Marine Traditional UNAV Type Light Fixtures & Well Glass Light Fixtures for Harsh Marine Environments Overview: Traditional Marine Lighting in Modern Marine Environments Marine traditional…
Marine Traditional UNAV Type Light Fixtures & Well Glass Light Fixtures for Harsh Marine Environments
Overview: Traditional Marine Lighting in Modern Marine Environments
Marine traditional UNAV type light fixtures and well glass light fixtures are proven lighting solutions designed specifically for the marine environment. These fixtures continue to be widely used across commercial vessels, offshore installations, dock lights, and coastal areas due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and simple mechanical design.
Unlike decorative LED lighting or residential boat lights, these fixtures are built for industrial lighting performance in demanding marine environments.
Understanding Traditional UNAV Type Light Fixtures
UNAV type fixtures are classic marine luminaires originally developed for shipboard use. Models such as UNAV 1948 and UNAV 2132 remain common references in marine catalogues.
Key characteristics include:
- Exposed or semi-enclosed bulb fixture design
- Heavy-duty aluminium bulkhead fitting or cast brass body
- Side wall mounting or ceiling mounting options
- Designed for engine rooms, companionways, and service spaces
Their continued use reflects reliability, not nostalgia.
What Are Marine Well Glass Light Fixtures?
Marine well glass fixtures use a thick U shape glass or U shape polycarbonate diffuser secured inside a robust metal housing. This design protects the LED bulb or traditional lamp from:
- Mechanical impact
- Water spray and washdown
- UV rays and UV degradation
- Dust and oil contamination
Well glass fixtures are commonly installed as bulkhead lights, pendant lights, and ship’s companionway ceiling lights.
Applications Across Ships & Coastal Installations
Traditional UNAV and well glass fixtures are widely used for:
- Engine room and machinery space lighting
- Interior lighting for companionways
- Deck lighting and dock lights
- Industrial lighting on offshore platforms
- Coastal areas and marine infrastructure
They are also specified where modern navigation lights, underwater lights, or LED marine light bars are unsuitable.
Wall Lights, Bulkhead Lights & Pendant Lights
These fixtures are commonly configured as:
- Wall Light bulkhead fittings
- Pendant lights for overhead mounting
- Oval bulkhead light designs for confined spaces
- Aluminium bulkhead fitting or die cast aluminium housings
This versatility makes them suitable for both interior lighting and exterior light fittings.
Materials & Corrosion Resistance
Material selection is critical in marine-grade lights. Common construction materials include:
- Stainless steel hardware (Type 316 stainless steel)
- Marine-grade aluminum (5052 aluminum or anodized aluminium)
- Cast brass body with painted brass or weathered brass finishes
- Weathered sandblasted bronze and galvanised materials
These materials deliver long-term corrosion resistance in salt air and high-humidity conditions.
IP Rating, Sealing & Protection
Marine well glass fixtures are designed as IP-rated products, commonly offering:
- IP 65 protection or higher
- Rubber gasket sealing and gasketing
- Cable entries with PG cable glands or plastic cable glands
- Secure cable gland and cable entries for watertight installation
This ensures protection against water ingress, dust, and vibration.
Lamp Types: Traditional & LED Lighting
While originally designed for incandescent lamps, most fixtures now support:
- LED lighting upgrades
- LED bulb or LED lamp globes
- Porcelain BC or ES holder compatibility
- Electronic LED driver integration
This allows improved energy efficiency while retaining the proven fixture housing.
Energy Efficiency & Annual Power Consumption
Upgrading traditional fixtures with LED lights significantly reduces:
- Annual power consumption
- Heat generation
- Maintenance frequency
This makes traditional housings compatible with modern energy efficiency requirements.
Glass Diffusers, Guards & Impact Protection
Additional protective features include:
- Thick glass diffuser or polycarbonate milky shade
- Brass / SS wire guard or steel wire guard
- Protection from accidental impact and tool damage
These features are critical in engine rooms and industrial zones.
Interior, Deck & Navigation Context
While not replacing navigation and anchor lights or mast light systems, traditional UNAV and well glass fixtures complement:
- Navigation lights
- Flood lights
- Dock lights
- Emergency beacons
They support safe movement and visibility on board vessels such as a Ketch Yacht or commercial ship.
Lighting Design & Heritage Aesthetics
Beyond function, these fixtures are also selected for:
- Nautical nostalgia and timeless flair
- Signature look in heritage restorations
- Pre-distressed finishes and marine grey colour schemes
They remain popular in both working vessels and classic refits.
When Traditional Fixtures Still Make Sense
These fixtures are ideal when:
- Operating in harsh marine environments
- High vibration and impact risk exists
- Long service life matters more than aesthetics
- Matching an existing lighting collection is required
They outperform many modern decorative LED light fittings in durability.
Marine traditional UNAV type light fixtures and well glass light fixtures remain trusted marine-grade lighting solutions. Built with corrosion-resistant materials, high IP rating protection, robust sealing, and impact-resistant glass diffusers, they continue to perform in the most demanding marine environments.
Whether installed in engine rooms, companionways, decks, or coastal infrastructure, these fixtures deliver reliable lighting where failure is not an option.
