What to Consider When Choosing the Best Marine LED Lights - Imtra

LED boat lights provide a natural look to your vessel without any distracting glare. Before you choose an LED light that is right for you, however, you may have some questions. Let’s dive into 17 common questions about LED boat lights to get you started.

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1. Why Should I Use LED Lights on My Boat?

The simplest answer is reduced power consumption. LEDs require very little power, especially when compared to traditional halogen lights. For example, an LED fixture with the same light output as a 25 Watt halogen bulb requires only 4-5 watts of power.

Add that difference up to over 20-30 lights in a boat and the power saving is significant, especially if you spend days at a time away from shore power. On top of power savings, LED lights don’t heat up as much as halogen, and last significantly longer than halogen bulbs.

2. How Do I Change My Boat’s Lights From Halogen to LED

There are two ways this can be done. The first is simply replacing all the halogen bulbs in your existing fixtures with LED replacement bulbs of a similar style. The other option would be to swap entire fixtures, which can be more costly but will last longer. For more information comparing LED & halogen, check out LED vs. Halogen: Should I Convert to LED Lighting on my Boat?

3. Can I Dim My LED Lights with Existing Dimmers?

Unfortunately, if your boat is equipped with dimmers for halogen lights, they likely won’t function properly or may have very limited dimming range with LED bulbs or fixtures. This is because halogen and LED lights are dimmed differently. Halogen lights are dimmed simply by reducing the voltage supplied to the light, which runs less heat through the filament, resulting in dimmer light.

LEDs are usually dimmed through signal dimming often called Pulse Width Modulation, which is essentially turning the diodes on & off rapidly. This process is not perceivable to the human eye because it happens so fast, but controlling the frequency with which they are turned on & off is what causes the light to be dimmed and brightened.

4. How Long Do LED Lights Last?

The industry standard for a quality LED fixture is a 50,000-hour lifespan. Of course, outside factors like proper heat dissipation and power supply can affect that lifespan. When compared to Incandescent (750-2,000 hours) Fluorescent (24,000-36,000 hours) & halogen (2,000-4,000 hours), LEDs last the longest by a wide margin.

5. Will LED Lights Be Too Bright?

The short answer is no, as long as you’ve purchased the right light for the space. LED technology has come a long way in the last decade, and you can find LED lights with all different levels of light outputs and color temperatures.

6. Do LED Lights Come in Different Colors?

Yes, LED lights come in all different colors. Many interior fixtures are available in bi-color and even tri-color options. Many LED strip tape and rope lights, as well as LED underwater lights, offer full spectrum of color-changing lights.

7. What Wire Size Should I Use for Installing LED Lights in My Boat?

The wire size to be used for installing lights is entirely dependent on the power supply and the overall power consumption of the circuit being wired. Additionally, the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) recommends not using any wire smaller than a 16-gauge anywhere on a boat. To determine the wire size for any circuit, use this ABYC Wire Size Recommendation Chart.

8. Can I Use LED Replacement Bulbs in My Navigation Lights?

As long as the bulb has been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for use in a navigation light that corresponds to your size of boat. Be sure to ask the manufacturer of the bulb, and consult the Coast Guard regulations regarding your specific size of boat, as many LED replacement bulbs are intended for interior & exterior light fixtures, but are not approved for navigational use.

9. Do LED Lights Make Noise?

Noise is a bit of a tricky subject, as each person’s perception varies. The short answer is that LED lights do not make any perceptible noise. Like any electronic, if you get your ear very close to it, there might be a faint humming sound, but nothing should be audible throughout the boat when installed properly.

10. Should LED Lights for My Boat Have Overheating Protection?

Yes, overheating protection is an important key to the product's longevity. While LED boat lights produce significantly less heat than traditional halogen lights, they can still generate heat during prolonged use. It’s important for boat lights to have housing and circuit boards that properly disperse heat to avoid premature failure.

11. Does My Boat Need Underwater Lights?

There are plenty of reasons to install underwater LED lights on your boat. First, underwater boat lights help you catch more fish. Lights attract insects, plankton, and baitfish, which bring in larger fish to feed on them.

Underwater LED lights also improve the safety of your vessel. Mounting lights under the swim step makes it easier to step on and off your vessel at night. LED lights can also enhance the mood of your vessel when hosting a night event, combined with the best music and drink selection, friends will be sure not to miss the invite.

12. Should LED Lights for My Boat Have Corrosion Protection?

Yes, unlike tap or drinking water, ocean water contains high levels of salt which can make your LED boat lights susceptible to corrosion. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that your LED lights are marine grade so it’s coated in a material that can prevent rust and corrosion.

13. Can I Run With My Underwater LED Lights On?

Absolutely, LED lights are a solid-state source, so they are not vulnerable to vibration-related failures and will continue to stay on when running your vessel.

14. Where Can You Use Marine LED Utility Lights?

Marine LED utility lights can be used anywhere a consistent light source is needed. Utility lights make it easier to see in engine rooms and compartments where light isn’t always available and is useful for wet lockers, galleys, or dining areas. Below is an example of what a marine LED utility light is.

15. Can LED Lights for My Boat Be Used in a Conversion Van?

Yes, most interior LED boat lights can be used in a conversion van. The most common types of LED lights on your boat that can be in a conversion van are downlights, task lights, rope and tape lights, courtesy lights, and utility lights. Learn more about our conversion van lighting solutions and watch this video of Imtra’s lighting options for vans and RVs.

16. Should LED Lights for My Boat Have a Waterproof Rating?

Yes, the bare minimum rating for any LED lighting for boats that are exposed to elements is IP65. Any lighting that has a rating less than IP65 will result in condensation beneath the LED boat light lens, which can cause it to burn out and become non-functional.

17. Will LED Lights Interfere With Other Electronics on My Boat?

If the LED lights are manufactured and installed properly, they will not interfere with other electronics. If wires are not the right size or not properly insulated and run very close to signal cables or antennae, interference can occur. For a deeper dive into this topic, check out How To Avoid Interference Between LED Lights and VHF Radios. Or, if you’d like to speak with a team member, feel free to contact us today.

* Feature Image Courtesy of Hatteras Yachts

Table of Contents

• What To Look for
• Types of Garage Lights
• Benefits of LED Garage Lights
• Right Number of LED Garage Lights
• FAQs:

Garages are notorious for being poorly lit. A handful of incandescent bulbs or flickering fluorescents aren't enough to get the job done. That's why the best garage lighting is done by LEDs, and the best LED garage lights have become the gold standard for superior illumination.

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Whether your garage houses hundreds of vehicles or one car and workshop, you need your garage lights to provide consistent, superior brightness, longevity, and energy savings. Because LEDs tick all of these boxes, they're the smart upgrade for any garage setup.

Come with us as we light the way to the best lights for garage usage. We'll break down everything you need to know to choose the right lighting for each area and help you create a well-lit, efficient space.

What To Look for When Choosing LED Garage Lights

A great lighting solution should deliver brightness, efficiency, and durability in equal measure. Whatever your lighting needs may be, it's essential to understand lighting basics before you proceed. Following are the elements of LED lighting to bear in mind as you plan to light your space.

Brightness & Lumens

Lumens are the true measure of light output, and understanding them is crucial when choosing garage lighting. For a well-lit garage, aim for higher lumen counts — especially if you use your garage as a workspace or for detailed tasks. Unlike watts, which measure energy usage, lumens tell you exactly how much light the fixture will emit. Need bright, uniform coverage? Look for garage lights offering 4,000 to 10,000 lumens, depending on your garage size.

Energy Efficiency

It's easy to assume that the brightest lights will make the best LED lights for your garage, but energy efficiency is just as important. LED lights are known for consuming significantly less power while delivering superior brightness compared to traditional options. The best LED garage lights illuminate your space with optimal efficiency to save you money on your energy bill. High-efficiency lighting means you won't have to choose between superior light output and cost savings.

Durability & Temperature Tolerance

Garages are versatile spaces, but they can also experience extreme temperatures, depending on what part of the country you're from. Whether you're dealing with summer heat or winter cold, you need lighting that holds up under all conditions. LEDs designated for garages offer excellent durability and perform well in both cold and warm environments, ensuring consistent performance year-round.

Color Temperature

The right color temperature can impact how functional and comfortable your space feels. Measured in Kelvins, LED garage lights typically range from cool to warm tones. For garages, a neutral to cool light (4,000K to 6,500K) works best, offering clear, crisp illumination that's ideal for workspaces while maintaining a comfortable environment.

Types of Garage Lights

Choosing the right lighting for your garage means considering every part of your space, whether you're servicing vehicles, illuminating parking spaces and walkways, or installing a fixture over your workbench. Here are some of the most effective LED lighting solutions for garages:

LED Low Bay Lights

For parking garages with ceilings under 15 feet, low bay LED lights are the go-to solution. These fixtures are designed to distribute light evenly across the space, ensuring clear visibility and safety. Mounted on the ceiling, low bay LED lights are perfect for commercial parking garages where consistent, uniform illumination is essential. With their efficient design, they provide optimal lighting without overpowering the space.

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LED Canopy Lights

LED canopy light fixtures can be mounted on walls or any flat surface, offering uniform light coverage. Built with weatherproof, sealed diecast housings, they're perfect for outdoor use, especially in areas exposed to the elements. Optional features like motion sensors, photocells, and emergency backup batteries further enhance their functionality, making them a versatile choice for residential and commercial applications.

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LED Strip Lights

If your garage space is tight but you still want powerful, modern lighting, LED strip lights are your best bet. These slim, efficient fixtures bring a sleek aesthetic to both home and commercial garages. The best LED strip lights for your garage are made to be mounted easily on walls or ceilings. They're perfect for task lighting — whether you're fine-tuning a project on your workbench or illuminating a small garage. The low-profile design makes them virtually disappear into your space, delivering the brightness you need without any visual clutter.

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LED Vapor-Tight Fixtures

In parking garages where dirt, dust, and moisture are part of the daily environment, LED vapor-tight fixtures are the perfect defense. These sealed and gasketed fixtures are built to withstand harsh conditions and provide reliable, high-quality lighting. Ideal for ceiling mounting, they ensure that your garage stays brightly lit while keeping out debris and moisture. For added convenience, optional lighting controls can be integrated, offering even greater efficiency and control over your lighting setup.

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Wall Packs

Wall packs are the workhorses of commercial garage lighting. They're engineered to illuminate large, high-traffic areas, making them indispensable for commercial garages. They cast bright, wide-reaching light that guides drivers indoors and out. With their weatherproof construction, wall packs provide reliable performance in all conditions.

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Portable LED Work Lights

Sometimes, the light needs to go where you go. That's where portable LED work lights shine. Whether you're under the hood of a car or tackling repairs in your home garage, these mobile lights offer unmatched flexibility. Lightweight, durable, and intensely bright, they provide the freedom to illuminate any task, wherever it may be. Ideal for commercial and residential use, portable LED lights ensure you're never left working in the dark.

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Benefits of LED Garage Lights

Making the switch to LED garage lights is a smarter, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective solution:

• Energy Efficient: LED lights use a fraction of the energy consumed by traditional bulbs, leading to impressive cost savings.
• Long Lasting: These lights are designed to last up to 50,000 hours, so you can enjoy reliable, maintenance-free lighting for years. Plus, they're built tough. Resistant to vibrations, shocks, and extreme temperatures, LED lights are perfect for garages that face heavy use or fluctuating conditions.
• A Greener Choice: LED garage lights consume less energy, reducing your overall carbon footprint, and they don't contain harmful substances like mercury, which is found in older lighting technologies.

How To Determine the Right Number of LED Garage Lights

Once you've decided on the best LED garage lights for your property, you'll need to determine how many you need to properly illuminate the space. Here's how to make sure you're not left in the dark.

Evaluate the Size of Your Garage

Start by assessing the area's square footage to calculate the required lighting. Typically, you'll need roughly 50 to 100 lumens per square foot, depending on how the space is used. For larger garages or those with intricate workspaces, more lumens will ensure every corner is properly lit.

Lumens Over Watts

High-lumen output ensures that your garage gets the bright, uniform light it needs, whether you're working on vehicles or heavy machinery – or simply moving around the space. Forget wattage — it's an outdated measure when it comes to LEDs. Focus instead on total light output and select fixtures that can flood your space with the right amount of brightness to support daily operations.

Prioritize Task-Specific Lighting

Commercial garages often serve multiple functions, from vehicle maintenance to storage, and each requires a different lighting approach. General overhead lights are important, but task-specific lighting is critical in areas where detailed work is being done. Consider adding LED strip lights over workstations or portable LED work lights for mobile tasks.

Plan for Shadow-Free Lighting

Dark corners and shadows can be a major hazard in a commercial garage. To keep your operations running smoothly, ensure your lighting plan eliminates potential blind spots. Even light distribution is essential, particularly in large, busy environments where safety is a priority. A combination of high-output ceiling lights and strategically placed wall packs can create a well-lit space with minimal shadows.

LED Canopy Lighting Review

Check out this review on our LED canopy lights. They're rugged, efficient, and reliable.

Rely on Revolve LED for the Best LED Garage Lights

Now that you know what it takes to select the best LED garage lights for your commercial space, it's time to upgrade at Revolve LED. Whether you need canopy lights, vapor tights, low bays or the best LED strip lights for your garage, we have the expertise and product lineup to meet your needs. We can even help you with a plan that ensures you get the best garage lighting for your setup. Order yours today!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of LED Post Top Lights Solutions. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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