12V power supply

[ArtMini]

I have the 120V coming into my trailer. I don't want to carry a battery so I'm thinking about using a 12V power supply. I'm looking at a ( 120V to 12V transformer, suitable for 100-120V AC 50/60hz; Output 12v DC 10Amp 120W.IP67 waterproof led 12V outdoor power supply) I figured something made for outdoors would be safer to use. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[GTS225]

You could follow your plan, but I might suggest a possible tangent from your idea.

Does it really have to be a supply rated for outdoor use?
The reason I ask is that there are a number of videos on Youtube showing how to make a computer switching power supply do the work for you, and one could conceivable get those from your neighbor's trash. The 12vdc would be "clean" power for your electronics, and many of them offer the ten amps you're looking for.

Just a thought.....Roger

[John61CT]

Many excellent 12V battery chargers have power supply functionality.

Then when you do decide to get a House bank, you already have a good charger. Best is one where you can set the voltage output.

If you do go for cheap-chinese stuff, pay for a unit rated for at least x4-5 the maximum current amps you will actually need

[John61CT]

Also "Battery backup" circuits, in effect DIY UPSs, will feed a steady converted output, and switch over to the attached battery if any if mains cuts out. Recharges the battery once power comes back on.

Samlex is a decent maker

[saltydawg]

May not be the cheapest option but the victron I linked to below is probably the best option. But although it is rated as a power supply you should still have it feed a battery, the battery will smooth out power surges and handle spikes better than the power supply will. Just get a 10 amp hour sealed lead acid battery for the battery, and figure it may need replacement every 2 or 3 years

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TM ... UTF8&psc=1

just one example of the battery

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Batt ... 418&sr=8-5

[ArtMini]

Many excellent 12V battery chargers have power supply functionality.

Then when you do decide to get a House bank, you already have a good charger. Best is one where you can set the voltage output.

If you do go for cheap-chinese stuff, pay for a unit rated for at least x4-5 the maximum current amps you will actually need

I don't want to use a battery. Just something to convert AC to DC on a small scale. I'm figuring 10amps max. I want to be able to bridge the incoming AC to a DC fuse box, maybe 6 fuses, for lights, radio, nothing fancy. I thought about using a battery charger, might be a simple solution but not sure. BTW thankyou everyone for your suggestions. I have a week or so to make a decision.

[ArtMini]

May not be the cheapest option but the victron I linked to below is probably the best option. But although it is rated as a power supply you should still have it feed a battery, the battery will smooth out power surges and handle spikes better than the power supply will. Just get a 10 amp hour sealed lead acid battery for the battery, and figure it may need replacement every 2 or 3 years

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TM ... UTF8&psc=1

just one example of the battery

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Batt ... 418&sr=8-5

That's a lot smaller and lighter than a marine battery. How long will it go before needing a charge?

[John61CT]

That's a lot smaller and lighter than a marine battery. How long will it go before needing a charge?

That suggestion is not for any storage capacity at all, about as much as those little powerpacks for recharging phones and tablets.

Its function is to "buffer" only, even out any spikes and surges to increase longevity and reliability of devices attached to the 12V circuit.

In fact attaching to your existing vehicle Starter batt would accomplish the same, but you would need an ACR to prevent Starter from getting run down by the 12V loads when disconnected from AC shore power.

[ArtMini]

That's a lot smaller and lighter than a marine battery. How long will it go before needing a charge?

That suggestion is not for any storage capacity at all, about as much as those little powerpacks for recharging phones and tablets.

Its function is to "buffer" only, even out any spikes and surges to increase longevity and reliability of devices attached to the 12V circuit.

In fact attaching to your existing vehicle Starter batt would accomplish the same, but you would need an ACR to prevent Starter from getting run down by the 12V loads when disconnected from AC shore power.

So complicated, any simple solutions? I just need to convert AC to DC for a couple lights, a radio, and phone charger.

[saltydawg]

That's a lot smaller and lighter than a marine battery. How long will it go before needing a charge?

Well for your use, an hour. Honestly it is just to give a buffer for the short term possible over loads that a power supply could not keep up with. Now it would be good for when your not actively plugged in, like your driving down the road and you want to get something out of the trailer at night, so you do have lights for the quick look inside. The nice thing is you could also throw a little 5 watt solar panel on the roof to keep it charged for when the trailer is in storage so you have lights to go look inside. Or if you get there on a hot day and what to turn on a fan for a few mins.

It is not meant for any real use, just short term 10-15 mins of light, and as the buffer for the power supply.

look at it this way, if the power supply can give you 15 amps but you have the lights on, fan running radio on and then the water pump kicks on the battery can make up for the increased load before the power supply can keep up. It can also be used as your break away battery if your doing brakes on the trailer.

[John61CT]

None of this is complicated.

You don't really "need" any battery in the circuit if the charger / power supply is a good well designed unit.

But it does help with reliability and longevity of your gear if there are any spike/surge/voltage drop problems.

Get your knowledge up to speed, it's not rocket science.

If you really want to avoid that, then drive into a pro shop, pay lots of money and cross your fingers they know about this stuff.

[saltydawg]

So complicated, any simple solutions? I just need to convert AC to DC for a couple lights, a radio, and phone charger.

If you want, send me a message and I will put you a parts list together with links to buy. Give me your budget and I will do my best to spec as good as possible parts for your budget

[ArtMini]

None of this is complicated.

You don't really "need" any battery in the circuit if the charger / power supply is a good well designed unit.

But it does help with reliability and longevity of your gear if there are any spike/surge/voltage drop problems.

Get your knowledge up to speed, it's not rocket science.

If you really want to avoid that, then drive into a pro shop, pay lots of money and cross your fingers they know about this stuff.

This is the description;
【12 volt Led Power Supply】:120v to 12v transformer, suitable for Input:100-250V AC 50/60HZ; Output:12V DC 10A 120W.IP67 waterproof led 12v outdoor power supply, 3-Prong With 3.3 FT cable.
【IP67 Waterproof Outdoor 12v Transformer】: For outdoor use. Aluminum alloy metal casing, easy for heat dissipation and ensure stability. IP 67 waterproof only, do not use under water.
【12V DC Power Supply Outdoor】: IDEAL for LED STRIP LIGHTS /LED light bulbs and other 12V low voltage devices, such as security cameras, audio and video gear, and more.(NOT for 12v dimmer controllers)
【Safety Protection】: 12v landscape transformer with circuit protection for short circuit / overload / over voltage / high temperature.

[saltydawg]

This is the description;
【12 volt Led Power Supply】:120v to 12v transformer, suitable for Input:100-250V AC 50/60HZ; Output:12V DC 10A 120W.IP67 waterproof led 12v outdoor power supply, 3-Prong With 3.3 FT cable.
【IP67 Waterproof Outdoor 12v Transformer】: For outdoor use. Aluminum alloy metal casing, easy for heat dissipation and ensure stability. IP 67 waterproof only, do not use under water.
【12V DC Power Supply Outdoor】: IDEAL for LED STRIP LIGHTS /LED light bulbs and other 12V low voltage devices, such as security cameras, audio and video gear, and more.(NOT for 12v dimmer controllers)
【Safety Protection】: 12v landscape transformer with circuit protection for short circuit / overload / over voltage / high temperature.

The specs on that seem better than most of the power supplies of that type. Most of the landscape tx have lots of ripples in the power, they are not designed for things that need clean power. That one with its extra statements of the av gear, cameras and such does seem better than most.

[Philip]

My two cents worth.

I would install a small battery like stated earlier.That will help control the voltage swing of a inverter. The battery will give the inverter something to work against. The battery doesn't have to be large. A 10 amp hour rating is more than enough. With the battery you can use any small battery charger and be done with the system.

If you use a RV inverter your going too need the battery to control it. My inverter with no battery installed puts out almo0st 14 volts. With battery installed 12.5.

That will help control the voltage swing of a inverter

All AC power systems move around on power. I have seen 110 rated power as high as 125 volts. I have seen 3 phase power move around as far as 20 volts + or - from rated power due to difference between day and night. Night time voltages tend to be higher due to less power usage.

A higher voltage input to a inverter will mean higher voltage output from the inverter. A battery will take up the voltage movement. With no battery the devices using the power will have to.