Blown globe or fuse? How to check it?

[monte]

My deck floodlight stopped working. Just wondering how to check the problem? There is a switch on the electrical panel with a LED. When I turn it on the LED lights but not the floodlight. I can't see a fuse inside the panel directly to the switch so how to I check whats up? I have a multimeter if that helps ! Just a simple step by step of what you would do would be a great help.
Thanks
Monte

[zeehag]

i usually have someone go up my mast and replace the bulb. isnt hard, and only takes 4-5 drunken sailors to get it right=-=beer isprovided by boat owner--how do ye think i can find all the drunken sailors....lol

[Tellie]

Check continuity of the line going up to the lamp and the line going back. Chances are good that if you're reading an open then the bulb is bad. But to be sure as Zee says you need to head up to the light and check the continuity across the bulb to make sure that is your open.

[Paul Elliott]

Is that "switch" a switch, or a circuit breaker? My electrical panel uses breakers as on/off switches, and they each have a LED that illuminated when the circuit is powered up.

As suggested, you can measure the continuity from the switch (or breaker) output to your ground bus. I suspect it's the lamp -- I've had to replace a few blown spreader lights.

[monte]

thanks, Jen just hoisted me up and I removed the globe. checked it with the 12v lighter socket and it doesn't work so I guess its the globe. I'll try find one tomorrow to replace it. I thought it probably was the globe but wanted to avoid going up to check :P

[Tellie]

I get the feeling you're a little uncomfortable with a multi meter. This is an invaluable tool on board and warrants understanding. No sailor should go offshore without a basic knowledge of how to trouble shoot simple electrical circuits with a multi meter. It's gonna save you thousands in the long run, and it could save your boat.