Salon Lights wiring H49

[Velero49]

I am replacing 6 lights in the salon. The old lights (mini flourecent) have 3 wires and the new ones(LED) 2 wires. One of the blue pair has 12 volts all the time, the other pair is controlled by the dimer switch. Why is the old fixture wired in such manner?

 

[DayDreamer41]

I know on our 41DS the mini fluorescent each have their own switch that would explain the hot all the time wire, blue could be jumpers to the next fixture yellow should be ground. Our fixtures were not dimmable?

 

[Velero49]

that is my thinking that it was wired for both lamps with switch and for a daisy chain of 6 with dimer.

 

[Sailor_Al]

I had the same arrangement on a 2007 Hunter 45CC. One wire was +12, -12, and a third varied with a voltage as the dimmer was operated.

I wired my new led replacements between the -12 and the third wire with the variable voltage. The led lamps were a bit brighter

 

[artboas]

I had the same arrangement on a 2007 Hunter 45CC. One wire was +12, -12, and a third varied with a voltage as the dimmer was operated.

I wired my new led replacements between the -12 and the third wire with the variable voltage. The led lamps were a bit brighter

Here’s the story
The 3rd wire is a PWM signal from the dimmer control unit
You can use these fixtures as on/off by connecting the control line to the 12v+
But, I assume you are putting in led fixtures
What you’ll need to do is put in a standard led dimmer which is controlling the blue wire, from where it is originated.
On the 49, this is back at the breaker panel.
So, you’re going to need a 12v switch with dimmer. A number of options are available
I assume you will be replacing the fwd & aft cabin lights as well
These are easier, as there is an off/on switch already installed. Just replace this with the new dimmer.

 

[artboas]

Here’s the story
The 3rd wire is a PWM signal from the dimmer control unit
You can use these fixtures as on/off by connecting the control line to the 12v+
But, I assume you are putting in led fixtures
What you’ll need to do is put in a standard led dimmer which is controlling the blue wire, from where it is originated.
On the 49, this is back at the breaker panel.
So, you’re going to need a 12v switch with dimmer. A number of options are available
I assume you will be replacing the fwd & aft cabin lights as well
These are easier, as there is an off/on switch already installed. Just replace this with the new dimmer.

A slightly easier route, btw, is to use a wireless remote. In this way, you don’t need to mount a switch back at the control panel; just the receiver.
All of my interior lights are on 4 channel remotes. This way you can control the cabins from anywhere aboard. Bit of work, but worth it.