I replaced the overhead fluorescent lighting with LED lights which look less institutional and provide a better quality light. Now I would like to replace the bunk lights. Are there LED versions of the original GE 1142 RE 7 bulbs? Or what replacement is recommended?
On testing my “bunk lights” I find that all is fine on the port side but neither work on the starboard side. The GE 1142 bulbs are OK so what are the weaknesses in the wiring on the starboard side that I should check?
The last TGIF finished in the dark so it was a great opportunity to test all my lights. All lights worked including navigation lights except the two starboard bunk lights. All suggestions to trace the wiring faults will be appreciated.
I replaced the bunk lights with new units that were practically the same size as the originals. They were supplied with LED lights.
CAUTION, I found the wiring to the lights corroded and not much excess wire to play with when trimming for the replacement fixtures. And we are on the Great Lakes.
Are there separate breakers for the port and stbd bunk lights?? If so, make sure you have power on the output side of the stbd breaker. I’ve replace all my bunk light bulbs with LEDs.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
I found one or two that were wired incorrectly.
If you put a bulb in and it doesn’t work,The LED only works when the diode is on the positive side so you may have to correct the wiring.
You can start by checking the wires attached to the back of the starboard circuit breaker. And test with a multi-metre if you have one. If not, buy one, you can find them pretty cheap, under $20. Good ones cost about $100.
Equivalent leds are readily available. A 30 second Amazon search found his one, but there are many from 2 packs to dozens packs. You need to choose your white colour and make sure of polarity which is critical for less. As for getting power to that side of the cabin you must, must have a multimeter. I would get a medium-priced one rather than el cheapo or a pro one.
As to the cause of your problem, I had something similar this year on Nonsuch. After much looking I found that the positive lead went from the breaker to a spot above the panel where it split in two. The starboard side was fine but the port had a short and had burned out where the wire entered the ceiling to get to the other side of the cabin. There was no way to pull a new wire through so I ran a new wire under the floor and to the aft-most fixture - the quarter berth reading light this restored the circuit so lights ‘downstream’ worked.
Joe is quite correct about the wiring. It doesn’t matter with an incandescent bulb.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
