?? added 4/28 12v lights on shore power

[Jst83]

Was wondering if there was a way to 12v lights on standard shore power as apposed to running them on battery.
I like these lights as they are small and would work great in my tiny build.


I tried wiring one direct once and blew the bulb

If it can't be done any suggestions on were to get tiny elec lights, I'd prefer recessed or real close to the ceiling.

[TheresaD]

I'm pretty sure you need a converter to convert from 120 to 12v but I'm no expert...Probably should wait 'til some of the electrically inclined folks chime in.

[Jst83]

I know you can convert from 120 to 12v but you go the opposite way for just one light

[Jst83]

Ok think I answered my own question
A 120v to 12v step down transformer and they don't really look to be expensive.

Sorry to bother you but I guess it's here if anyone else wants to know the answer.

just need to look around and see where I can buy one local.

[eamarquardt]

Ok think I answered my own question
A 120v to 12v step down transformer and they don't really look to be expensive.

Unfortunately A/C (alternating current) and DC (direct current) electricity are just a bit different. In DC the positve and negitive are constant and measure 12 volts between the two poles of the source (battery or converter). In AC the voltage is meausred from zero volt potential and goes from positive 12 volts through zero volts to minus 12 volts. The difference between the high (+12 volts) and the low (-12 volts) is 24 volts but the maximum potential is only 12 volts from zero potential. Sooooooo, if you want to run a 12 volt bulb (dc rating) on A/C you need a 120 to 24 volt transformer. These are commonly known as bell transformers (used to run doorbells) and are available at home improvement stores. Also you could recycle a low voltage power supply (24 volt A/C) from some outdoor lights. Whatever you use you'll need to ensure that the transformer can supply enough current for the bulbs you want to use. Otherwise, you'll burn out the transformer.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[legojenn]

I was looking at something like this from IKEA, though the one in your photo looks nicer.




The picture shows the European version, but I assume that the only difference is the plug and possibly the transformer.

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/50119370

I was thinking that it could be used with the transformer when you are running off 110V, and plugged in directly when using 12V.

[Jst83]

I was looking at something like this from IKEA, though the one in your photo looks nicer.

I looked at the ones in your photo but am drifting towards this one for a couple reasons. They swivel and they can be found for a dime a dozen at my local junk yard in vans with wood and multiple metal finishes. I like the ones with the wood trim on them.

[Miriam C.]

Way too much info. Go to Radio shack and get a power supply. Not too expensive and works. They can help you with the size.

[Jst83]

:thumbsup: Way too much info. Go to Radio shack and get a power supply. Not too expensive and works. They can help you with the size.

I'll check Radio Shack Tomorrow

[TwilightLane]

Was wondering if there was a way to 12v lights on standard shore power as apposed to running them on battery.
I like these lights as they are small and would work great in my tiny build.

I like that fixture - where did you find it?? Just curious!!

[2bits]

I have really similar fixtures in mine. Picked four of them up on sleasebay for $10!



They are installed but I haven't used them yet, because I haven't installed the fuse box yet, but that is my solution, the fuse box accepts the shore power and distributes the 120v to the 120v outlets I have, and also has an inverter (or converter can never remember) that spits out 12v to my 12v accessories.

Right now I have a power strip for my 120v stuff which I realize now is pretty much everything except these lights, and for lights I have my little battery powered lantern that I have owned since I was 10 years old. I also have one of the battery powered florescent ones on the other "night stand" but I prefer the soft light of the old fashioned bulb. the batter lasts forever too.

[Jst83]

Was wondering if there was a way to 12v lights on standard shore power as apposed to running them on battery.
I like these lights as they are small and would work great in my tiny build.

I like that fixture - where did you find it?? Just curious!!

The picture I found on line, but I've seen many of them in my local junk yard that allows people to just go in a get what they want and then pay on the way out. A lot of vans have them in then in different finishes.

[eamarquardt]

Sometimes when I don't feel well I get confused (but I haven't had a good halucination since I stopped taking methadone!). Anyway 24 volt a/c will work to power 12 volt leds but not 12 volt incandescant bulbs. The leds will rectify the ac to 12 volt pulsed dc but the incandescant bulbs won't an will burn out prematurely if used on 24 volts a/c.

Sorry for the confusion but it doesn't seem to be an issue.

Cheers,

Gus

[Jst83]

Ok thought I'd ask this question in my already running thread rather than start another, seeing as how it's on the same topic

Gonna pull a set of these lights from a custom van at the junk yard ( my favorite place)


How do I know how much amps the light is pulling for the step down converter ?

[parnold]

If you can identify the bulbs that are used, you can go to this website and find out the draw in amps.

http://www.cecindustries.com

go to products, and type in the number of the bulb in the search box. I found out my interior lamp uses 2.7 amps. Useful stuff to know when you're trying to figure out how long your battery will last.