Wednesday, February 18, 2015

By Beryl Dalton


As the use of LED lighting gains popularity, there are many manufacturers of boats that use them instead of old incandescent lamps that once were the standard equipment. There are many people that own older boats and who are considering the switch to LED. They use much less power, are small in size, produce minimal heat, have a long lifespan and do not easily break. Choosing the right marine LED lights for boats is very important.

Before making the switch, there are various legitimate issues that need consideration. One problem that boat owners have experienced is the fact that although the lights are more long lasting, they did last for just a little over a month then ceased to operate. There is a way to solve the problem. It has to do with the chosen type of LED. The people that that find the LEDs not to last longer assumed that the only important aspect was the LED itself.

If one wants the lights to reach their actual life of operation, they should be considered as a part of the system and not just as light bulbs. The electrical system of a boat is self contained and has devices for power storage, devices for distribution and a source of power generation. These systems are not dependent on outside power sources and are never designed for precise power supply.

LEDs are known to be sensitive to abrupt changes in power. Despite the fact that they are rugged and powerful, they still need precise voltages. The delivery of any excess voltages will cause the lights to fail or burn out. This, combined with the non precise voltage control of the boat, will bring about problems. Marine devices are so designed as to withstand voltage fluctuations caused by boat use.

Solid state electronic devices that have special controls are normally included in these devices to manage the current flow in the devices. This in essence regulates the current and keeps it constant. This applies to the LEDs too. The mistake that most buyers make is assuming that all LEDs are the same hence they purchase any that they can find, more so the cheap ones.

There are a whole lot LEDs that are not suited for marine use. This is because they are not fitted with devices that manage voltages. Drivers are the components that control the amount of current that gets into the LED. Drivers enable them to work under a wide range of voltages. The bulbs are also able to be directly wired to the electrical system of the boat. The drivers will help in sensing the current fed into the device. This happens automatically.

Over time, there has been the introduction of solar power to be used for the LEDs. The solar power can be used both by the portable lights and the floodlights. The use of solar ensures that power is available at all times, even when there are no batteries.

It is important that one makes the right choice of LEDs. One that will give them maximum benefits. The choice should be based on the suitability of the lights for marine purposes.




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