Help with installing LEDs and interior lights

[samm835]

Over the winter I have a few projects that I need to tackle on my boat before the next season. I am wanting to install interior LED light on the inside along the sides from the back to beside the captain seat and co-captain seats. I might also add some LED transom light under my swim platform if I can get this going the way I want. I have an 86 Supra, and I have ZERO electrical experience with adding a new fuse platform or knowing how to hook it up. If I get good instructions.....I can work them well, I am mechanical, just zero experience. Can anyone give me the best way to get the wiring down for this? Do I start with buying a new fuse assembly? If that is the case, how do I get power to it and where to go from there? This might be to aggrevating for some of you to help with but any help would be appreciated!
I will work the amps out when I decide exactly which lights I want to install....main question is where/how do I get power and where to go from there.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Help with installing LEDs and interior lights

If you are going to add lighting to existing interior lights (i.e. courtesy lights), then you can just tap into that wiring. LED lighting should draw a fairly low amount of current and not overstress an existing fuse.

If you are adding from scratch . . . I would take a look at any exisitng fuse or circuit breaker panel. Usually there are a few open spots that you can add a fuse or CB. You should also find a primary 12 volt feed into the fuse/CB panel that you can tap into for your new circuit. You can then feed this to a switch for on/off control and then onto your lights. You will have to find a ground source, and usually those are found in and around the engine compartment or dash board.

Having a voltage tester would be good to make vaidate the wiring as a 12 volt source, ground source, etc.

If you are mechanically inclined, but not electrically versed, then think of the electrical system as a plumbing system instead.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Help with installing LEDs and interior lights

Here is how you wire any accessory that needs only an ON/OFF switch. Obviously power needs to come from somewhere so the first place to look is the fuse panel. If there is an empty slot you have the source. Ground is wherever you find it. If there are any other accessories on this boat, follow the ground wire to see where it gets attached. That would be ground. So from the fuse panel you run a wire (16 gauge is fine) to the switch. Out the other side of the switch you run another 16 gauge wire to feed the lights. You run another 16 gauge wire (black) back to ground. Go boating. Here is a diagram that makes it as clear as possible.

Or presenting it in another way that accomplishes the same thing. There is no need for two fuses. I show the fuse after the fuse panel only to let you know there needs to be one. It actually resides in the fuse panel.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Help with installing LEDs and interior lights

I simply tied my LEDs into my bow and stern light switch. If I am running either, it made sense to have the LEDs on as well.