Can I Replace 12v light with AC fixture and still work off 12v

[M&M CAPECOD]

Is it possible to replace the overhead kitchen sink light with a a nicer style AC light and still get it to work with the 12volt system? If it is possible, what do you do with the ground wire? Is there a wattage load we need to consider? I'm looking to replace the flourescent tube light with something more asthetically pleasing and something that will give me a little more light. I do still need it to work when not hooked up to shoreline though.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by M&M CAPECOD

Is it possible to replace the overhead kitchen sink light with a a nicer style AC light and still get it to work with the 12volt system? If it is possible, what do you do with the ground wire? Is there a wattage load we need to consider? I'm looking to replace the flourescent tube light with something more asthetically pleasing and something that will give me a little more light. I do still need it to work when not hooked up to shoreline though.

Thanks in advance for your help.

how about Halogen? (a-la "vintage thunder").....

many of these little hockey-puck sized under-cabinet lights are actually 12v lights. they have a transformer that steps down the 120v ac to 12vDC. for use in the trailer...just cut off that transformer and wire it in!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by M&M CAPECOD

Is it possible to replace the overhead kitchen sink light with a a nicer style AC light and still get it to work with the 12volt system? If it is possible, what do you do with the ground wire? Is there a wattage load we need to consider? I'm looking to replace the flourescent tube light with something more asthetically pleasing and something that will give me a little more light. I do still need it to work when not hooked up to shoreline though.

Thanks in advance for your help.

You can install a fixture with a 12v dc incandescent bulb, with a standard-size base. In fact, you can use a regular 120v fixture with the same 12vDC bulb, I have found these bulbs in my local auto parts store, they are meant for 12v trouble lights. IIRC, they are 25 watts.

[M&M CAPECOD]

Originally Posted by overlander63

....In fact, you can use a regular 120v fixture with the same 12vDC bulb, ........

What about the installation of the 120v fixture? Is there anything tricky about that? I know from installing lights around the house that they have the two wires plus the ground. Also, I'm looking at a couple of halogen fixtures, will they work as well as the 12vDC bulb?

I just happen to like this fixture I saw and would like to adapt it to the trailer's 12vDC system.

[markdoane]

With a little caution, the wiring should not be a problem. Look at the wiring in the light fixture and be sure it it large enough to handle the amperage. If the light fixture has more than one socket, the wiring may need to be replaced with heavier gauge wire.

I would replace any switches in the light fixture with 12V rated switches.

The 'neutral' side of the socket (the outer part) should be wired to the ground side of your 12V system. There is no 'safety' ground in 12V system which corresponds to the green wire on 120vac.

Also, mark the fixture prominently 'FOR 12V LAMPS ONLY'.

[M&M CAPECOD]

Thanks all for your help, much appreciated.