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Dimmer Switch Issue 400 Sedan Bridge

Discussion in 'Sea Ray Yacht' started by Thisisit, May 17, 2018.

  1. Thisisit

    Thisisit Member

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    Aug 20, 2004
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    165
    Location:
    Midland, Ontario, Canada
    I replaced all of the ceiling light bulbs with dimmable LEDs. They were not the cheapest bulbs but not ridiculously expensive either. They dim and brighten just like the incandescent bulbs but one thing.
    The first evening, I noticed that the LEDs glowed ever so slightly even when the dimmer was turned off. I should note that these are the auto-dim type dimmers. They turn the incandescent bulbs off totally.
    Anyone else come across this?
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes, the dimmers you have leak a little voltage and with incandescent it’s not enough to light them, but since leds used 1/8th of the voltage it’s enough. You could switch to a dimmer designed for leds or let it ride.
  3. Thisisit

    Thisisit Member

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    165
    Location:
    Midland, Ontario, Canada
    I wonder if the LED dimmers made for the contemporary Sea Rays are of the same configuration i.e. size, dimension and style. I'll have to drop in an see.
    Can anyone with factory LED lights and dimmers post a pic of their switch gang?
  4. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Place a bleeder resistor across the output power leads from the dimmer. Start with 1 MegOhm.
  5. Thisisit

    Thisisit Member

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    Aug 20, 2004
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    165
    Location:
    Midland, Ontario, Canada
    I have weighed the options. The resistor would certainly dampen the voltage on the line side and most likely extinguish the lights. However, it wouldn't necessarily stop the voltage leaking from the switch itself and hence, still allow a minuscule amount of current to drain from the batteries. Since the drain is nothing to worry about, I will let it ride as Capt J quipped. On the upside, we now have the perfect night light for entering the boat in the dark. Thanks for the suggestions.