlight plugs.

Here’s the general rule:

• Most Ski-Doos run DC → No rectifier needed
• Most sleds with electric start run DC → No rectifier needed
• Many Polaris and Arctic Cat models run AC → Rectifier required for LED bulbs

 

If your machine is running AC, then yes — you will need a rectifier before installing LEDs.

 

Why AC Power Causes Problems With LEDs

 

The difference between AC and DC is simple:

• DC (Direct Current) = smooth, steady power flowing in one direction
• AC (Alternating Current) = power that changes direction and voltage, almost like a pulse

 

LED bulbs must have a consistent power flow.

AC power creates issues such as:

• Flickering
• Inconsistent brightness
• Blown LED bulbs
• Electrical spikes
• Shorted or melted wiring

 

This is why converting AC to DC is so important when upgrading to LEDs.

 

What a Rectifier Does

A plug-and-play rectifier solves all of these issues by:

• Converting AC to DC
• Keeping voltage consistent
• Allowing power to flow only one direction
• Protecting the sled’s wiring and electrical system
• Allowing LED headlights to run safely and correctly

 

A high-quality rectifier includes:

• A printed circuit board
• A resistor
• An internal capacitor

 

Most setups require one rectifier per headlight plug.

You can find both H4-style and H13-style rectifiers on LEDPowersport.com — designed specifically for snowmobile LED headlight upgrades.

How to Check If Your Sled Needs a Rectifier

The easiest way to confirm is with a multimeter:

1. Turn the multimeter to volts
2. Touch the positive and negative probes to the headlight plug
3. Watch the voltage reading

 

If the voltage is stable → DC (no rectifier needed)

 

 

If the voltage jumps or fluctuates → AC (rectifier required)

 

It only takes a minute, and it prevents damaged bulbs or wiring later.

 

2026 snowmobile LED headlight kit – High Power Series – LEDPowersport