Oceanled EXPLORE Series User manual

LIGHT. YEARS AHEAD. WWW.OCEANLED.COM
OceanLED MANUAL / EXPLORE SERIES / E3 / REVISION 2
2021
INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL
EXPLORE SERIES E3

EXPLORE E3.
2021 INSTALL & OPERATION MANUAL
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Preface
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
CAUTION
(Risk Group 2): Possibly hazardous optical radiation emitted from this product. Do not stare at operating
lamp. May be harmful to the eye.
WARNINGS
Before installing your OceanLED Light, read and follow all warning notices and instructions which are
included. Failure to follow safety warnings and instructions can result in property damage, severe injury or
even death.
Before installing your OceanLED Light, check local laws for restrictions regarding the use of coloured lights
in your area.
Do not operate lights out of water for a period longer than 5 minutes followed by an OFF period of at least 1
hour. Exceeding this may cause damage to the light unit.
Ensure the bonding point of the light is fitted to the cathodic protection system on the vessel. Check
conductivity between earth bonding point and aluminium bronze front bezel. If mounting the light to metal,
wood, or carbon fibre hull, ensure that suitable measures have been put in place to account for the effects of
galvanic corrosion i.e. use of Delrin sleeve components (Isolation Kit).
Salt is an inherently corrosive material. Metal parts and certain natural and man- made surfaces are
particularly susceptible to corrosion and deterioration when used in and around salt water. Some OceanLED
lights contain combinations of plastic and polymer products which are impervious to saltwater corrosion,
however, screws and fasteners used for the installation must be of a marine grade type stainless steel or
equivalent and monitored annually to ensure the lights remain in service for years to come.
Never connect/disconnect lights with power applied as irreversible damage may occur. Ensure polarity of
power connections is correct. Failure to do this may invalidate warranty.
Ensure front of lights are always fully submerged and not fitted on planning / running surfaces that may
impact on water since this may damage the product. Also ensure the rear of the light is in a dry area and not
subject to a wet environment. Failure to do this may invalidate warranty.
Never Use Solvents! Cleaners, fuel, and other products that may contain strong solvents, such as acetone,
that attack many plastics greatly reducing their strength and irreversibly damaging the special lens coatings
and cable sheathings.
Never clean lights using a high-pressure jet wash.
Remove the protectors from the connectors on the rear of the light ONLY if the connector will be used
immediately. If the connectors on the light(s) are not in use, leave protector(s) on.
DANGER
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR ELECTROCUTION
This underwater light must be installed by a licensed or certified electrician in accordance with all applicable
local codes and ordinances. Improper installation will create an electrical hazard which could result in death
or serious injury to swimmers, installers, or others due to electrical shock, and may also cause damage to
property. Always disconnect the power to the light at the circuit breaker before servicing the light.

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Contents
1 Installation Checklist.......................................................................................................................................................3
2 Overview.........................................................................................................................................................................4
3 Preparing the Hull...........................................................................................................................................................5
4 Installation.......................................................................................................................................................................6
5 Operation / Maintenance..............................................................................................................................................16
6 Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................................................22
7 Appendix.......................................................................................................................................................................24
8 Warranty.......................................................................................................................................................................28
PRETEST
Always test the lights prior to installation. Failure to do this may result in additional installation time and could invalidate
the warranty.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Attention Installer: This manual contains important information about the installation, operation, and safe use of this
product. This information should be given to the owner and/ or operator of this equipment.
WARRANTY COVERAGE
Please refer to www.oceanled.com/downloads for full warranty statement.

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1 Installation Checklist
1. Decide on light spacing –OceanLED recommendations available.
Rear of lights must never be exposed to wet environments inside the hull.
2. Ensure correct cable gauge is used (refer to relevant cable gauge chart).
3. Correct length light fixture chosen (Extension kit required for hulls thicker than 55mm).
4. Preparing the hull (Isolation kit required for conductive hull materials or wooden hulls).
5. Make sure the lights have been fitted following the correct reflector orientation.
6. Correct marine sealant applied evenly around bezel.
Ensure fully watertight seal is created after sealant cures.
7. Correct clamping of light fixture onto hull. Never leave vessel unchecked for a few days after install.
Always check routinely for a few days after installation to ensure the install is correct and fully
sealed.
8. Light(s) correctly bonded and vessel bonding system check carried out (refer to relevant schematic
and test procedures).
9. Test installation BEFORE entering water. Never connect/ disconnect lights whilst powered ON.
Never leave lights ON out of water for longer than 5 minutes followed by an off period of 1 hour.
10. Troubleshooting if required - most issues can be resolved by following the guidelines.

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2 Overview
Explore E3 Single Colour Explore E3 Dual Blue / White Explore E3 Multi Colour
Product components breakdown
Power Source
Most installations will utilize on-board 12/24V DC power supply from a marine battery. However, if AC to DC power
supply is being used, allow at least 15% reserve for voltage fluctuations due to variables beyond your control such as
ambient temperature and supply voltage fluctuations to ensure your lights are always receiving the proper voltage and
to ensure the power supply is not “overloaded” causing premature failure. Use chart below in determining power
supplies. OceanLED can supply an optional AC power kit if required.
Power Consumption and Recommended Fuse values
Model
Current @ 12V
DC
Current @ 24V
DC
Max Nominal
Power
consumption
15% reserve in
Watts
Recommended
fuse 12V/24V DC
E3 White
5.5A
2.4A
66W
76W
10A
E3 Blue
5.5A
2.4A
66W
76W
10A
E3 Dual White/Blue
3.6A
1.7A
43W
50W
10A
E3 Multi Colour
5.5A
2.4A
66W
76W
10A
Identifying your model
A- Light Unit
B- Connector
protection cap
C- Compression
washer
D- Clamping
clips + bolts
E- Locking
ring

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3 Preparing the Hull
When installing an Explore unit, please ensure there is enough space on the inside of the vessel to remove
the insert for maintenance/after sales services. For example, the XFM unit requires an additional 85mm / 3.4”
from the rear of the mounting tube to allow the insert to be removed for maintenance. (See overall dimensions
in the Appendix).
Ensure that the part of the light inside the vessel has a diameter of 100mm/ 4” around it free from any
insulation material.
OceanLED recommends using a qualified installer / technician when making modifications to your vessel.
Please also consult the manufacturer for more detail on modifications and installation.
If lights are assembled in a conductive or wooden hull, an Isolation Kit must be used. Contact OceanLED for
additional details.
Depth/Spacing
Ideally mount your lights at similar depth levels to ensurematching colour consistency through the water. Deeper lights
will look duller and possibly differ in colour compared to shallower mounted units.
SPACING / INSTALL DEPTH
E3
Recommended Spacing
0.5-1m (2-4’)
Recommended Installation depth (From the light waterline)
150-250mm (6-10”)
Hole Cut Out
Hole Cut out size - 83mm (3.27”) / With Isolation Kit 89mm (3.5”)
Overall Dimensions
See overall dimension schematic –in the Appendix, Chapter 7.

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4 Installation
4.1 INSTALLING THE LIGHT FIXTURE (HULL THICKNESS UP TO 55MM)
Explore E3 Clamping Kit Removal Tool
Additional items required not supplied by OceanLED:
•Marine sealant - 3M 4200 or equivalent
•Cable ties
•Waterproof Cable Connectors / Junction Box (optional)
•Allen key (5mm)
•Thread lock - Loctite 243 or equivalent.
DO NOT remove the light cartridge from the mounting tube during installation. The light cartridge MUST stay
fitted inside the mounting tube throughout the installation process to avoid the introduction of potential
contaminants that may damage the product. The light cartridge can only be removed for maintenance or after
sales purposes and OceanLED must be contacted prior to any light cartridge being removed from the
mounting tube.
OceanLED recommends dry fitting all products. When installing, be sure that the light fits the area and
secures to the hull using the appropriate hardware before applying any sealant.
When applying sealant to the light fixture, use OceanLED packaging material such as the light cardboard box
when placing the light on the ground face down to prevent lens damage.
Explore E3
Kit Includes

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Installation (Once hull preparation is complete)
1. Testlight(s) before fitting.
2. If using a Delrin Isolation Kit, insert the Isolation Kit front washer into the drilled hole and apply marine sealant to
seal between the Front Washer and thehull.
3. Apply sealant to the rear of the mounting tube assembly’s bezel to ensure a complete unbroken seal around
the light.
Make sure sealant fills in the recess groove on the reverse of the light bezel:
4. Insertthecompletelightunit(mountingtube assembly + lightcartridge) intothehull, pressing the light hard
into the hull and twist slightly to spread the sealant around behind the light to ensure goodadhesion.
5. Ensurethe lightorientation is correct withthe red arrow sticker on the rear lidpointing up perpendicular
to thewaterline.
Sealant

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This process is made much easier if a second person is inside the hull to receive the light and install the
locking equipment whilst supporting the light from the outside. Breakages due to lights falling out of the
hull are NOT covered under warranty and can cause serious bodily injury as can any falling object.
6. If using a Delrin IsolationKit,Insert the IsolationKit flatwasher over the mounting tube and locate it flushwith the
hull.
7. Insert the stainless-steel compression washer over the mountingtube.
The stainless-steel compression washer does not need to be flat to the hull, a slightly uneven surface can
be compensated by the washer.
8. Place the two C clips together to form a circle, ensuring you pair 1 threaded and 1 non-threaded hole
together. Fix the clips together using one of the screws provided so that the clips are located approximately
halfway down the length of the screw. Locate the clips into the appropriate grooves (depending on hull
thickness) on outside of the mounting tube so that the end of the screw is close to the washer. Fit the
screws provided into the remaining holes, fixing the two clips together. Leave the longer screw out to
connect the light to the vessel’s cathodic protection system. Once connected, screw down this screw to the
same position as the others:
9. Tighten the locking screws using a 5mm Allen key,applying thread lock at point of threadcontactwith locking
ring. DO NOT over-tighten locking screws, as you could damage the mounting tube, and this will not be
covered under warranty.
Once you are satisfied that the unit is fully tightened, you will notice that sealant has squeezed out from
around the perimeter of the light. Using a thinner or cleaner, apply to cloth and wipe off excess sealant to
leave a clean seal. AVOIDCONTACTWITH LENS. If youdo not see sealant squeeze out fromthe body,you
have not used enough sealant or tightened the unit enough to the hull. Carefully examine the installation to
make sure the seal youhave installed on the unit is fully watertight. If in doubt, remove light, re-apply sealant
and re-install.
Arrow pointing upwards
Perpendicular to waterline

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10. Connect the bonding cable to the remaining screw and lock in place with the nut and shake proof washer
provided. Tighten the locking screw using a 5mm Allen key, applying thread lock at point of thread contact
with lockingring.
BONDING: The light MUST be attached to the vessels bonding / cathodic protection system. Once fitted it
is mandatory to check that there is full continuity between the vessels cathodic protection system and the
outer bezel of the mounting tube assembly (see bonding schematic –Appendix Chapter 7).

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4.2 INSTALLING THE LIGHT FIXTURE (HULL THICKNESS ABOVE 55MM)
Additional items required not supplied by OceanLED:
•Thread lock - Loctite 243 or equivalent.
Assemble the mounting tube extension kit on the back of the standard light mounting tube then follow the procedure
above in section 4.1.
1. Remove the locking ring from the mountingtube.
2. Apply thread lock (Loctite 243 or equivalent) on the thread of the additional mounting tube then screw it all the
way down onto the back of the mounting tube.
Extension kit
Kit Includes
Mounting Tube
Compression Tube
Thread lock
Remove
locking ring

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3. Fit the compression tube inside the mounting tube extension and slide it all the way down into the tube until it
reaches the light cartridge.
4. Screw the locking ring back onto the mounting tube extension untiltight. Now follow the steps in section 4.1.

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4.3 INSTALLATION OF DC POWER KIT (INCLUDED)
Additional items required not supplied by OceanLED:
•Junction box / waterproofconnectors
•Sufficient cable to connect to DC PowerPack
Always consult a qualified electrician when connecting OceanLED light fixtures.
When connecting light units, please note that all OceanLED lights will operate within a specific voltage range.
Please check the electrical information to ensure cable gauge follow the recommendations.
Never leave the bare cables unprotected. Take care to not leave the bare wire ends in bilge water before
making the waterproof connections. Water deposits in the connectors and cables will cause corrosion. Over
time water can also work its way into the unit along the inside of the cable due to capillary action causing the
light to fail. This will NOT be covered under warranty.
For complete instructions on DC connections, please refer to ABYC codes of practice and other applicable
codes and ordinates for DC connections.
Where multiple lights are fitted, and especially on 12V systems, it is advised to use a relay system to supply
the switched power to the lights, to reduce load on the switch and voltage drops caused by long cable runs
to the switch location.
1. Depending on the model and number of lights installed, you will need to pullthe correct sized power cable from
the DC power source (breaker/fuse panel) to the light locations to supply constant power to the light units. It is
imperative that the correct sized tinned marine grade cable is used to avoid voltage drop issues.
See Chapter 7: Appendix for recommended cable gauges.
2. Using waterproof butt splices or IP66 waterproof junction boxes, make the connections at either end of the
system to attach the lights to the DC system. Make sure any heatshrink used completely encapsulates the
outer wire sheath (the use of glue-lined heat shrink is highly recommended to ensure water tightness).
Never install a new light fixture then leave the vessel in the water unchecked for several days.
3. It is imperative that either the OceanLED supplied fuse on each power line to eachlight or a suitable protection
device is used to protect the cable/light unit. Failure to do so will void the warranty. See table in Chapter 2:
Overview.
4. Securecablesensuringwhere the cableexitsthe lightit is not under undue stress.Finishand test the light units
BEFORE the vessel goes into the water.
DC Power kit
Kit Includes
DC Power Cable
Fuse kit

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12/24V DC Connection Diagram:
4.4 INSTALLATION OF AC POWER KIT (OPTIONAL)
Additional items required not supplied by OceanLED:
•Screws to secure the AC PowerPack
•Junction box / waterproofconnectors
•Sufficient cable to connect to AC PowerPack
•Suitable fuse /breaker(s)
Always consult a qualified electrician when connecting OceanLED light fixtures.
Never use power tools to secure the Power Pack: hand tighten only.
When connecting light units, please note that all OceanLED lights will operate within a specific voltage range.
Please check the electrical information to ensure cable gauge, fuse and breakers size follow the
recommendations.
Always mount Power Pack in a dry location. Drivers should not sit in standing water at any time.
The 3-core input cable is for AC power (Brown=Live; Blue=Neutral; Green/Yellow=Earth) and the two pin
Deutsch Connector is for the light.
AC Power kit
Kit Includes
AC Power Pack
Power Link Cable (1.5m long)

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1. Depending on the model and number of lights installed, youwill need to pull the correct sized power cable from
the AC Power (breaker/fuse panel) to the Power Pack locations. Ensure the correct sized tinned marine grade
cable is used to avoidvoltage drop issues.
2. FixPowerPackintorequiredposition.EnsurechosenPowerPacklocationisnearenoughtoconnectlightcable
without applying unduestress.
Never leave the bare cables unprotected. Take care to not leave the bare wire ends in bilge water before
making the waterproof connections. Water deposits in the connectors and cables will cause corrosion. Over
time water can also work its way into the unit along the inside of the cable due to capillary action causing the
light to fail. This will NOT be covered under warranty.
3. Connect the Power Pack to the AC Power.Ensure the size fuse/breaker, cable and connector havethe correct
specificationand are watertight.Makesureany heatshrinkusedcompletelyencapsulatestheouter wiresheath
(the use of glue- lined heat shrink is highly recommended to ensure water tightness). Leave the connection
unplugged to eliminate the danger ofelectrocution.
Corrosion of wire and/or water ingress into the light unit via cable is NOT covered under warranty.
4. Connect the Deutsch connector from the Power Pack to the light using the DC PowerCable.
5. Securecables ensuringwherethe cable exitsthe lightit is not under undue stress.Finish and test the light units
BEFORE the vessel goes back into the water.
4.5 FINALISING THE INSTALLATION
The Explore XFM mounting tube is constructed from corrosion resistant Aluminium Bronze and does not requirefurther
protection. The glass is pre-coated with a specialized Tritonium® coating which makes the surface of the glass lens a
non-stick layer.
OceanLED does not recommend that bottom paint or any type of anti-fouling agent is applied to the glass
and/or bezel, as damage may occur due to chemical incompatibility. However, if bottom painting of the bezel is
deemed essential, then an area of at least 5mm should be left uncoated around the glass lens:
The protective lens sticker should be removed once all work on the vessel is complete.
Coated area
Un-coated area

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4.6 TEST YOUR INSTALLATION
Always test the lights BEFORE the vessel goes back into the water. At this final stage make sure all of the system is
operational. If you have any issues, please contact your local OceanLED representative.
Never install a new light fixture then leave the vessel in the water unchecked for several days.
When the vessel is placed in the water, immediately check for leaks. Note that very small leaks may not be readily
observed. It is best not to leavethe vessel in the waterfor more than 3 hours before checking it again. If there is a small
leak, there may be considerable bilge water accumulation after 24 hours. If a leak is observed, youmust TAKEACTION
IMMEDIATELY to prevent damage.

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5 Operation / Maintenance
5.1 SINGLE COLOUR STROBE
Toenter strobe mode, toggle the power on and off quickly twice and then back on. Theyshould nowstrobe in a pseudo-
random pattern. The lights can be reset from strobe mode after 20 seconds of use. Simply turn off then turn on again.
5.2 DUAL COLOUR OPERATION
Dual Colour Operating Modes:
The Dual colour change has seven modes of operation:
1. Single colour white –this mode is entered when first turned on.
2. Single colour blue
3. Fade = Fade between white and blue
4. Random white strobe
5. Random blue strobe
6. Alternate blue/white strobe
7. Dual colour (both white and blue on)
To switch between modes, turn off power to the light(s) for less than 1 second, then back on again.
Please note: Fade mode is not guaranteed to stay in sync between lights over time.
Dual Colour Configuration Mode
Description: Enables selection of either white or blue colour as default at power up.
To enter configuration mode:
1. Turn on light(s)
2. Wait around 1 second (or until light(s) illuminate)
3. Turn off light(s)
4. Wait for a minimum of 5 seconds then turn light(s) back on again.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 another 4 times. (If the light changes mode on re power up then the light has not been turned
off for long enough in step 4)
6. On the 5th power up, the light(s) should enter the configuration mode –this will be confirmed with a sequence
of five blue/white flashes followed by a steady white (the steady colour indicates the default start up colour).
Setting the default start up colour
1. Once the configuration mode has been entered (see above).Toggling off the power and back on again quickly
(as in a normal mode change) will toggle between the default start-up colours (blue & white). This is indicated
by the colour displayed after the blue/white flash sequence.
2. To save the selected state simply turn off the light(s) when the required start up colour is displayed and wait
for 5-10 seconds.
3. The light(s) should now be configured to start with the selected colour as default.

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5.3 MULTI-COLOUR CONTROL
The E3 Multi Colour has three modes of operation, single colour mode, strobe mode and cycle / programming mode:
1. Single colour mode –this mode is entered when the light is first turned on. The light will be a single colour,
either a default white, or a previously selected colour.
2. Strobe mode –to enter this mode, turn off the light for less than 1 second, then back on again. The light will
flash in a pseudo-random pattern - the colour will be the same as that in single colour mode.
3. Cycle / Program mode, to enter this toggle the power to the unit off twice for less than 1 second each time. The
light will then slowly cycle and fade through the colour spectrum (see diagram below for cycle order). It can be
leftincyclingifrequired,oralternatively,oncethe lightshowsthedesiredcolourthiscanbestoredbyswitching
the light off for more than 2 seconds. When the light is switched back on it will be back in single colour mode,
displaying the previously selected colour.
NOTE: If during the above operations, one or more lights connected go out of sync,simply switch off the lights formore
than 2 seconds, then re-enter cycle mode to re-select the colour.
Colour Cycle Sequence:
Blue ----> White ----> Green ----> Blue ----> Red ----> Green (then repeat)
5.4 MAINTENANCE
Marine growth can build up quickly on the light and can reduce the performance injust a few weeks.
Tohelp prevent this, all OceanLED lights have been coated with a specialized Tritonium® coating which makes the
surface of the glass lens a non-stick layer. Lights should be cleaned with a boat brush or similar biweekly,or as needed
tokeep the lens of the lightclean.
Growth varies greatly around the world and maintenance is imperative to the proper operation and longevity of the
product. Ifheavy foulingoccurs,barnaclescanberemovedfromthe lensusinga plasticscraper and moderatepressure
underwater.If cleaning the lens while the boat is out of the water, wet the lens before scraping. Never scrape or try to
removebarnacles from a dry lens. Never use high pressure jet wash to clean the lens / bezel.
5.5 LIGHT CARTRIDGEREMOVAL –SINGLE MOUNTING TUBE
Before proceeding with this operation, you MUST seek permission from either the manufacturer or your
OceanLED representative.
DO NOT remove the light cartridge from the mounting tube during installation. The light cartridge MUST stay
fitted inside the mounting tube throughout the installation process to avoid the introduction of potential
contaminants that may damage the product.
Additional items required not supplied by OceanLED:
•Allen key (2mm).
1. If the vessel is in water check that the front glass is present and intact. Never remove a cartridge with the
vessel in water if damage to the glass lens is suspected.
2. Turn power off and unplug all the connector on the back of light.
3. Remove the locking ring from the mountingtube.

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4. Undoone of the sixscrewsfromthe back of the lightcartridgeto allowthe removaltool to be placed (see image
below).
To ease the removal process, another screw can be removed to act as a breather.
5. Place the removal tool under the head of the undone screw making sure that the screw engages with the slot
on the removal tool, then fasten the screw in a clockwise motion. By tightening down the screw the light
cartridge will be pulled out of the mounting tube.
6. Finish pulling the light cartridge out by hand with the help of the tool to fully remove it from the mounting tube.
Locking
Ring
Screw

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5.6 LIGHT CARTRIDGEREMOVAL –EXTENDED MOUNTING TUBE
Before proceeding with this operation, you MUST seek permission from either the manufacturer or your
OceanLED representative.
DO NOT remove the light cartridge from the mounting tube during installation. The light cartridge MUST stay
fitted inside the mounting tube throughout the installation process to avoid the introduction of potential
contaminants that may damage the product.
Additional items required not supplied by OceanLED:
•T-Handle Allen key(2mm) 80mm length.
1. If the vessel is in water check that the front glass is present and intact. Never remove a cartridge with the
vessel in water if damage to the glass lens is suspected.
2. Turn power off and unplug all the connector on the back of the light.
3. Remove the locking ring and the compression tube from the mounting tube.
4. Undo and remove one of the six screws from the back of the light cartridge to ease removal.
5. Loosen the other 5 screws by the same height (approx. 15-20 full rotations of the Allen key) without removing
them.
6. Insert the explore extended removal tool into the mounting tube ensuring the cut-outs in the tool align with the
screws. Twist the tool to align.
7. Twist the tool to engage the screw heads.Once the screw heads are engaged twist and pull the tool outwards
to extract the light.
Not engaged
Engaged