Artificial lighting systems aren’t restricted to land-based applications. There are some lighting systems that are designed specifically for use in marine-related applications. Known as marine lighting, you can find it on boats, ships, watersport vehicles, docks, marinas and more. If you’re thinking about buying marine lighting, though, you should consider the following tips.
Waterproof Construction
Marine lighting needs to feature a waterproof construction. Otherwise, it won’t last. After all marine-related applications are defined by their sea- or water-based environment. Even if you don’t intend to fully submerge it, you should choose marine lighting that’s capable of withstanding water without sustaining damage. Fortunately, marine lighting is available in a waterproof construction. You can choose marine lighting that’s compliant with Ingress Protection (IP) 67 standards, for instance.
Energy-Efficient Technology
In addition to a waterproof construction, you should choose marine lighting that’s powered by an energy-efficient technology. There are different types of lighting technologies, some of which consume more energy than others. Incandescent is an energy-hungry lighting technology that’s been around for decades. In recent years, incandescent has been gradually replaced with light-emitting diode (LED). LED marine lighting is far more energy efficient. It’s able to produce illumination for a longer period while consuming less energy in the process.
Electrical Requirements
Don’t forget to consider the electrical requirements when choosing marine lighting. While some types of marine lighting feature solar panels, most of them require the use of an external power source. When choosing marine lighting, you’ll need to make sure it’s compatible with a nearby power source.
Material
Of course, different marine lighting systems are made of different materials. Most of them consist of one or more bulbs that are housed inside of a fixture. The material from the fixture is made, though, can vary. Some marine lighting systems have a plastic fixture, whereas others have a metal fixture. Stainless steel is a common material in which these fixtures are made. With stainless steel, marine lighting systems are naturally protected against corrosion.
Warranty
You may want to choose marine lighting that comes with a warranty. A warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer or store. If the marine lighting system fails during the warranty period, the manufacturer or vendor will typically pay to repair or replace it free of charge. Some marine lighting systems come with a one-year warranty. As a result, you can rest assured knowing that you won’t have to pay for any repairs for at least one year.