John, This looks like a good swap. I just emailed Bebi about any issues related to using the polarity to select between 2 units on a 2 wire mast. I wouldn't think so especially since they have incorporated series FET current regulators but it's better they concur.
Based on my involvement with product safety you comment on drawing less current means you can use smaller wire raised the hackles on the back of my neck. Technically that is incorrect. What I'm about to say sounds like semantics but give it a second to sink in and I'm sure you'll see there an import nuance involved. Minimum wire size is always selected solely based on the current rating of the protection device (fuse). If the expected load goes up or down the first thing you change is the protection device then a change in wire size can be considered. In this case I believe the fuse in the panel is one common size and most likely shared, therefore the mast wires cannot be downsized without setting up a hazardous condition. Even if you matched a fuse down size to a new smaller wire there a good chance in the future the normal size fuse would get installed later in the boats life. Best Regards, Phil Agur --- In [email protected], "John Guttridge" <j...@...> wrote: > > Mark, > > > > I am in the process of replacing mine with the bebi electronics "owl" > light. It draws way less current and was very affordable. It is also way > less likely to fail and require you to have to replace a bulb (since it > has no bulbs). > > > > http://www.bebi-electronics.com/owl.html > > > > Due to the lower current requirements the light can be wired with > lighter gage wiring too. > > > > Best, > > John > > > > From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of > sailmark4 > Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 9:18 AM > To: [email protected] > Subject: [IC27A] Mast Light > > > > > > > > > While I had my mast down I thought I would upgrade to the SS spreader > sockets and do some wiring maintenance and etc. Turns out the wiring at > the base was shot, too many old, botched repairs. So I'm re-wiring. > Question: I only have one light on the mast, it's the original steaming > light or what ever on the forward side about halfway up, what is the > most common upgrade? All,around white light at the mast top? Tri-color? > > Mark > Solution 4289 >
