Did you know that compared to incandescent light bulbs, LED lights may be 90% more efficient? That saves a ton of energy. They may be whatever color you like and have a longer lifespan.
The majority of new RVs already have LED lights installed, but for older RVs, they may be a significant improvement. RV LED lights should be used instead of conventional bulbs for a few additional reasons in addition to their extended lifetime. Let's look at it.
Why Should Your RV Have LED Lights?
The excessive heat that traditional incandescent light bulbs emit makes them potentially hazardous to touch. They may also make your RV feel hotter, which would need more electricity to keep it cool. They don't last very long, therefore you must replace them periodically. You get no notice when they do go out.
In contrast, RV LED lights consume less energy, stay cool to the touch, and gradually dim over time to let you know you need replace them soon. Even though they are more expensive, you won't need to change them as often.
You may save energy by using more energy-efficient LED lights, which use a lot less power than other types of bulbs like incandescent or halogen. This is especially important if you are boondocking. RV LED lights use less solar or battery electricity. Thermal management is used in their distinctive heat sink design to effectively regulate heat.
They may be used almost everywhere.
LED lights may often replace conventional light bulbs as long as the size and form match the area. However, they could not work together if your lighting include a dimming option.
Due to a lack of space for heat dissipation, closed fixtures might sometimes be incompatible with LEDs. Therefore, you cannot expect them to endure when you install them in recessed or enclosed track lights. LEDs will function flawlessly in open, well-ventilated installations.
Check the voltage and current as well. When replacing the old bulbs, you don't need as much electricity since RV LED lights are more efficient. For instance, a 10 watt LED light will have the same brightness as a 60 watt incandescent or 30 watt fluorescent.
Replace your light bulbs within the same socket if you decide to do so. Due to the heat produced by conventional bulbs, using fluorescent or halogen bulbs with LED lights may result in a reduction in their performance.
They might help you save money (They Last Longer)
Compared to incandescent bulbs' 1,000 hours of life, LED lights have a lifespan of around 25,000 hours. You won't need to buy new bulbs as often.
Additionally, their cost has decreased with time. As a result, changing your bulbs won't cost you as much up front as it would have done in the past.
Pro Tip: Avoid being stranded in the dark when using LED illumination! We revealed Which Generator Is the Best (Quietest) for Camping to assist you in maintaining electricity.
How to Choose the Correct Color Temperature for LED Lights
Color temperature refers to how warm or chilly a light is. Warm white, cool white, and natural light are the standard color options for LED lights. Warm white is more muted and soft, whereas cool white is brighter and more defined.
Typically, RVers put cold white in work spaces and warm white in bedrooms. For those who desire a little bit of both, natural white is a perfect middle ground.
How to Upgrade Your RV's Lights to LED
You merely need to know how to switch to LED lights if we've persuaded you to do so. The majority of the time, it's as easy as screwing in a light bulb! But in case you need a little more direction, listed below are some actions to do.
1. Change the bulbs
Identify the sorts of light bulbs you currently use first. Are they halogen or fluorescent? The open and well-ventilated fixture that is necessary for LED heat dissipation may not be present in older light bulbs.
Next, locate and purchase new LED bulbs for your RV. Find the same connection type and voltage as your old bulbs, then choose the right color. Finally, choose 12V DC rather than 120V AC when replacing.
2. Change all of the light fixtures
You will need to replace the complete enclosed light fixture if you wish to go from conventional to LED bulbs. They need open air to dissipate heat, as was previously explained. They will also be brighter than other conventional bulbs. Additionally, certain fixtures have specialized heat sinks, which work well with LED lights.
You may have to replace the complete fixture since you can't always locate an LED bulb that works. To ensure that the new one you buy entirely fills the old hole, measure the size of the hole in the wall or ceiling.
When you locate the ideal RV LED light fixture, choose the desired color temperature and confirm that the voltage is 12V DC rather than 120V AC, just like you would when selecting the ideal LED bulbs.
You're prepared to wire and install your new LED light fixture for your RV after you've taken care of all these aspects. Make sure the light source is turned off in the breaker box. Next, take the screws out of the old light fixture.
To distinguish between live and ground cords, most light fixtures incorporate color-coded wires. To find them, consult the instruction manual or check the positive and negative voltage. When measuring voltage, avoid touching the wires one to another.
3. Upgrade the LED lighting throughout your RV.
If there isn't currently a light fixture there, choose the position for the new lights first depending on the availability of 12V DC power.
After deciding where to place a fixture, you may choose from a variety of light choices, including strip lights, puck lights, etc. Once again, confirm that they run on 12V rather than 120V AC.
When you have the new location, new fixture, and new LED lights, you are prepared to install. After drilling the hole, wire the fixture and install it. The replacement light is then screwed in. Take the proper safety measures, of course. Don't tamper with the power. Power off, and use caution.
