Are you looking to brighten up the interior of your boat? Then, installing 12v LED strip lights is a great way to give it an upgrade! With their durable construction and low power consumption, these versatile lights are perfect for marine applications.
Not sure where to start? We’ll take you through every step necessary to have beautiful lighting in no time. So keep reading to learn more about how to wire 12v led strip lights in boat.
Can You Wire 12v LED Strip Lights in Boat?
Installing LED strip lights on a boat can be a great way to upgrade its look. The best way to do this is to use low voltage, 12v LED lighting strips. These are designed specifically for automotive settings, like boats, and because they run on 12 volts, they put off much less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs and require less maintenance in the long run.
The wiring for these strip lights is simple – ensure you’ve got the right wiring harness with your LED strips, then connect the red wire from the light to your power source and the black wire from the light strap to the ground. With just a few steps, you’ll have beautiful LED lights creating a stunning atmosphere on your boat!
Why Should You Wire 12v LED Strip Lights in a Boat?
Installing LED strip lights on a boat can be a great way to upgrade its look. The best way to do this is to use low voltage, 12v LED lighting strips. These are designed specifically for automotive settings, like boats, and because they run on 12 volts, they put off much less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs and require less maintenance in the long run.
The wiring for these strip lights is simple – ensure you’ve got the right wiring harness with your LED strips, then connect the red wire from the light to your power source and the black wire from the light strap to the ground. With just a few steps, you’ll have beautiful LED lights creating a stunning atmosphere on your boat!
7 Steps to Follow on How to Wire 12v LED Strip Lights in Boat
Step 1: Prepare the Wiring Harness
The first step is preparing the wiring harness for the installation of the LED strip light. Start by cutting the wiring harness into two separate pieces of equal length.
It is important to leave plenty of slack in each piece; you don’t want to make it too short! Next, strip away about an inch of insulation from both ends of each piece so you can connect them later.
Step 2: Connect the LED Strip Lights
Now that you have prepared the wiring harness, it’s time to connect the LED strip lights themselves. Start by connecting one end of the wiring harness to one end of the LED strip light. Next, secure it in place with some electrical tape or other insulation material.
Then, connect the other end of the wiring harness to its corresponding end on the other half of your LED strip light setup. You should now have two separate strips – one positive (red) and one negative (black).
Step 3: Hook Up The Power Source
The next step is hooking up your power source for your 12V LED strip lights – usually a battery or voltage regulator – and any switches or dimmers that you may want to include in your setup.
To do this, connect one lead from your power source directly to either side of your positive (red) wire from your LED strips and another directly to either side of your negative (black) wire from your LED strips. Ensure all connections are secure before powering up or testing out your system!
Step 4: Solder the Connections
For added security, it’s a good idea to solder together any connections made with the LED strip lights. This will help ensure that your connections are strong and sturdy for long-term use. To do this, you will need some wire strippers, soldering iron, heat shrink tubing, and solder.
First, strip away about one inch of insulation from each end of your wires. Then, use the soldering iron to heat up the ends so that they can be connected together with the solder. Once all connections have been soldered, use some heat shrink tubing to cover any exposed wires.
Step 5: Cover any Exposed Wires
Now that all connections have been made and soldered, it’s important to cover up any exposed wires with some electrical tape or other insulation material. This will help keep your wiring safe from short-circuiting or moisture damage.
Step 6: Test Out Your System
Once all wiring is connected and insulated, it’s time to test out your system. First, connect power to your 12V LED strip lights and make sure all connections are secure.
Then, switch on the power source and check that the LED strip lights turn on as expected. You can also use a multimeter to check that there is no voltage leakage from your connections.
Step 7: Secure the LED Strip Lights
The last step is to secure the LED strip lights in place on your boat. Depending on how you plan to use the lights and how much weight they will carry, you may need to use additional mounting brackets or adhesive backing strips. Ensure all connections are secure and all wiring is covered with insulation material before starting your boat’s engine!
Now, you have all the steps necessary how to wire 12V LED strip lights in boat. With the right materials and tools, you can easily complete this project in no time. Just remember to be safe and follow these instructions carefully for the best results. Good luck!
Things You Need to Know Before Wiring 12v LED Strip Lights in Boat
Wiring a 12v LED strip light in your boat can be a fun and rewarding project. However, it is important to understand the technical and safety information before beginning. Knowing your boat’s wiring system and the amount of electricity needed for the lights is essential.
Additionally, it’s always wise to double-check that the power source is from a battery approved by the manufacturer of the light kit, and always to wear safety gear, including gloves, protective eyewear, and clothing when handling any type of electrical component on your boat.
With some time, research, and due diligence, wiring your boat with a 12v LED strip light will enhance your boating experience.
Benefits of Wiring 12v LED Strip Lights in Boat
Wiring 12v LED strip lights in a boat provide plenty of lighting benefits. Not only do these lights provide bright and efficient illumination, but they also require less electrical power than traditional incandescent and fluorescent fixtures.
This means that not only will you be able to save money on operating costs and energy consumption, but you’ll also be doing your part to help reduce your boat’s overall environmental impact.
Because 12v LED strip lights operate using cooler temperatures than other lighting systems, you won’t have to worry about them overloading boats’ electrical systems – making them even safer for your family and friends.
With their long service life, versatility in installation, and range of colors and intensities available, 12v LED Strip Lights can revolutionize the look of your marine craft without being expensive or hazardous to use.
4 Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Wiring 12v LED Strip Lights in Boat
1. Not Using the Correct Power Source
One of the most common mistakes people make when wiring 12v LED strip lights in their boat are not using the correct power source. Most boats have a 12v DC power system, so you need a 12v DC power supply to power your LED strip lights. If you try to use an AC power supply, the lights will not work properly.
2. Not Using the Correct Wire Gauge
Another common mistake people make is not using the correct wire gauge. For example, when wiring 12v LED strip lights, you must use a thick wire to handle the lights’ current draw. If you use a too-thin wire, it will overheat and could potentially start a fire.
3. Not Connecting the Wires Properly
When connecting the wires to the LED strip lights, you must ensure that the positive and negative wires are connected correctly. If you connect the wires backward, the lights will not work properly.
4. Not Installing the Lights Properly
The final mistake people make is not installing the lights properly. When installing LED strip lights in your boat, you need to ensure that they are mounted securely and will not be exposed to any water or moisture. If you do not install them properly, they could short-circuit and cause a fire.
Conclusion
Installing 12V LED strip lights in boats is easy and provides a great way to enhance visibility onboard for navigation and interior lighting for cabins and decks alike!
With just a few simple steps outlined above, you can easily transform your boat into a brighter space without worrying about complicated electrical installations or expensive components. So get out there and start installing those brilliant LEDs today! Thanks for reading our post about how to wire 12v led strip lights in boat.