Does LED Lighting Cause Radio Interference?

Yes, LED lighting can cause radio interference, but not all LED lights do. The extent of interference depends on several factors, including the quality of the LED bulb, the design of the lighting fixture, and how the LED system is installed. Poorly designed or low-quality LEDs are more likely to emit electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can disrupt radio signals, particularly in the VHF range. However, high-quality LED lights that are properly shielded and meet industry standards are much less likely to cause any interference. 

There is no doubt that the U.S. Coast Guard’s recent claims about LED lighting causing radio frequency interference (RFI) have raised some eyebrows within the industry. As a marine lighting manufacturer for almost 50 years, we raised ours, too.

Phoenix is – and always has been – dedicated to providing our partners with the highest quality lighting fixtures in the industry. We take safety seriously, thus didn’t take these claims lightly. We took immediate action with thorough field testing to discover whether or not our LEDs affect radio transmissions.

The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Alert Letter 

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Alert, highlighting potential interference between LED lighting and VHF radio systems. This alert has left many in the industry concerned about the potential safety risks posed by LED lighting in maritime environments. 

Putting Our Lights to the Test

Phoenix installed its first LED light on a ship about eight years ago. Since then, we’ve installed thousands more on various maritime equipment worldwide with thousands of our LED fixtures. While we’ve heard no such complaints from our customers, we decided to put our lights to the test to ensure they do not cause radio interference.

Using two separate brands of marine radios (Uniden and Lowrance), we individually tested seven different Phoenix fixtures on two different “worst-case” mounting locations. The results were clear: in none of the test scenarios did the radio’s signal audibly weaken, nor was any noise detected. 

For us, and for those who know the vigorous quality standards that Phoenix upholds, the results were not surprising.

What Makes a Difference?

Certain design elements can drastically reduce the potential for radio interference. At Phoenix, we prioritize these elements: 

• Enclosed Design: We fully enclose the drivers and LED boards in aluminum housings to shield the surrounding environment from emissions. 
• High-Quality Components: We use higher-end, name-brand drivers that are less likely to emit electromagnetic emissions capable of causing RFI. These components undergo extensive testing. 
• Compliance with Standards: We ensure that our drivers meet key standards like EN 61000-4-3 (Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Susceptibility Test) and EN 61000-4-6 (Conducted Radio Frequency Disturbance Test). 
• CE Certification: Our fixtures are CE certified for conducted and radiated emissions, and our marine fixtures specifically comply with EN 55015, which limits radio disturbance characteristics of electrical lighting and similar equipment. 

These design practices are consistently followed by the Phoenix team to ensure the highest quality and safety. 

Keeping the Conversation Going

The safety alert has left many in the industry with a lot of questions, and Phoenix is no exception. It has now been several months since the notice was released, and the results from the Coast Guard’s request for information have not yet been released. Phoenix has since contacted the USCG directly to inquire about this information. As we all await further information, the Phoenix team thought it would be helpful to communicate what we do know about LED fixtures.

As with any industry topic, we encourage our customers to ask questions. The ultimate goal is to keep the industry as safe as possible, which is why many of our customers use LED lights in the first place.

To continue this conversation with Phoenix, please click here.