LED lighting

[chadyboy]

I have an LED project that I am working on. I will be installing the 5050 led light strip in my boat. My question is, how do I connect the power supply of this LED light to the "AUX" switch on my boats console? the LED kit includes a wall plug, but obviously the boat does not have this. Whats the best way to connect to this switch?

 

[GA_Boater]

Wall plug? It sounds like you have AC LEDs instead of DC LEDS.

 

[bruceb58]

The power supply likely has a 12V DC output. You don't use the power supply on your boat.

Have pictures or a link to what you bought?

 

[chadyboy]

Yup, this is it. I've also been told that I can cut the plug off, and wire it directly into the console switch. I dont think I want to do that.

http://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-Wa...qid=1457457430&sr=1-9&keywords=5050+led+strip

 

[64osby]

Find a plug/cord that matches the power input to the white box. Connect that to your switch.

You wouldn't need to cut any wires doing that. You might be able to use the power source for something else.

If you can't find a plug, cut the wire.

 

[bruceb58]

Find a plug/cord that matches the power input to the white box. Connect that to your switch.

You wouldn't need to cut any wires doing that. You might be able to use the power source for something else.

If you can't find a plug, cut the wire.

Yep, should be easy finding a power plug to match.

 

[JoshOnt]

I bought similar lights but have yet to figure out how to connect them as well hopefully someone has an idea/ link to something that can help.

 

[chadyboy]

Find a plug/cord that matches the power input to the white box. Connect that to your switch.

You wouldn't need to cut any wires doing that. You might be able to use the power source for something else.

If you can't find a plug, cut the wire.

I assume when I cut the wire, there is a black / red wire? Then just connect to the switch?

 

[GA_Boater]

If you're like me, you probably have a 12 V charger for old cell phones or another device with a matching plug. I have a box full in case I need a charger for something. Cut the plug end off and wire it the battery or other 12V source.

 

[chadyboy]

I want to make sure I am understanding correctly. Find a black cable that matches the input of the power supply, and cut off the wall plug part. Then plug the end part into the white box, the other splice and hook up to the console switch?

 

[bruceb58]

All you need to buy is the male part of what is in this auction
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-PCs-DC-Pow...kJTnjzUE-IqBgw
Just find one that isn't coming from China if you can't wait.
You connect wires to it and then to your power switch.

 

[JoshOnt]

All you need to buy is the male part of what is in this auction
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-PCs-DC-Pow...kJTnjzUE-IqBgw
Just find one that isn't coming from China if you can't wait.
You connect wires to it and then to your power switch.

That is great, just ordered one. Should work great for me and OP.

 

[gm280]

Okay not being able to actually see the power supply output, you could have an issue. Yes that is a 12 power supply but is it an AC supply or DC supply? If the power supply is merely a 120VAC reduced to 12VAC, then not all your LEDs are going to light. So even with the proper attachment cord and wired into the panel switch, you may not get all the LEDs to come on. It really depends on the type power supply they went with. If it is an AC output, then alternately the LEDs will light during their part of the AC cycle. But since it would happen so fast, it would look like all of them are lite at the same time. So applying a 12 DC voltage to them, only half will light. Really depends on how there are wired from the factory. Just saying! JMHO!

 

[JoshOnt]

Okay not being able to actually see the power supply output, you could have an issue. Yes that is a 12 power supply but is it an AC supply or DC supply? If the power supply is merely a 120VAC reduced to 12VAC, then not all your LEDs are going to light. So even with the proper attachment cord and wired into the panel switch, you may not get all the LEDs to come on. It really depends on the type power supply they went with. If it is an AC output, then alternately the LEDs will light during their part of the AC cycle. But since it would happen so fast, it would look like all of them are lite at the same time. So applying a 12 DC voltage to them, only half will light. Really depends on how there are wired from the factory. Just saying! JMHO!

The lights are DC 12v because the power adapter turns it from AC to DC power far as I can tell. Thing is only 3 bucks so worth a shot.

 

[gm280]

The lights are DC 12v because the power adapter turns it from AC to DC power far as I can tell. Thing is only 3 bucks so worth a shot.

I tried to see it but I could tell if it was 12 AC or 12 DC. So I just was offering a heads up.

 

[JoshOnt]

I tried to see it but I could tell if it was 12 AC or 12 DC. So I just was offering a heads up.

Here are the exact lights I have [first link], below there is an adapter [second link] which says output is 12 V DC so seeing as the suggest that adapter it should work. We will see in a few weeks time when the part comes in, might have to order a second if it works since I figure I might need some more lights.



https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HSF65MC...UTF8&colid=2WOG3KJ4ZUE26&coliid=IWKSTP1V8JWFL

https://www.amazon.ca/Lighting-EVER...bxgy_23_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=G825KSA7CW98SNDD4Q89

 

[gm280]

Here are the exact lights I have [first link], below there is an adapter [second link] which says output is 12 V DC so seeing as the suggest that adapter it should work. We will see in a few weeks time when the part comes in, might have to order a second if it works since I figure I might need some more lights.



https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00HSF65MC...UTF8&colid=2WOG3KJ4ZUE26&coliid=IWKSTP1V8JWFL

https://www.amazon.ca/Lighting-EVER...bxgy_23_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=G825KSA7CW98SNDD4Q89

Sound like you are in good then . :thumb:

 

[bruceb58]

All these LED light strips are DC.

 

[bwraven]

Those really aren't designed for a boat. The SMD LED's are mounted to the strip in a way that makes them waterproof, until it degrades. The rest of the unit is not waterproof. It will corrode.

Are you wanting to use these to "look cool" or for actual useful lighting. Being RGB (red-green-blue) LED's, they won't be much use for other than mood lighting.

Iboats sells LED strip lights and that's paying for this free forum.

They can be wired directly to your switch.

 

[bruceb58]

This is what I did in my boat. I used blue LED waterproof strips in a housing. I really wouldn't want any other color: