LED lights

Another big technological improvement is in LED lighting.

We used to use 12v quartz halogen lights.  They were bright but got really hot and for the amount of light they produced were not very efficient.  The average Quartz Halogen globe used about 20W

A few years ago we started using LED lights.  These used about 0.2W per globe and were nearly as bright as the Quartz Halogen.  Price was about the same – $10 per globe

However, the early LED’s were not very good.  After about 3 months they started to dim, and after about 12 months most had died or were on their death beds.

About 12 months ago a new generation of LED started to appear, and these are much better.  They use bigger LED chips, dont dim and are brighter then the old QH lights.  It is easy to read under a ceiling mounted one, and at about 3W and the same price they are good value.

Things to be aware of though

• About 5% of the first batch of these globes we have bought have failed after 3 months – they start to blink and soon looked like a strobe light.  We have not had any failures with subsequent batches.
• The globes are sensitive to voltage and its important that they are supplied with something close to 12v.  12v batteries will often reach 16 volts while charging, and this can cause the globes to fail.  We have installed a DC – DC transformer from snaptec which guarantees a steady 12v supply.  The transformer will also protect any other 12v equipment you may have.

With the cheap ($1-$2) adapter plugs the lights are easy to mount and can be fitted into most light systems.  If you are looking to buy them, look for MR16 LED on internet auction sites.

 

To fit the lights on the boat we have decided to use these ceiling mounted gimbaled down light fittings from electriciansupplies.  At $5 each plus another $5 for a switch, we are looking at about $20 for each light fitted into the boat.