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LED conversion

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by Jnicholas, Mar 14, 2014.

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  1. Jnicholas, Mar 14, 2014
    #1
    Jnicholas

    Jnicholas Member

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    One of my running lights has burned out. Not surprised as they have been sitting idle for so long. So is there a led substitute that would plug in without changing the fixture?


    And the same question for the cabin lights Any source you can recommend for them? Thanks again!
  2. Caltexflanc, Mar 14, 2014
    #2
    Caltexflanc

    Caltexflanc Senior Member

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    Marinebeam.com is an excellent source. They know boats and the issues regarding all sorts of lights thereon. Excellent quality and service. Browse their tutorials and give them a call.
  3. Jnicholas, Mar 15, 2014
    #3
    Jnicholas

    Jnicholas Member

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    Thank you, I will check them out. Jerry
  4. Capt J, Mar 15, 2014
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I've found with running lights, that it's easier to change the entire fixture with one that is designed and comes with LED.
  5. CaptPKilbride, Mar 15, 2014
    #5
    CaptPKilbride

    CaptPKilbride Senior Member

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    Agreed. And the added benefit that the fixture meets USCG and UL standards. Putting an LED replacement in a fixture designed for incandescent bulbs may not afford you the same assurance.
  6. Capt Ralph, Mar 15, 2014
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    That is an interesting thought. Is there any spec in the CFR, Annex, ABYC or any build code that refers to the lamp type? Visual range, color, placement and screens are my thoughts.

    UL may have a spec to over wattage, heat and max size. LEDs are cooler and draw less current.
    But some LED assembles are larger than a regular bulb The light pattern MAY pass thru the lens incorrectly.

    My interest is that this new LED technology is upon us and we don't know if it's legal installed in a NAV fixture.
  7. CaptPKilbride, Mar 15, 2014
    #7
    CaptPKilbride

    CaptPKilbride Senior Member

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    The spec is actually in COLREGS.
    UL 1104 covers marine navigation light fixtures.

    You may actually see nav light fixtures that say they only meet the approval standard when used with a very specific replacement bulb.
  8. d_meister, Mar 15, 2014
    #8
    d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    West has replacement LED bulbs specifically for Nav lights by Dr. LED. They claim " Satisfies all USCG requirements for brightness, 2nm distance and arc for vessels less than 50m (165') in length". Pull up SKU 9353384 on their site.
    Not cheap.
  9. Capt J, Mar 15, 2014
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    YES. The Nav. light is only certified by the USCG if you use the bulb and wattage that it specifies. The also goes for using the wrong wattage incandescant as well. I have seen many LED bulbs in even West Marine that say "not for use in Nav. lights". As the other poster mentioned it is in the colregs......