Conversion to LED LIGHTING

[sunsetacres1318]

I have a 97' Hatteras 50. Looking to change lighting to LED. Need some help or advice on what is involved. I take it you can't just switch out bulbs? I have 50 amp service. Thanks!

 

[zigzag930]

Unless you have dimmers, you shouldn't have any issues changing to LED. Just find the correct size bulb and base and replace what you have with the LEDs.

We changed most all DC bulbs (some 32v and some 24v) and all except for a few 120v bulbs to LED.

Look online and you'lll find them from quite a few sources. For 32v bulbs, make sure they bulbs you purchase are rated for at least 36V or more so you won't blow them out when your batteries are charging.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

For the 120v lighting, its pretty easy now to find the "dimmable" bulbs that work with existing dimmers too.

 

[sunsetacres1318]

I tried replacing a few but they started smoking. Any idea why?

 

[bigbill]

probably the wrong voltage or dc in an ac socket

 

[skinners1]

Trick I was taught on these older girls, not all overheard lighting is the same…. If light switch “clicks” it’s 32v, otherwise it’s standard 120v

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Trick I was taught on these older girls, not all overheard lighting is the same…. If light switch “clicks” it’s 32v, otherwise it’s standard 120v

Unless someone changed the switch out. Best bet is to test the voltage at the bulb socket or switch first with a meter

 

[Sadey]

I shut down the AC power and went to each switch to figure out which lights turned on. Then I shut down the battery switch to figure out which lights turned on. I agree that both the solid snap indicates DC, but there is a possibility someone used the switch for AC lights as well.

 

[bostonhatteras]

Talk to the guys over at IMTRA. IMO they are the hands down real world experts on marine lighting...without all the sales and marketing BS. Down to earth people and decent prices with very high quality components. https://www.imtra.com/products/lighting