Florescent lights in Engine Room

[magicbus]

One of mine died and I think I have to remove the entire assembly and take it apart to remove the bulb. *If I have to do this I was thinking of replacing it with an off-the-shelf unit. *Anyone know why this wouldn't be OK? *Diesel engine, no combustible fumes in the ER and lots of starter motors.

Dave

 

[skipperdude]

I bought a couple of armored light fixtures at Home depot. The kind with a cage around them.

*I use 12 volt lightbulbs from an RV store. They look just like a ordinary light bulb but they are 12 volt.* No need to run them with the inverter or noise maker.

*Works great.

SD


-- Edited by skipperdude on Wednesday 22nd of June 2011 03:54:42 PM

 

[JAT]

I have been removing all of the old FL's and 12V bulbs from our fixtures. Instead I have installed LED's that come in waterproof strings....less power consumptions and far better lighting.... Got them from http://www.superbrightleds.com They have not only strings and whatnot...but also fixtures....and the prices are good.



-- Edited by JAT on Wednesday 22nd of June 2011 07:02:10 PM


-- Edited by JAT on Wednesday 22nd of June 2011 07:02:40 PM

 

[FF]

" I use 12 volt lightbulbs from an RV store. They look just like a ordinary light bulb but they are 12 volt."

These may have a short life as they are usually used when the engine is off , perhaps only a converter on.

They are 12V bulbs and nice and bright on resting batts.OK for a quick look, but not for being on underway for a TV camera.

The auto bulbs are 14V bulbs and last far longer when an alternator is on.

There are adapters to screw into the old screw bulb base , that accept auto style bulbs.

Florescents may be very RF noisy.

 

[skipperdude]

JAT wrote:
I have been removing all of the old FL's and 12V bulbs from our fixtures. Instead I have installed LED's that come in waterproof strings....less power consumptions and far better lighting.... Got them from http://www.superbrightleds.com They have not only strings and whatnot...but also fixtures....and the prices are good.



-- Edited by JAT on Wednesday 22nd of June 2011 07:02:10 PM



-- Edited by JAT on Wednesday 22nd of June 2011 07:02:40 PM

*LED are OK but they seem to bother my eyes after a while.

I don't use them in the cabin. Just for navigation and anchor lights.

SD

*

 

[Phil Fill]

The Eagle came with one 4 ft florescent over the 671.* I changed it to two 4 ft, one each side and two 2 ft on each side of the gen set. Each fixture as a off on switch, but I usually leave the one by the entrance on as it usually enough light to see what I am looking for.* There are also 12 volts lights, but with two gen sets and inverter we have always had AC power.* Its been 12+ years with several inspections, with no comment/write up*but the Eagle is diesel.* I would not sure if florescent would be use if gas.* The Eagle does have a fire extinguish, which I just had check/service last week.*

 

[magicbus]

Thanks. I couldn't think of a reason why a residential fixture wouldn't work in this case. I looked at LED's and they are nice but since this is the 120 volt lighting system (as opposed to the 12 which I also have) they aren't cheap and I couldn't figure out if they would be bright enough. Because the fixture I went to buy had no bulbs, I ended up being a wuss and buying a replacement bulb. Depending on how aggravated I get replacing it tomorrow will decide if another trip to Lowes is needed.

Dave

 

[Codger2]

charles wrote:
I installed off the shelf flourescent fixtures in my engine room, Great.

******** I did the same thing with 12V flourescent rounds. Love them!

 

[r-rossow]

My boat has off the shelf units installed. (230 Volt / 50 Hz in these parts of the world). As I do not have a house*inverter (yet), the ER will be pitch black if the generator or dock supply were to fail.

If*I were to install new lighting today, I would do as JAT and go for LED.

*

 

[Shoalwaters]

I used fluorescent work-lights from Northern Tool; $20 each, individual switch,*socket outlet and ready-wired. Plastic body with polycarbonate sleeve to protect the bulb. The reflector can be positioned to suit. See top right and above genset.

 

[GoldenDawn]

I am very grateful for this thread and comments as our KK42 is still configured with incandescent dome lights that collectively draw about 5 amps when on. I am looking forward to replacing them. Thanks for the comments.

 

[Codger2]

No

 

[magicbus]

So I figured out how to get the bulb out - a major accomplishment! I picked up a 24 inch bulb at Lowes but - who knew - the bulbs and fixtures from my Chinese built hull are 23 1/2 inches, not 24!!! I looked at modifying the fixture but it would require complete removal and then using my drill press. I decided this was getting ridiculous so I'm picking up a new fixture from Lowes for $19.95 and another bulb and replacing the whole damn thing.

Dave

 

[Edelweiss]

I'm with you Magicbus!! *
Those 12 volt lights are to dim, I was always dragging a trouble light around with me, just to check oil, water levels and when checking for fluid leaks.* Finally I bought a Lowe's under cupboard florescent light and it worked great.* I started out with one in the engine room and quickly added five more.

 

[FlyWright]

Sorry for the hijack, but here's something I also find helpful for those oil and bilge checks. A cap light gives you light where you look and keeps your hands free.

Love the idea of florescents in the ER. I have 12V florescents in the salon and prefer them for task lighting. Never have given me any trouble. Seems like a great improvement for the ER.

 

[bnoft]

Amazing grace had been outfitted with 4 florescent fixtures (2 bulbs in each) by a PO. The fixtures were "open", no cover. As only one bulb in each fixture would work, I removed all 4 and replaced with LED fixtures from Lowes (about $50 ea.); tied into the wiring for the old fixtures. I opted to retain the 120V connection as I can run the LEDs thru the inverter. The ER is now bright enough to be a hospital ER.
Bill Noftsinger
Amazing Grace