q. Why doesn’t Lumitec have any published Lumen information?

a. Our research indicates that lumen data as published by many lighting suppliers is grossly inaccurate, or at best misleading. To accurately ascertain this information one needs to conduct careful testing using sophisticated equipment.  In lieu of this, many companies generate lumen ‘approximations’ by simply adding the lumen output published by emitter manufacturers. Unfortunately, this data usually yields approximations which are significantly overstated.  The reason is that the initial emitter output data is generated in a laboratory, with a junction temp of 25C, at a pulse of about 20 mS. This emitter lumen output information is really only useful for comparing one emitter to another. Moreover, this ‘hypothetical’ lumen data is typically not derated for reduction of luminous efficiency due to heat, optics, windows, elevated drive currents, etc.

Naturally, it is not our policy to knowingly publish incorrect information. Therefore, we prefer to compare our lights to alternate light sources. For example, our SeaBlaze3 underwater light is brighter than most lights in its class, and usually outperforms lights priced 2 to 3 times more.  Our Caprera and Capri lights are excellent replacements for the typical 55W halogen flood lights.  These comparisons can be seen in our side-by-side photographic comparisons in the “products” section of our web site.

(or click here for photos of our lights in use)

 

q. What type of bottom paint should be used when mounting the SeaBlaze Underwater Lights to the transom?

a. We recommend using Trilux 33 Antifouling Aluminum Bottom Paint with your SeaBlaze Underwater Lights. Any pre-existing bottom paints on the transom with high copper content should be removed within a 1 inch border around the SeaBlaze housing. The removal area can then be coated with the Trilux 33 Antifouling Paint or other “Aluminum Safe” bottom paint.

 

q. What sealant is recommended for the underwater lights?

a. 5200 is not recommended as it is an very aggressive adhesive. 4200 is recommended as a proper sealant.

 

q. Do I need a DC transformer as the power of the original Halogen lights I am replacing is 110v 60hz?

a. Yes, you will need a power source of 12 to 24 VDC. 

 

q. Some of your lights are rated for 12VDC, but my boat only has 24VDC where I want to install the lights.  Is there any way to use your 12VDC on a vessel’s 24VDC power system?

a. Yes, by running 2 of our 12VDC lights in SERIES the lights can be operated on a 24VDC system.  See this wiring diagram (pdf) for more details:

 

q. Should I paint the underwater lights?

a. Performance will not be affected if you do not paint the lights.  However like any underwater fitting you may experience growth if the parts are not coated with an appropriate anti-fouling paint. You MUST use aluminum-safe bottom paint, and you should not use non-safe paints in close proximity to the SeaBlaze lights. 

 

q. What is the material of the underwater lights?

a. The housing is Marine Grade aluminum, with a Hardcoat finish tested to 3,000 hours in a 117 salt spray chamber. The majority of our lights are made from this material.

 

q. What is the wattage?

a The wattage isn’t quoted but can be found by multiplying the current by the operating voltage.

 

q. How far does the SeaBlaze3 shine underwater?  SeaBlaze2?

a. Approximately 50 feet in clear water conditions
b. Approximately 25 feet in clear water conditions

 

q. How many hours will our lights burn?

a. Approximately 30,000 hours