Try Again...The above recall is all about not using a type 2 transformer. The problem is in converting 120V to 12 volts and not limiting the power.
If a simple step down transformer type 1 vs type 2 can cause the LED assembly to burn, imagine what the inherently unstable power supply on a boat can cause. Read more about it below ...
I for one have a real problem with the video.
1. First, it's produced by a company as advertising for their competing product.
2. The big question is why have no fires been reported on boats or RV's? … Why in a google search can we find no fire reports?
…
1. I think it was a simple demonstration of what overvoltage does to some cheap LED assemblies. No magic, no tricks … you can replicate the experiment yourself. Most LED assemblies rated for 12V DC only will fail.
2. There are reports … it's a matter of how diligent is your research. Here are just a few:
Boat:
TWICE, Boat Catches Fire - LED Lights [Archive] - FishTheClassic.net
RV:
Led light warning!! Can cause fire!! - iRV2 Forums
Home (as general awareness):
Cheap Chinese LEDs lead to aquarium fire at Arizona community center preschool
One more post about LEDs and boats (
LED Strip Used on Boats [Archive] - Yachting and Boating World Forums ) which brings me to the conclusion on why the 10-30V DC LED assemblies with current drivers are better and safer on a boat than their cheaper 12V DC resistor protected counterparts.
The 12V DC power on a boat is not stable and not suitable for unprotected LEDs or any other electronics (yes, LED assemblies are electronics). The flaky alternator/voltage regulator, or overeager battery charger, or many other things going on a boat, can damage the unprotected LED circuit and lead to a fire hazard.
The case in point and the reference to the video where the 14.8V DC was applied to a LED circuit and damaged it in 90 seconds: most marine battery chargers operate 14.6-14.8V DC in flooded battery mode, 15.0-15.1V DC in calcium mode, and whopping 15.5-16.0V DC in equalization mode. I rest my case …
For the hard core readers interested in the difference between a simple low voltage light bulb that can just burn out (or a fuse, they are basically the same creatures), here is a list of many potential failures of a single LED diode related to cheap manufacturing or improper application:
List of LED failure modes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Now, thank you for reading. I am done with this public awareness campaign, and going back to my search for my perfect trawler …