Hella Marine 4532 Series Halogen Chart Light, 12V, Flexible Arm, Red/White Lenses

Overview

The Hella Marine 004532161 is a 12V DC chart and reading light that uses a 5W halogen bulb and a flexible metal arm to put focused light exactly where you need it.

It is built for navigation tables, berth reading, and other close-up tasks where you want bright light without a harsh hotspot. The patterned lens helps keep the beam usable without throwing distracting glare around the cabin, and the included red lens lets you preserve night vision when you are underway.

Overall length is 23.6 inches, so it is worth checking clearance for the arm swing and lamp head before mounting in tight spaces.

Key features

• 12V DC, 5W halogen output for close-range chart, instrument, and reading tasks
• Highly flexible metal arm for precision aiming with a wide radius of movement
• Optically patterned lens to keep light dazzle-free at the nav station
• Changeable clear and red lenses for normal use and night-vision-friendly lighting
• On/off switch located in the lamp head for quick control
• Pre-wired for straightforward connection to a 12V circuit
• Can be set up for hardwired mounting or used with a 12V accessory plug style connection
• Arm can be secured in position with the supplied clip

Installation and setup

Mount it where you can reach the head switch easily and where the arm can sweep without hitting bulkheads, instrument pods, or cabinet doors. On a nav table, placing the base slightly aft and outboard usually keeps the lamp head over the chart without putting the arm in the way when seated.

As with any halogen task light, allow some breathing room around the lamp head and keep it clear of upholstery, paper stacks, and other heat-sensitive materials when left on for long stretches.

Electrical and system integration

This is a 12V DC light. At 5W, current draw is about 0.4A on a typical 12V system, which makes it easy to add to an existing cabin lighting circuit as long as the wiring and protection are appropriate for your boat.

If you are wiring it into a panel circuit, route the lead away from sharp edges and moving hinges, and keep the cable run tidy so the arm movement does not chafe the wiring over time.

On-board use

This style of adjustable lamp is a good match for boats where you want a dedicated light at the chart table, at a switch panel, or next to a berth without lighting up the whole cabin. The red lens is especially useful for night passages when you still need to read paper charts or notes without blowing out your dark adaptation.