Led stripe in engine compartment

[cmedsailor]

I would like to add some light in the engine compartment and was thinking of connecting one of those 12v led stripes directly to the engine battery (and an on/off switch). Can you see any problem with this? Do I need to add a fuse? If yes how many amp?
Thanks

 

[prv]

No problem with the strip - I had similar until an overenthusiastic mechanic ripped it off while removing the side of the engine box . I wired it via one of those cupboard door switches so that it came on when the doors to the engine bay were opened.

Mine was straight off the lighting circuit, which was fused. If you're going straight off the battery you should really add a fuse for the lights - they should quote the current draw based on length, so it depends how much strip you use.

Pete

 

[christhefish]

probally a 1 amp would be enough

 

[Flossdog]

Can really recommend LED strip lights. I had two fluorescent lights in my engine compartment which gave a mediocre amount of light. When replaced with LED strips, the amount of light is fantastic - they're brilliant!! Bought mine from Boatlamps.co.uk Can thoroughly recommend them. No connection, just a satisfied customer.

 

[superheat6k]

Last Winter I installed 6 x 450mm strips around my engine bay paralleled onto the existing but rather dim existing lamps. This has transformed the whole place, and makes routine servicing and inspection whilst underway much much better.
Definitely fuse the circuit. I found the connection wires a bit small and fiddly, and about 50% were polarity right first time. One lead was colour striped, but my 52 year old eyes could barely see that.

I drilled small holes in the wooden support joists and secured the strips with cable ties.

 

[mdonnelly]

No problem with the strip - I had similar until an overenthusiastic mechanic ripped it off while removing the side of the engine box . I wired it via one of those cupboard door switches so that it came on when the doors to the engine bay were opened.

Mine was straight off the lighting circuit, which was fused. If you're going straight off the battery you should really add a fuse for the lights - they should quote the current draw based on length, so it depends how much strip you use.

Pete

Would like to do same with engine bay and a few lockers. Where do you source these cupboard switches?
Regards, Mark.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Would like to do same with engine bay and a few lockers. Where do you source these cupboard switches?
Regards, Mark.

Google cabinet or door or cupboard "Push To Break" switches. Lots available on line.

 

[prv]

Where do you source these cupboard switches?

http://bit.ly/1dkmhQq



(Fairly sure I got mine from eBay, most small non-boat-specific stuff for my boat comes from there.)

Pete

 

[GHA]

Would like to do same with engine bay and a few lockers. Where do you source these cupboard switches?
Regards, Mark.

Worth noting that for lockers (and fridge) a PP3 rechargeable battery works fine, even though it's just 9v. Well, worth the effort.

 

[nigelmercier]

Led stripe in engine compartment ...

I don't think it will make it go any faster.

 

[West Coast]

Rather than mechanical type door opening switches, what about sealed reed types, switched by a fixed magnet mounted on the locker lid. More resistant to marine environment, but not sure what current rating you can get.

 

[cliff]

Last Winter I installed 6 x 450mm strips around my engine bay paralleled onto the existing but rather dim existing lamps. This has transformed the whole place, and makes routine servicing and inspection whilst underway much much better.

Personally I prefer to do my routine servicing and inspection whilst tied up along side - can't handle all this bouncing about while underway.

 

[prv]

Personally I prefer to do my routine servicing and inspection whilst tied up along side - can't handle all this bouncing about while underway.

I do servicing while tied up, but it's certainly not unknown for me to peek into the engine bay while underway to confirm that everything is as it should be.

Pete

 

[Puggy]

I bought LED strips from Searolf and wired them into the existing (dim and thirsty) incandescent lamps in the engine compartment. As other posters have said, it transformed working on the engine: more than enough light to work comfortably, and they use so little power that if you leave them on, you don't get a flat battery (I agree the cupboard switch would solve this). Also the searolf ones plug together so you can add additional strips really easily