LED Nav Lights

S

seeray96

Member
exMember
Joined
Jan 21, 2005
RO Number
16115
Messages
113
I'd like to replace my 24vdc deck-mounted nav lights with a new led model. Problem is I can't find any that operate on 24vdc - most use 12vdc. I know I can put a dropping resistor in the line, but this would not reduce the battery load.

Any ideas?
 
Google "24 volt led navigation lights" (no quotes). There's tons of sites from reputable sources (Perko, Hella...) with prices from the sublime to the ridiculous.

HTH
 
I agree there are plenty of 24VDC navigation fixtures available. I have had LED nav lights for the last 5 seasons they are fantastic they are brighter and draw about 1/4 to 1/8th the current. You want to make sure the fixture is USCG approved at a minimum.
Bill
 
The other option if you want to use 12VDC Nav lights would be to use a 24 to 12VDC voltage regulated converter/ supply. This would replace the resistor which isn't a good idea because you would need to seperate and have 2 resistors of fairly high wattage one for the anchor light and one for the other running lights. Also voltage on boats can be higher or lower depending on the charge state of the battery system this is why if I were you I would source the proper 24VDC fixtures. I thought many 24 volt boats also had 12 VDC power available as well perhaps I am wrong? In that case you would simply replace the voltage feed to the navigation & anchor light switches with a 12 volt source from the boat. I have consumer devices on my boat that require regulated 9VDC I installed a commercial grade 12VDC to regulated 9VDC power converter rated at 10 amps and then I feed a BlueSea fuse panel that feeds those devices. The power supply has conformal coated boards for operation in a high humidity enviroment (like a boat).
Bill
 
I think many of them will work from 10v to 40v.... so would work on 24 volts. Contact the mfgr or download the manual before you buy.
 
quote:
Originally posted by stmbtwle

I think many of them will work from 10v to 40v.... so would work on 24 volts. Contact the mfgr or download the manual before you buy.

Click to expand...


I thought one of the downfalls of LED's is they are very sensitive to voltage, meaning their optimum voltage is a very narrow window
 
Took a quick look at PERKO's page and the first LED fixture I found (Side Light 2NM) had two model numbers, one for 12VDC and one for 24VDC.
 
LED's only need 3-4 volts, so anything above that has to be brought down anyway. What voltage they work with depends on the power supply built into the unit.
 
Willie is right LED's operate generally between 3-5VDC max. Each fixture has a built in regulator circuit. You want to check the range of the voltage regulator which should be on the manuftures cut sheets.
Bill
 
Actually even if you calculate the resistor and wattage needed based on the fixtures current draw you would still have the net result of less current draw from 12VDC LED fixtures with a voltage drop reisitor over a standard navigation lights current draw. Power = I (current) X E (voltage) total power saved would be measuring your present power load when the navigation lights are on minus the new current draw after the LED current draw is calculated.
Bill
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top