Adding 1-2 led courtesy lights into existing rocker switch?

[TN888]

Like to add 1 round(maybe 2)led courtesy lights from West Marine. Can I wire the positive/negative into existing courtesy switch on dash?

Thanks

 

[David D]

I've got the same question. I'm thinking the answer is "yes". If I recall correctly, the breaker in that switch is 2 amps and that should be plenty for this low load.

But I've learned that there are guys and gals in this forum that know this stuff inside and out. You'll get a more well reasoned answer from one of them!

 

[Glassman]

Yes you can. Be sure to check polarity before you finalize your connection - LEDs are particular that way.

While you're at it, you might want to swap out the bulbs with error free LEDs as well. That way you reduce power consumption even more.

 

[David D]

Yes you can. Be sure to check polarity before you finalize your connection - LEDs are particular that way.

While you're at it, you might want to swap out the bulbs with error free LEDs as well. That way you reduce power consumption even more.

Error free LEDs? I wanted to replace the existing courtesy light with a blue light (to match the rest of the project), but wasn't aware of "error free" ... tell us more please .

 

[Skysurfer2010]

Yes, like others said. I spliced mine into the existing courtesy lights wiring when I added two white perko LEDs in my bow.

 

[Just1more]

On our old ar190 we wired led cup holders into the courtesy light switch with no issues.

 

[txav8r]

It is easier to extend the lights from the courtesy light where it hooks into the harness, than it is from the switch itself, at least on the older boats. All of the helm switches are jumpered + to + for power and finding ground is the challenge. At the courtesy light itself, you can remove the fixture and pull the wiring back to reach it, and splice into the fixtures wiring instead of the boats wiring harness.

I think @Glassman was referring to the older boats that have incandescent bulbs, and swapping for LED's. If you have incandescent, you have a 10amp circuit breaker and ample room. If you have LED's, you need to check the circuit breaker capacity, because adding more to existing may exceed the size of the breaker.

 

[Glassman]

Error free LEDs? I wanted to replace the existing courtesy light with a blue light (to match the rest of the project), but wasn't aware of "error free" ... tell us more please .

I'm not sure if the new fangled boats monitor the current or anything like that. Sometimes regular LEDs don't play well with computers. If that's not a concern and no one has had issues replacing bulbs with LEDs then you don't have to use the "Error Free" type. I just happened to have some, so I used them - so far, so good.

 

[David D]

Thanks guys. I think I'll tap into the existing courtesy light for the new LEDs in the main cabin area and add new wiring / switches for the bow, swim platform, and storage compartments.

 

[skbishop90]

Very easily.

 

[David D]

@skbishop90, looks like the weather is finally going to break this week so I can get out there for the LED project on the 192. Yours looks great - hoping for similar results. Still wondering what I can screw into around the battery bay, but I'll take a look around and try to figure it out! Should be a lot of fun! I'll try to document what I do -- the forum can always use yet another person telling how their project went! lol

 

[skbishop90]

I just used cheap livewell LEDs and LED strips. Both waterproof and easy.