Convert fixture from 110 to 12 volt?

[dguff]

I have aquired some teardrop shaped 110 volt light fixtures, I think they were wall sconces. I might want to use them in a tear but am not sure if they could be converted to 12 volt. They currently take a regular base household light bulb. Does anyone know how these could be converted to take a 12 volt bulb?
http://tnttt.com/album_ ... c_id=31471[img]

They are a heavy pot metal and about 7" long. Thanks in advance for any info.

Jerome [/img]

[cuyeda]

I am no expert, but I believe as long as you feed 12v to the fixtures, you can change the bulb to a 12v. West Marine, Camping World etc... have 12v bulb replacement that fit standard sockets. I did this to a couple of fixtures with no alterations.

Others will chime in, I'm sure.

[mikeschn]

I've gotta check out that catalog!

[angib]

If you can find 12v bulbs to fit, one thing you may need to look at is any switches. 110v switches are carrying very little current and the high voltage means that any resistance in the switch contacts won't stop the flow. However when you go to 12v, there are two changes:

- the amperage will be much higher (for the same wattage) and might be more than the switch can take - it may be OK, but it's not guaranteed;

- a bigger problem is that any resistance in the high voltage switch will lose you lots of voltage - the bulb may be fairly dim and the switch may get pretty hot.

110v and 12v switches are really different items - the design goal of the 110v switch is that it doesn't burn up when repeatedly switched whereas sparking is no problem to the 12v switch but that has to have 'wiping' switch contacts to keep the resistance down.

I suggest you rig one of these lamps to run on 12v in your garage and check that if you leave it on for an hour or two that the switch doesn't overheat, before you put it your tear.

If you've got no switches in the fittings, ignore all of this!

Andrew

[goldcoop]

http://tinyurl.com/35k4ro

Cheers,

Coop

[dguff]

Thanks to all. I think I have my answer.

Jerome

[bobhenry]

Looks like a little light and probably 2 wires unswitched. Is it a bayonet type fitting like a car bulb? If it is take it to your local auto parts store and ask if they have a 12 volt that matches it. If so its is simple if the ears are side by side and not stagered put in an 1156 auto bulb if this is too hot they make dome style bulbs with the same base. There are a boat load of 12 volt bulbs at your box store now days also. You Will find a direct fit without difficulty. I put dc bulds in an ac fixture by grinding off one ear of an 1157 auto bulb and they have functioned flawlessy for over a year.

[len19070]

Jerome

These bulbs can be found at Auto Parts places too. Pep boys, Auto Zone, Napa etc.

They look just like any bulb you would see in a house..but there 12 volt.

JC Whitney 12volt bulb clicky
quick search...only found a florescent, they do have incandescent as well

Some old trailers would take a 2 bulb fixture, put a 110v bulb in one and a 12v bulb in the other. Wire in a second switch and power supply for the 12v. 110v fed one bulb, and 12v the other.

Happy Trails

Len

[brian_bp]

The linked bulb from Lamps Plus has a "medium base". That's the common household screw-in bulb base, but many fixtures use smaller threads, such as the "candelabra" size. I don't know for which sizes 12VDC replacements are available.

My travel trailer has one medium screw base 12V fixture (in the stove vent hood). I don't like this, because the bulbs are a specialty item (a common automotive bulb would be cheaper and more available), and there is always the risk of someone putting the wrong bulb in a socket. A 120V bulb in a 12V socket will just be so dim it's useless, but a 12V bulb in a 120V socket is indicated by a popping sound and the need for a trip to the store for another 12V bulb...

[James Ellington]

Thought you might like to look at these 12V bulbs. I'm prob going to change from Fluorescent tubes I originally planed to 120v light fixtures with these 12v fluorescent swirlie bulbs. The amp draw is just as low but with greater light output. Kinda spendie though.
http://www.nolico.com/saveenergy/12_volt_marine_cfl.htm

http://www.dyersonline.com/pc-26238-92- ... homes.aspx

hope the long links work...

[cuyeda]

James,

If you decide to get these 12v flourescent bulbs, could you give us a report back on how you like the output, and how fast the start up is. You are right, kind of expensive.

[mary and bob]

we have 12 volt mechanic's lead lights at work that take a screw in bulb that looks just like a regular 110 house bulb. should be able to get one at a good autoparts store.

[James Ellington]

I placed an order for 2 of the 12v 13w Fluorescent swirlie light bulbs and will be using a cheap outside porch light assembly to see how the whole thing will work and check to out the light output. Everything should be ready for checking by the end of the month, depending on when I get the bulbs that is.

[James Ellington]

The 12VDC bulbs arrived today and I did my best to compare it to a 120VAC n:vision 14W bulb. The pictures and results are in my album. The 12VDC bulb is actually 15W not 13W like I had originally believed.

[SuperTroll]

There are commercial screw in adapters to allow the use of Automotive 1157 Bulbs in screw in 110 lamp sockets....as well as conversion plugs to convert a 110 lamp cord to a cigarette lighter plug.....

when I find them on line I'll post the links. (I bought mine for Y2K...)


HERE it is...Scroll down to 12V adapters....

http://www.nightscaping.com/electrical_acc.htm

Auto parts places carry nightblaster 50W bayonet bulbs where you need BRIGHT.....1157 bulbs will do for most lamps.