LED lighting strips

A

asteven221

Well-Known Member
Joined
6 Jul 2003
Messages
1,414
Visit site
I fancy the idea of installing some interior mood lighting in the saloon. Usually I am quite happy to do my research and buy and install whatever I need, however in this case I am bit confused!

Will a strip of 12vdc LED's work straight from the boats battery, or do I need a "black box" in between? Are 12v LED's ok with a slightly higher voltage e.g. whilst a battery being charged? Could I just buy any strip of LED's that are specified for 12vdc and expect them to work straight from the battery - safely? Even hypothetically, buy mains LED's from B & Q, dump the 240v mains transformer and assuming the LEDS's are 12v, use them? I see things like "drivers" mentioned. What are these for? Controllers? Ok I get what these are but would a switch not do the job if I didn't need dimming?

Any advice would be most welcome.

Ta.
 
There are loads on eBay and similar sites. If you want "mood" lighting, you'll need a controller so you can vary the colour and brightness. These usually have a little remote control unit. I bought some for my boat about 3 years ago, but haven't got around to fitting the LED strips around floor level yet. But I did test it all and the remote control works well.
 
pvb said:
There are loads on eBay and similar sites. If you want "mood" lighting, you'll need a controller so you can vary the colour and brightness. These usually have a little remote control unit. I bought some for my boat about 3 years ago, but haven't got around to fitting the LED strips around floor level yet. But I did test it all and the remote control works well.
Click to expand...

+1 and ( to answer your question) you run directly from 12 volts. If you just want white light then warm white is usually preferred.
 
I also have used the LED strip lights direct from the boat 12VCD.

I have combined arm white and red LED strips in the same fitting with seperate switches so I can have just white, just red or both,
 
I've also installed led strip lighting in the engine compartment & steering area - I bought a roll of self adhesive 12v led's, cool white, cut a suitable length and fixed to a wooden batten, supplemented with small cable ties as the adhesive is not very good and then screwed in position. In the galley I bought an Aluminium led strip from Atenlighting which is good and not too expensive. Also fitted the atenlighting strips in the motorhome and recently in the kitchen under the cabinets.
 
If you are concerned about subjecting your LED strips to more than the 12V DC - like when running the engine or charging, there are various 12V DC to DC stabilisers available. They prevent any over voltage.
I have one between the boat's 12V system and the lighting circuit (only).
We only have LED lamps and they appear to have lasted well , both discrete bulbs and various strips. All warm white...the alternative is far too harsh.
 
I fitted 12v led strip lighting about 5 years ago. There is a wooden rail round my saloon and I fitted the strips on the inside edge of this rail. I used a voltage stabiliser and found a colour temperature of 2800k to be ideal. The strips can be cut to length ( points to do this are indicated ) It’s a great enhancement to the boat especially if you sail in winter and are aboard in the dark for considerable periods.
Following a visit from SWMBO I have installed similar lighting over and under all the Higher level kitchen cupboards - again this has been a success
Just do it!
 
Ebay has lots of 12v light strips. As said they have pretty poor adhesive but are quite good. Get the so called 5050 type LED as far more reliable than the 3528 individual LEDs (the 5050 has 3 LEDs inside a small box 5mm square each is wired in series whereas 3528 have just one lED so needs 3 in series to go on 12v. I think generally they are OK on say 15volts of high alternator charge. Not likely to cause a fire I hope if they fizz. If you look for Day Running lights on ebay you one would imagine get a strip (shorter) but designed for battery under charge colts. ie 14v+.
Simple resistive current limiting as used on these strips will not cause interference. A voltage stabiliser might interfere.
I have some of the strips inside the door of cupboards at home powered by a 240v converter and have been very reliable and successful except for the adhesive. ol'will
 
I’ve got two sets of Ikea Dioder strips on the boat, connected straight to the 12v system. They’re a simple solution to the background lighting and have been in place for about 6 years now. Link here https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/dioder-led-lighting-strip-white-10420557/ .
All of the rest of the lights on the boat are LED, supplied direct from the 12v system. Most bought over the years straight off eBay as required to replace failed filament or halogen bulbs. Never had a problem once I’d figured out that warm white was the required default.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

P
Adding fuses to my batteries
2 3 4
Replies
61
Views
2K
AngusMcDoon
AngusMcDoon

Share this page

Top