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Post by atouchofglass on Sept 17, 2008 6:40:55 GMT 10
Have reached the lighting stage in 12V
and am wondering if there are any sparkys out there that can give me a run down on what is needed to run the lights
I'm using LED's where ever possible
What is needed from the power source to the light....
Controller?, Thickness of wiring?
Any ideas ?
Cheers
Atog
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Post by minicamper on Sept 17, 2008 7:12:04 GMT 10
Hi Atog,
I'm sure Reddo will give you a hand here, but the things to consider are whether you are going to run the lighting of a 12v source all the time (car battery) or plug into the mains at a site and convert the 240v to 12v or both.
He and I both used a 12v halogen light transformer (50w) so you could basically run 10 of those led lights on one transformer. Then all you have to do is the wiring to enable you to switch between the transformer and the battery.
Many of the transformers come with plug in leads, so you could legally do all the wiring yourself on the 12v side and plug the tranny into the mains power point ;D
I'm not expert on cable thickness, but i would have thought around 3 to 4mm wire would be fine. Those LED light don't pull much, but there are physics at play here and it depends on how you set up the wiring..
I chose to convert light fitting to auto fittings with filament globes, not as efficient, but a nicer colour light than the led and fluoros, but all personal choice really...
I'll hand over to Reddo or an Auto elec if there's one here...?
Cheers
Chris
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Post by Swellwillys on Sept 30, 2008 19:37:17 GMT 10
Hi atouchofglass,
"Bubbles" has a complete 12volt system for the lighting and it is simply awesome!
I suggest you spend the dollars and buy the best available LED's. I can thoroughly recommend the "Springers" 12 volt specialists here in BrisVegas for some outstanding advice.
LED's have been installed as the main lighting a bank of 2x 16 LED lights illuminate the entire van- $135.00 each. I have installed a downlight over the dinette table as well so as to offer a softer and more direct light .
Installed a 12 volt fuse and junction box, 12volt battery charger, 12volt deep cycle dry battery, 12 volt cabling and a solar 80watt panel with regulator- bingo !
The lighting and power system is simply awesome!
All the best,
Swellwillys
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