Leisure batteries or auxiliary batteries are power supplies most commonly used in motor-homes, caravans, boats and yachts to operate the electrical devices and low voltage lights of the habitation area. Though the latest designs of motor-homes are most often equipped with access to mains voltage, still the majority of the above vehicles operate their electronic system at low voltage. This includes lighting as well, creating a demand for low voltage LED lights on the market.

LED low voltage lights  are perfect replacements for halogen low voltage lights and come with many advantages outweighing any traditional light. LED lights can be operated with batteries; however some require special circumstances for long life operation.

If your battery either supplies 12V or 24V for the system, you will find LED lights for yourself. Since 12V systems are more frequently used, we will take this one and examine it closer as an example. Although leisure batteries ideally supply 12V, their output is not constant voltage, but ranges usually between 11-14.6V. Voltage usually drops close to 11V whenever the battery is running low, while obviously while being charged they can rise up to 14.2V, since most of their chargers or alternators charging them cut out at or near 14.2V.

This voltage range requires a special quality from lights, since theoretically LEDs require stabilized power. Most 12V LED lights therefore have a so-called voltage tolerance to be able to take all voltage inputs and emit an even light. Voltage tolerance is especially important at the higher range, where unsuitable products might burn from too high voltage. Therefore it is important to check the details of the products you are about to buy, and prepare the system if the charging of your battery is not regulated.

The more stable your system is, the better it is for LEDs. So, if your system is not suitable for your low voltage lights, or if you would like to make it sure that your 12V LED lights will have the longest possible lifespan, you can try stabilizing your system with an external regulator. Though regulators have some extra consumption of power loading your system, with LED lights this is rather insignificant, since the lights themselves are so low performing, that a small performing converter or stabilizer will easily run all your lights. However, if your LEDs have the necessary voltage tolerance, you can rest assured that they will not be affected by the voltage fluctuation of the battery.