LED bulb replacement - voltage stabiliser needed?

[catlotion]

I'm about to replace about 7 halogen spotlight bulbs with LED equivalents (9W MR16 type). I've heard that there are potential issues with supplies of over 12v when battery charging systems are active (we're often on shore power and have an alternator regulator so would expect voltages of over 14v sometimes).

Do I need to install a voltage stabliser to prevent a fire risk? If so, can I wire in one device behind our breaker panel for all the lights? Something like this perhaps? http://www.boatlamps.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d191.html (but with a higher output rating).

Can anyone recommend a solution please? Thanks!

 

[macd]

Most modern LED arrays are far more tolerant of voltage variations than incandescent bulbs, although I'd check with the supplier about the particular kit you propose to buy. I've had excellent goods and service from this lot: www.bedazzled.uk.com

 

[catlotion]

I've got the bulbs already and have asked the supplier.

maybe I could wire something like this into our cabin lights breaker?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/caravan-cigarette-lighter-adapter-player/dp/B008A6B89I/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_3

 

[rotrax]

We have had cheapo EBAY MR16 20w equiv. warm white bulbs on our boat for four years-no problems.
All ok but subsequently changed to four higher power ones over our prefered seating areas for better reading light.
We lost a couple of led's on two bulbs of the origional batch but the spares fitted have been fine.
The over voltage does not seem to be a problem-most of the time the engine is running there are no interior lamps on anyway. If they are on, they dont break.
After testing, warm white gives the most pleasing light, but white-as opposed to that awfull blue white-is best for reading. For First Mate and I anyway.
The first one I purchased was from a specialist marine LED bulb supplier. It was, IIRC, £18.00.
As I required a further 15 I went the EBAY route and have not regreted it.

 

[angelsson]

Most modern LED arrays are far more tolerant of voltage variations than incandescent bulbs, although I'd check with the supplier about the particular kit you propose to buy. I've had excellent goods and service from this lot: www.bedazzled.uk.com

+1 great company, no connection other than a satisfied customer.

 

[noelex]

If you have led fittings without a proper driver circuit I think a 12v stabilising circuit is a very good idea.

The better solution is buy led " bulbs" with a circuit it that will drive the emitters at the correct current, this is much better than just stabilising the voltage and tends to be much more efficient.

Led fittings with a decent driver built in are easy to recognise they advertise that they will work with a wide voltage range say 10-32v.

If you want to buy a voltage stabiliser make sure you match it to the design voltage for the LEDs. For household LEDs its tends to be 12v, but for automotive 13.8v is often used. 1.8v makes a big difference.

 

[Ruffles]

MR16s are very tolerant as they have a sophisticated V to I regulator. They run on AC or DC!

Though the dimmable ones will dim when you start the engine.

 

[abraxus]

If I recall correctly I bought most of my LED cabin lights from a company called Searolf. Their site says the bulbs have a voltage range of 10-30v and so far I haven't had any problems being on shore power with a charger running.

 

[rotrax]

MR16s are very tolerant as they have a sophisticated V to I regulator. They run on AC or DC!

Though the dimmable ones will dim when you start the engine.

There you are then! That's why mine have worked OK.

And only a couple of quid each from EBAY.

 

[catlotion]

thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll keep an eye on them but what I've read about MR16s seems to confirm that they'll be ok.