Dome lights are commonly found in boats or caravans

They can be problematic due to the high power consumption of the traditional bulbs. However, they can be easily converted to safe low-power LED, which not only reduces power consumption but also provides brighter light.

Materials needed:

• LED disk
• Flathead screwdriver
• Hot-melt glue gun (or double sided ‘sticky fixers’)

Step 1: Remove the cover of the dome light using a flathead screwdriver.

Step 2: Remove the bulb from the socket.

Step 3: Remove the rear screw from the dome light.

Step 4: Insert the LED disk into the socket, making sure that it is securely in place.

Step 5: Reposition the plug and socket into the rear rim of the dome light as shown.

Step 6: Build up two small pillars of hot-melt glue beneath the LED disk. If you don’t have a hot-melt glue gun, you can use double-sided ‘sticky fixers’ instead. In either case, ensure that there is enough height to allow air to circulate beneath the LED disk, as this helps to keep everything cooler and extends the LED’s lifespan.

Step 7: Position the LED disk over the pillars and add final blobs of glue to secure it in place.

Step 8: The final result is a much brighter light than the original bulb, and it also consumes less power.

Please note that since the bulb normally lies ‘sideways’ in the fitting, most suppliers would offer you an LED ‘Tower’ bulb, which in many cases will not fit and in all cases shines light backwards into the fitting where it can’t be reflected because the non-transparent bulb blocks the light. The LED disk used in this guide is a better alternative as it shines light downwards, making it more effective for dome lights.

Please note that this guide is only for low voltage 12v or 24v lights found in boats or caravans, and it is not suitable for mains voltage fluorescent lights!