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**GordMay** · 30-09-2012, 04:02

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bob.

The advantages of current control (over voltage control) in an LED light, are more consistent light output from unit to unit and a longer, more consistent life expectancy.
LEDs are current-driven devices whose brightness is proportional to their forward current. Their light output and life expectancy are both tied directly to their operating current. The constant-current source eliminates changes in current due to variations in forward voltage, which translates into a constant LED brightness.

So, CC LEDs would definitely be worth it, for "critical" and difficult to access lights, such as anchor/steaming/spreader lights on the mast; and somewhat less so for easily changed cabin "convenience" lights.

JusDreaming · 30-09-2012, 05:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul L

If you are also replacing fixtures, the best quality over head and reading lights we've found come from Alpenglow Lights Really a nice light from tbeir reading lights.

Very satisfied with the two Alpen glow fixtures we have bought

Sailorman375 · 30-09-2012, 05:44

OK...How do I know a bulb is CC. I have tried one from Super Bright LED and it's been working fine for about a year. I should note my boat is 24V.

**noelex 77** · 30-09-2012, 05:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailorman375

OK...How do I know a bulb is CC. I have tried one from Super Bright LED and it's been working fine for about a year. I should note my boat is 24V.

If it lists a wide voltage range say 10-32v it has some control circuitry and almost all of these are CC.

LEDs with only a dropping resistor are only suitable for a very narrow voltage range. The vast majority of these are 12v only, but there are some designed for 24v.