Carver Owners Forum

Hi. I noticed the second switch in front cabin was not doing anything, until I realized there was a 18w 24 inch fluorescent light over the mirror. I thought bulb was burned out, so got a led version of same tube light. This required I bypass the ballast in the fixture. So I did. But it did not work. So I assumed it was bad led tube I got. I hooked everything back and got a 15w 24 inch fluorescent (could not find a 18W at local home depot). I noticed the light slowly started from one end, but only got to half of the tube. After several tries realized I was not getting anywhere and maybe ballast (fixture is bad). So I ripped it off to buy a replacement. Unfortunately I do not know what to replace with now. I am OK with fluorescent or led, or puck lights, or anything really (not battery powered though). I just need one that I can hook up neutral and hot wire and be done. Can anyone suggest anything? I do not want a fixture with plugs, boxes, etc. just 2 wires that I can hook up to the wire coming from the wall. Also do I get fixture for 110 or 12 watt system?

The question is; do you currently have 12 volt or 120 volt wiring there? You will need to confirm this before deciding which way to go.

I do not know what it is. Documentation does not indicate. There is a page which lists the bulbs only, in this case it is the only fluorescent tube on the boat. I was hoping there is another carver 56 owner out there who replaced one and can tell me what they replaced it with. I am assuming it is 120 volt, but I could be wrong.

Just reading more in documentation, it is all controlled by left panel in galley. Which is labeled 12 Volt DC Power. So I assume whether you are on doc power or on battery power it is 12 volt? So if I purchase like a led light bar I can directly wire to it?

Put a vom across the leads and verify voltage.
Then yes, just install a strip led fixture of the correct voltage.

waybomb wrote:Source of the post Put a vom across the leads and verify voltage.
Then yes, just install a strip led fixture of the correct voltage.

I agree. Take a meter and confirm firm first. Probably is 12 volt but better safe than sorry. Or see if you can find some specs labeled on the old fixture that tells you what the input voltage is.

Just to bring closure to this. I ended up getting a led light from eBay for 12v direct connect. Perfect fit for the location, plus it had on/off switch as well. simple to hook up 2 wires from wall to light unit and we are all set.

Great!
Thanks for the update.

Perhaps you could post the product web link and photo to assist others who are searching for a similar item.
Thanks.

After Taxes wrote:Source of the post Perhaps you could post the product web link and photo to assist others who are searching for a similar item.
Thanks.

I'll do that, when I get back to the boat this weekend, take a picture or two and the light itself.