Lumitec Underwater Light Tutorial

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q. Why doesn’t Lumitec have any published Lumen information?

a. Our research indicates that lumen data as published by many lighting suppliers is grossly inaccurate, or at best misleading. To accurately ascertain this information one needs to conduct careful testing using sophisticated equipment. In lieu of this, many companies generate lumen ‘approximations’ by simply adding the lumen output published by emitter manufacturers. Unfortunately, this data usually yields approximations which are significantly overstated. The reason is that the initial emitter output data is generated in a laboratory, with a junction temp of 25C, at a pulse of about 20 mS. This emitter lumen output information is really only useful for comparing one emitter to another. Moreover, this ‘hypothetical’ lumen data is typically not derated for reduction of luminous efficiency due to heat, optics, windows, elevated drive currents, etc.

Naturally, it is not our policy to knowingly publish incorrect information. Therefore, we prefer to compare our lights to alternate light sources. For example, our SeaBlaze3 underwater light is brighter than most lights in its class, and usually outperforms lights priced 2 to 3 times more. Our Caprera and Capri lights are excellent replacements for the typical 55W halogen flood lights. These comparisons can be seen in our side-by-side photographic comparisons in the “products” section of our web site.

(or click here for photos of our lights in use)

q. What type of bottom paint should be used when mounting the SeaBlaze Underwater Lights to the transom?

a. We recommend using Trilux 33 Antifouling Aluminum Bottom Paint with your SeaBlaze Underwater Lights. Any pre-existing bottom paints on the transom with high copper content should be removed within a 1 inch border around the SeaBlaze housing. The removal area can then be coated with the Trilux 33 Antifouling Paint or other “Aluminum Safe” bottom paint.

q. What sealant is recommended for the underwater lights?

a. 5200 is not recommended as it is an very aggressive adhesive. 4200 is recommended as a proper sealant.

q. Do I need a DC transformer as the power of the original Halogen lights I am replacing is 110v 60hz?

a. Yes, you will need a power source of 12 to 24 VDC.

q. Some of your lights are rated for 12VDC, but my boat only has 24VDC where I want to install the lights. Is there any way to use your 12VDC on a vessel’s 24VDC power system?

a. Yes, by running 2 of our 12VDC lights in SERIES the lights can be operated on a 24VDC system. See this wiring diagram (pdf) for more details:

q. Should I paint the underwater lights?

a. Performance will not be affected if you do not paint the lights. However like any underwater fitting you may experience growth if the parts are not coated with an appropriate anti-fouling paint. You MUST use aluminum-safe bottom paint, and you should not use non-safe paints in close proximity to the SeaBlaze lights.

q. What is the material of the underwater lights?

a. The housing is Marine Grade aluminum, with a Hardcoat finish tested to 3,000 hours in a 117 salt spray chamber. The majority of our lights are made from this material.

q. What is the wattage?

a The wattage isn’t quoted but can be found by multiplying the current by the operating voltage.

q. How far does the SeaBlaze3 shine underwater? SeaBlaze2?

a. Approximately 50 feet in clear water conditions
b. Approximately 25 feet in clear water conditions

q. How many hours will our lights burn?

a. Approximately 30,000 hours

LED Lighting Selection and Design

Boatbuilders today are being offered an ever widening array of LED lighting choices. Selecting the right luminaire for a given location can be a daunting task. Unlike conventional incandescent lights, seemingly similar LED luminaires can differ greatly in terms of their expected service life, their efficiency, and the overall usability or efficacy of light output. Further complicating matters, the efficacy of light output is affected by several factors, including: the intensity of the light generated by the diode(s) inside the luminaire; the color of the light generated; and the beam pattern of the light as it exits the fixture.

Lumitec luminaires are designed with a comprehensive knowledge of these factors. At inception we define requirements for the luminaire's intensity, light color, beam pattern, service life, and overall efficiency. The graphic below and information on the reverse outlines how Lumitec designs to these requirements.

LED Technology

Thermal Management
Contrary to popular belief, LED lighting devices actually generate more heat than comparably powered incandescent fixtures. Effectively managing this heat is one of the greatest challenges of LED luminaire design. As individual diodes heat up light output drops, output color can change, and the expected life can be greatly reduced. Specialized software applications allow us to understand the thermal dynamics of a lighting system. Our on-site machine shop and prototype lab enables us to rapidly test design concepts in real world conditions. Lumitec is an innovator in developing effective ways to move heat from the junction of the diodes to the ambient air.

LED Selection
There are tens of thousands of LED emitters on the market today. These products vary wildly in terms of their size, light output, light color, power dissipation, luminous efficiency, thermal resistance, and cost. Lumitec's staff of engineers is well versed in these selection criteria. Moreover, we are afforded on-site support from engineers from the top diode manufacturers in the world. This allows us to select the best emitters for a given application, and ensure that we are offering our customers the most current technology in this rapidly changing field.

Optical Design
Effective optical design is critical to the overall efficacy of the light. "Hot spots" on a light create irregular contrasts and shadows and induce eye fatigue. Not properly collimating (or focusing) a light can lead to inadequate light where it is needed. The optical system of each Lumitec luminaire is carefully engineered to provide the best light pattern for the intended application.

Housing Design
Naturally the aesthetic appeal of our luminaires is the most immediately appreciable. But the beauty of the housing is far more than superficial. Our luminaires are designed to be easy to mount, highly resistant to weather, wear and impact, and easy to use. In all cases the housing is an integral part of the overall thermal management system. Materials and finishes are carefully selected and designs artfully crafted to ensure the optimal balance between form and function.

Circuit Design
Lumitec does not use "off the shelf" drive circuits. Each luminaire we produce utilizes a highly specialized drive circuit optimized for that luminaire's intended use and installation. Our on-site electrical lab enables us to quickly develop and test circuitry to ensure it will stand up to the rigors of the marine environment. Domestic suppliers ensure high quality and very rapid response to changing market demands.

Evaluation Guide Underwater Lights -Housings-

Housing materials should be extremely durable and highly corrosion resistant. While through-hull designs may allow for a slightly lower profile, they typically require a significantly more complex installation procedure. Even under water, thermal management is a key consideration as today’s high powered emitters can easily generate heat levels that can be detrimental to gelcoats and polyester resins. Therefore housing materials should be thermally conductive. Insulating housing materials such as plastics, while lower cost, are not as conducive to proper cooling and as such should be evaluated carefully.

Lumitec
Machined from marine-grade aluminum, conversion-protected with the same technology used on the US Navy’s ultra-deep unmanned submersibles
Surface mount design installs quickly and easily
Housings have demonstrated a remarkable 10,000+ hours in salt-spray testing

Others
Lower cost plastic housings insulate heat-generating components / Alternatively, low-quality cast stainless lights are prone to corrosion
Through-hull designs require significantly more installation time and highly skilled labor

Evaluation Guide Underwater Lights -Circuitry-

Internal drive circuits do not require the installation and connection of an external driver box. Drive circuitry should actively regulate current and compensate for changes in temperature to avoid overdriving or overheating. Well engineered circuits are greater than 90% efficient, while less expensive, crude resistive circuits may waste 50% or more of the total power in the form of damaging heat.

Lumitec
All circuitry contained inside the light – no boxes to mount, fewer connections to make and maintain
Highly efficient circuit offers the maximum light output with the minimum power
Accommodates voltages from 10 to 30VDC

Others
Large bulky driver boxes must mounted separately from the light
“Overdriving” lower cost emitters can yield impressive results initially, but may reduce expected life by 80% or more.
Resistive (linear) circuits are inexpensive, but can generate excessive heat

Evaluation Guide Underwater Lights -The "WOW" Factor-

Your customers want an impressive display of light when docked, fishing, or underway. Understanding how light interacts with water, and how users perceive the light is key to delivering maximum satisfaction. Because light will travel differently through air and water (particularly water that is anything other than gin-clear) the obvious choice on the shop floor may not be the best choice in the marina. Light output should be collimated (focused) to mitigate the natural scattering effect of suspended sediments. Emitters should be carefully chosen to offer the highest output, in colors which perform best in expected water conditions.

Lumitec
Utilizes a multi-stage optical system which collimates the light output for maximum impact.
Offers the latest colors and features
Continues to innovate to keep pace with new trends and changing customer tastes

Others
Save money by omitting optics altogether
Utilize ‘me-too’ designs and low quality overseas manufacturing

Lumitec SeaBlaze3 Underwater Light Comparisons

Flush Mount Down Light Selection Guide - Housings

Light housings should be attractive, small, durable and corrosion resistant. Since thermal management is a key factor in maintaining the life and color stability of any emitter, housings should facilitate the cooling of the circuitry and the LED Emitters

Lumitec
Fully sealed, tested to 1 meter depth
Machined from marine-grade aluminum, anodized or powdercoated for years of service
Smallest lights in the class: half the diameter and one-fifth the depth of many competitors, providing a clean look and unprecedented design flexibility.
Fully tested in our ASTM B117 Salt spray chamber
Easy to mount, no metal to metal contact – won’t bind or jam

Others
Larger, very dated designs using old technologies
Not sealed – won’t stand up to salt spray and washdowns.
Harder to design into today’s sleeker, thinner structures

Flush Mount Down Light Comparison Photo

Flush Mount Down Light Selection Guide - Circuitry

Circuitry should actively regulate current and compensate for changes in temperature to avoid overdriving or overheating. Well engineered circuits are greater than 90% efficient, while less expensive, crude resistive circuits may waste 50% or more of the total power in the form of damaging heat.

Lumitec
Intelligent circuitry offers dimming, soft start, and multi-color options – all with existing 2-wire rigging and any standard on/off switch.
Accommodates voltages from 10 to 30VDC**
Highly efficient design means less power is wasted in the drive circuit, more power is used for illumination.

Others
Inadequate power regulation can reduce expected life by 80% or more.
Resistive (linear) circuits are inexpensive, but can generate excessive heat.
Crude circuits expose emitters to small changes in system voltages, resulting in significant changes in light output when other loads are turned on, engines are started, etc.

Flush Mount Down Light -LED's and Optical Systems-

Naturally light output is a key consideration when selecting an LED luminaire. Lumitec focuses on 3 key areas when designing a luminaire: Light intensity, light color, and beam pattern. We strongly recommend that lights be evaluated in a darkened environment. Look for overall beam angle, hot spots, and shadows. If possible, operate the lights at different voltages to see how the light responds to changes in the on-board electrical system.

Lumitec Others

Flush Mount Down Light Output Test

Lumitec
Lumitec uses high quality LED emitters from the world’s top manufacturers: Luxeon (Phillips), Cree, etc.
Emitter colors are carefully selected for the intended use
Light is very wide and evenly distributed, with no hot spots.

Others
Use less expensive emitters which cast an awkward “flat” blue light
Require multiple wire leads and/or expensive proprietary switches for multiple colors or dimming
Mask low output with a tight beam, increasing vessel fixture count and rigging expense.

Underwater Light Spacing Guide