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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

I rewired by boat this past weekend

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/10/2006 : 15:12:47

and was suprised at how bright the switch lights on the new panel are. With just one of the switches on, it luminates the whole cabin. My question is how much power do the lights take to run? It seems to be a waste of power. Cheers.

Dennis
No Boat
S.E. Michigan

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2006 : 22:34:33

Mine are not like that, they just glow nicely.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3494 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 06:04:19

If they are LEDs, then they use infinitesimally small amps and probably of no concern. LEDs can come in different amp loads but typically the ones that are used on switch panels, etc are of no consequence. I have one LED as an anchor light. That uses about .15 -.20 amps but that is a 2 NM LED light. So...LEDs can come in quite an amp load range but the indicator LED lights are next to nothing in amps. If it is an incandescent lightbulb, then it is probably going to use somewhat more juice...

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 07:31:07

Hi Frank and Larry, I have the same panel as Frank. I guess the glow to you Frank looks like a searchlight to me, but I have always needed complete darkness just to fall asleep. I don't know if they are LED or not Larry. I'll check that out. Cheers.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3494 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 13:18:04

Dennis,

My mast was rewired this Spring but it was a difficult installation - done while in the water. All the lights are working now but still have to install the new deck fitting and since there is not enough wire slack inside the deck...going to rewire back to the switch panel.

The Switch Panel is a future project for me. Not sure when I will get to it. You and frank have both installed the new switch panel under the sink. that was not my original thought but...I am warming to that location. I was not sure there was enough room for a switch panle there and also clear the sink from the inside but...looks like there is. i was considering the BEP 8 switch panel (horizontal). maybe i will get to it this winter.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 14:07:01

I simply moved the nav lights there so guests could find them, I still use my full panel for other circuits.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 14:10:00

Hi Larry, tomorrows job is to take pics of all the work I've done. I will certainly include the new panel. I think I am going to order the three switch with amp/volt meter. I have run out of buses. Cheers.

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ilnadi
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 16:11:09

Dennis,
These (and I suspect most) panels have a ground circuit specifically for the indicator lights. You can always NOT run ground to the panel and avoid the search lights BUT (there are always a few buts

) <ul><li>You will not have indicators to remind you</li><li>You have to remove the ground from each indicator so that you do not create a ghost circuit through the indicators</li><li>You should not leave dangling wires (a.k.a. shorting hazards</li><li>If you disconnect all grounds you will not have a functional lighter outlet or voltmeter</li></ul> I too was a dark-only sleeper but traveling a lot and sleeping on planes plus leaving lights on for kids fixed that. You are right, though. If we leave 2-3 of those switches on at night I can walk around the cabin once my eyes adjust.

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 18:20:35

If they are incandescant lamps, you may be able to replace them with higher voltage lamps, probably 28 volts and they will glow much dimmer due to the lower voltage the boat battery supplies.

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Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 19:24:17

Make a snap on cover

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 19:40:32

Chewing gum.. college kids use it to fill holes in walls from poster hangings, should work just fine to dim your lights ..

Paul.

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Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2006 : 23:01:21

Oh, Oh, the old trusty Sharpie Marker or take the lenses out and paint them grey. Sorry guys and gals but the wife is out with friends, I just put our 3 year old down to sleep and there is nothing on the TV right now. I WANT TO GO SAILING!!!!!!!!!!!

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3494 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2006 : 06:00:59

I want to go sailing too !

I was on vacation last week and when i came back was able to get out sailing for a bit on Sunday. Also installed the second of two GFI outlets to replace the original non-GFIs that were wired in parallel - that's why 2 GFIs.

Wanted to go sailing this week and moved an appointment clearing the way for sailing today but.....apparently the lightning storm that ocurred while we were on vacation involved a lightning bolt in the woods close to our houses. It knocked out various things but most electrical devices at home were back up and running after resetting (ie. casablanca fan w/remote). But what I thought was just a cable company glitch with out PC internet service turns out to be much more serious. Two PCs were directly wired into our wireless router and even though the modem power light is on, the cable company checked everything out and besides a fried cable line which was rewired to an alternate wire, the modem had to be replaced and the internet cards and router will have to be replaced as well. Our laptop runs okay - it was not directly wired at the time of the hit. But the two PCs were wired and have their ethernet hookups directly on the motherboard. Anyway....need to fogo sailing today and see if installing a separate ethernet card will solve the issue. Otherwise....I hope I do not have to replace the motherboards.

Sailing is on hold.....going hiking/camping for 4 days starting Friday. Life is tough !

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