A 12-volt LED lamp is an energy-efficient lighting solution that operates on a low voltage current of 12V. This type of lighting is versatile and is used in household environments as well as vehicles such as cars, campers, and trailers. Due to their low energy consumption and long lifespan, 12V LED lamps are a popular choice in both professional and private settings.

How does a 12V LED lamp work?

12V LED lamps work through light-emitting diodes that produce bright light with a low power supply. They usually operate on direct current (DC) because this provides more stable light and extends the lifespan of the lamp. Most 12V LED lamps have a built-in LED driver that regulates and stabilizes the current.

Are most LED lamps 12V DC?

Not all LED lamps are 12V direct current (DC). LED lamps can have different voltages, including 12V, 24V, and even 230V for use in household installations. However, 12V LED lamps are the most common choice for applications such as cars, boats, and campers, as these lamps are designed to operate on low voltage. This makes them safer, easier to connect, and ideal for mobile applications where a constant and stable power supply is needed. The 12V DC power supply ensures that the LED lamps perform optimally with less risk of damage or malfunction.

Did you know that heat has a significant impact on the lifespan of your 12V LED lamp? Although LEDs emit very little heat, it can accumulate in the driver of the lamp. Proper ventilation and heat dissipation are crucial to ensure that the LED lasts a long time and continues to work efficiently.

The difference between an AC lamp and a DC lamp

The difference between an AC lamp (alternating current) and a DC lamp (direct current) lies in the power supply. AC lamps operate on a current that continuously changes direction, whereas DC lamps operate on a constant current in one direction. LEDs are naturally DC devices, making them more efficient on direct current. Therefore, AC lamps require a driver to stabilize the current.

12-volt LED lamp vs. 24-volt LED lamp: what is the difference?

The difference between 12V and 24V LED lamps mainly lies in the voltage they operate on. A 24V LED lamp requires a higher voltage than a 12 volt lamp, which brings some advantages and disadvantages:

  • Efficiency and Consumption: 24V LED lamps are often more efficient than 12V lamps, especially over long cable runs, as there is less voltage drop. This makes them suitable for larger vehicles, industrial applications, and places where longer distances need to be covered.
  • Safety: 12V LED lamps are safer to use in situations where the lamps come into direct contact with people, such as in campers, caravans, or boats. Because the voltage is low, the risk of shocks or short circuits is reduced.
  • Installatie en Compatibiliteit: 12V is vaak compatibeler met een breder scala aan accessoires en voedingen. Vooral in auto’s en andere voertuigen die standaard 12V-systemen gebruiken.


12 Volt LED Lamps in the Vehicle Industry

  • Cars and Vans: 12V LED lamps are used for headlights, rear lights, interior lighting, license plate lighting, and dashboard lighting.
  • Campers and Caravans: Due to their low voltage and efficiency, they are perfect for indoor and outdoor lighting in campers and caravans, contributing to energy savings.
  • Boats and Yachts: 12V LED lamps are often used in maritime applications for navigation, deck, and interior lighting. They are, of course, waterproof with at least an IP67 or IP68 rating.
  • Trucks and Commercial Vehicles: In work vehicles such as trucks and vans, 12-volt lamps are used for signal lighting, marker lights, and work lamps.
  • Agricultural and Construction Vehicles: Think of tractors, mowers, excavators, and forklifts that use 12V LED lighting for work lights, signal lighting, and additional lighting for safe work in dark or dusty environments.

What does the number of lumens indicate in a 12-volt LED lamp?

When choosing a 12-volt LED lamp, it's important to consider the light output, which is measured in lumens. Lumens (lm) indicate how much visible light a lamp produces, meaning that the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the lamp is. This is different from wattage, which indicates the amount of energy a lamp consumes. With LED lighting, the ratio between lumens and wattage is much more efficient than with traditional incandescent bulbs; an LED lamp requires much less power to produce the same amount of light.