Is anyone using a landscape transformer for their 12v lights

[camper4life]

I'm thinking about using a landscape light transformer for my 12v lights when using shore power. I would also have a separate circuit breaker to run my A/C, cooktop, GFI, and two other 110 receptacles. If this will work, I would like to know how I could put a switch in and use my battery to power my 12v lights when I'm not plug in. Will reg 12v and 14v wires work with transformer? Thanks for any comments and suggestions. I plan on running my wires this weekend.

[GuitarPhotog]

Are your 12 V lights LED or incandescent?

Is the output of your landscape lighting transformer AC or DC? Most landscape transformers seem to put out AC.

LEDs require DC, incandescent doesn't care.

Why not run the 12 V lights off the battery charger that keeps the battery topped up when you're plugged into shore power? Then you don't have to switch anything when you don't have shore power.

Check out some of the threads in this forum about LED lighting and Progressive Dynamics Converter/Charger/Load Centers.

<Chas>

[camper4life]

Now that's a good idea, havn't thought of that. Thanks.

[Dale M.]

The landscape transformer I have (older MALIBU) only puts out about 11.5 volts AC.... While most 12 volt lighting (incandescent) is not going to matter if its ac or dc, anything that require pure DC (leds) will probably not work... How ever you can convert the output to DC by using "rectifier circuit", which has a slight ripple DC...

Rectifier curcuit in simplest form (4 diodes) ...



Personally though I would go battery charger and battery, then you have lights when there is no access to AC.... And battery makes pretty good ripple filter for charger output...

Dale

[camper4life]

Would a battery tender work? Any reccomendations on battery chargers?

[GuitarPhotog]

Yes, a Battery Tender will work just fine.

Size the Battery Tender to your battery.

Size your battery to your load and trip duration.

<Chas>