LED lighting

[Blue5]

Did not want ho hijack the previous post but have found an issue and hoping somebody can explain.

Have replaced about half the bulbs below deck and have noticed that with any of the LEDs on, the radio FM/LW/MW suffers with interfearance. Have confirmed this by turning all lights out and switching on standard bulbs and then LEDs
Just wondering if anyone can explain and offer a solution

 

[srp]

Depends on the sort of LED lights you have. If they are just normal light fittings that have been fitted with some leds and a resistor then they shouldn't interfere with the radio. If the units have a proper regulated supply then it's possible that they could be interfering with your radio reception.
Possible solutions could include:
1. separating the supply to the radio - possibly by using diodes.
2. fitting a ferrite ring like this
3. listening to the radio in the dark /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[lenseman]

The LED's will not cause interference by themselves BUT you have possibly installed a voltage 'down-converter' which steps the voltage down from either 12/24volts or even 'mains'.

It will be this voltage converter which causes the problems.

A LED is a current device and only requires a current limiting resistor when running from a DC (12/24 volt) supply. If change over to LED lighting try not to use any type of manufacturers 'down-converter' as they are possibly similar to a switch-mode power supply and these are very bad for interference to radio systems.

 

[Blue5]

Thanks, all I have done is take out the bulb and replaced with ultraleds LEDs. Obviously a bit more to consider, nothing is straightforward

 

[mikefleetwood]

You don't explain if your wiring is low-voltage 12/24VDC or 240VAC "mains". If the latter, then the LEDs definitely include some sort of voltage converter - which will be the source of your interferance. If low-voltage, then they might - it depends on the actual devices used.

In either case, the remedies suggested by "srp01983" are the way to go.