blowing bulbs, navigation lights.

[tashasdaddy]

i'm having a problem with bulbs blowing,, i have fused switches, the fuse aren't blowing.

 

[Mark42]

Re: blowing bulbs, navigation lights.

Check the volts at the lights. If the volts are over 14 or so, there might be a problem with the voltage regulator. High voltage shortens bulb life.<br /><br />Another thing to check for is loose mounts. Vibration and shock will break the filiment on a burning bulb quick and easy.<br /><br />Fuses are for shortage or over load/draw amperage protection. Blowing bulbs can be from higher voltage that can shorten bulb life but may not be enough amps to trip a fuse.<br /><br />Also make sure you have the proper voltage bulbs in the lamps. A 6v bulb will not last long on a 12v system.

 

[tommays]

Re: blowing bulbs, navigation lights.

I did a lot of light bulb tests on my bicycle light system<br /><br />Things like starting off the day with a battery right off an all night charge would take out a bulb of the correct voltage very fast<br /><br />The better systems have a capacitor connected to the bulb to keep a HOT battery from blowing bulbs<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[swist]

Re: blowing bulbs, navigation lights.

This is an unecessary annoyance. Nav lights on a boat are critical parts - even if you have spares do you want to be fiddling with taking the light apart out on the water in the middle of the night? And small outboards with unsophisticated charging systems are notorious for putting out 14-15V. Lights should be something like 18V in a nominal 12 volt system in order to insure that they will last a good long time.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: blowing bulbs, navigation lights.

tashasdaddy,have you thought about trying LED lights?<br />I was looking at some the other day,a little pricey but says they will last forever..

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: blowing bulbs, navigation lights.

I switched to LED's about 4 years ago, haven't had any problems since. Now I just need to spring for a LED mast light. I agree with Mark on the voltage plus the shock/vibration of the filaments. BTDT and that is why I switched. Got them soldered in as well. No more corroded sockets either.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: blowing bulbs, navigation lights.

If you've got one laying around you could try a ballast resistor in the circuit which will cause a voltage drop across the resistor and lower the voltage to your lights.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: blowing bulbs, navigation lights.

i am running off trolling motor battery only, as this is on my fisherman. sorry couldn't get logged on for 24 hours. i've spent morning rewiring, we'll see.