Boat lights are essential for safe and enjoyable night boating. They are also required by law to be installed on all boats. However, many boat owners are not aware of the amperage draw of their boat lights. Understanding the amperage draw is important because it affects the overall power usage of the boat’s battery and electrical system.
The amperage draw of boat lights depends on the type, size, and number of lights installed on the boat. Generally, smaller and less bright lights have a lower amperage draw than larger and brighter lights. For example, a small LED navigation light draws less than 1 amp, while a powerful underwater light can draw up to 10 amps or more.
It is important to note that the amperage draw of boat lights is not constant. It varies depending on the mode of operation. For example, a navigation light may draw less power in standby mode than when it is turned on at full brightness.
To calculate the total amperage draw of all the boat lights, you can add up the amperage draw of each individual light. However, it is also important to consider other factors that can affect the overall power usage of the boat. These factors include the use of other electrical devices such as radios, sound systems, and navigation systems.
To prevent draining the boat’s battery, it is recommended to use LED lights instead of traditional incandescent lights. LED lights are more energy-efficient and have a lower amperage draw. They also last longer and provide brighter illumination.
Understanding the amperage draw of boat lights is important for maintaining the overall power usage of the boat’s electrical system. It is advisable to use LED lights to minimize the amperage draw and conserve battery power. Boat owners should also ensure that their boat’s electrical system is properly maintained to avoid any power-related issues while on water.