Interior Lighting

Interior Lighting

Introduction

Now days in all cars have at least one dome light located in or near the ceiling of the passenger compartment, to provide illumination by which to fasten seatbelts and enter or exit the car. Many vehicles have expanded this feature, causing the overhead interior light to remain on after all doors are closed, allowing passengers to fasten seat belts with added illumination. The extended lighting cycle usually ends when the vehicle’s ignition has begun, or a gradual reduction in light emitted after a couple of minutes if the car isn’t started, called “theatre” lighting. Interior lighting has been added on some vehicles at the bottom edge of the dashboard, illuminating the floor for front passengers, or underneath the front seats at the rear, illuminating the floor for rear passengers. This type of convenience lighting approach is also sometimes used to illuminate interior or exterior door handles, exterior step running boards, or electric window switches.

Features

LED light sources appear increasingly as interior convenience lights in various locations, especially with finely focused lighting on console control surfaces and in cabin storage areas.
Map lights are aimed at specific passenger positions and allow for reading without glare distraction to the driver. Some vehicles have approach lighting or puddle lights in the exterior mirrors or lower edges of the doors, as well as interior lighting activated via key fob. Many cars have lights in the trunk, the engine compartment, and the glove box and other storage

Applications