Navigation lights wired

Wired Navigation Lights and COLREG Compliance

Navigation lights are a fundamental requirement for safe operation at sea, ensuring vessels remain visible and properly identified in low-light and night-time conditions. Wired navigation lights, as opposed to portable or battery navigation lights, form part of the vessel’s permanent electrical system. They are connected to the onboard DC power supply (typically 12V or 24V) to provide uninterrupted illumination whenever required. Their reliability, durability, and compliance with international regulations make them the default choice for most yacht owners, naval architects, and professional skippers.

Advantages of Wired Navigation Lights

Continuous Power Supply – Connected directly to the vessel’s battery system, wired navigation lights offer consistent illumination without the risk of battery depletion.

Long-Term Reliability – Permanent installations with high-grade cabling and waterproof housings ensure reliable function even under heavy spray, driving rain, or freezing temperatures.

Superior Light Output – Modern LED technology delivers bright, clear signals while consuming minimal power, extending house battery endurance during night passages.

Low Maintenance – Quality marine-grade LEDs have an expected life of 50,000+ hours, removing the need for frequent bulb replacements.

Lopolight Wired Navigation Light

Wired Navigation Lights from Lopolight

Lopolight, a Danish manufacturer, is widely regarded as a pioneer in marine LED navigation lighting. Lopolight navigation lights are machined from solid anodized aluminium, ensuring structural integrity and resistance to harsh marine conditions. The electronics are fully encapsulated, protecting against vibration and water ingress. Many Lopolight units integrate multiple functions into compact housings, such as combined port, starboard, and stern lights for yachts under 20 metres. With approvals from IMO, USCG, and MED, Lopolight fixtures are specified for both leisure yachts and commercial applications.

Wired Navigation Lights from Mantagua

French manufacturer Mantagua specialises in energy-efficient LED navigation lighting tailored for sailing and motor yachts. Mantagua lights combine robust housings with advanced optics to optimise light output while keeping power draw to a minimum. Mantagua lights are designed for straightforward installation on masts, pulpits, or stern rails, with compact footprints that suit both retrofits and new builds. The company’s focus on durable components and reliable sealing systems makes Mantagua a popular choice among performance-oriented sailors and bluewater cruisers.

Mantagua Wired Navigation Lights

Applications of Wired Navigation Lights

• Sailing Yachts: Masthead tri-colour, deck-level sidelights, and stern lights ensure full compliance for offshore cruising or racing.

• Motor Yachts and Powerboats: Robust all-round white and masthead lights designed to withstand higher vibration environments.

• Commercial Vessels: Multi-LED clusters with redundancy features for continuous operation, even in case of diode failure.

• Offshore Racing Yachts: Compact, lightweight fixtures with high-output LEDs that minimise windage and power consumption.

Installing Wired Navigation Lights

When fitting wired navigation lights, correct placement is critical for compliance:

• Masthead Lights: White, forward-facing, typically installed on powered vessels.

• Sidelights: Red (port) and green (starboard) fitted at deck level or pulpit positions.

• Stern Lights: White lights visible from astern.

• All-Round Lights: 360° white lights, commonly used at anchor or for smaller powered craft.

• Tri-Colour Lights: Popular on yachts under 20m, combining port, starboard, and stern signals into a single masthead unit.

Correct wiring with marine-grade cabling, heat-shrink connectors, and watertight junction boxes ensures long service life. Integration with the vessel’s electrical panel allows centralised control, often supported by circuit protection via dedicated breakers or fuses.

Key Features of Wired Navigation Lights

• LED Efficiency: Long-lasting light output with minimal current draw.

• IP67/IP68 Waterproof Ratings: Critical for continuous exposure to spray and immersion.

• Optical Precision: High-quality optics to maintain correct arc of visibility as defined by COLREGs.

• Compact and Robust Housing: Resistant to UV radiation, saltwater corrosion, and mechanical impact.

• Global Approvals: MED, USCG, and IMO certifications for international compliance.

Why Choose Wired Navigation Lights

Wired navigation lights represent the professional choice for permanent, reliable, and regulation-compliant visibility at sea. With brands like Lopolight and Mantagua, sailors benefit from advanced LED technology, robust housings, and long service lifespans. Whether specifying lights for a new build, upgrading from halogen units, or retrofitting older vessels, wired systems ensure dependable operation and safety on all passages.