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04-13-2013, 01:07 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
1962 24' Tradewind
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 252
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120V lights on 12V DC?
I am having some trouble finding an answer to my question and was hoping some of you could help. I found 120 volt reading lights with LED bulbs that are intended for household use. The wiring for my trailer requires the reading lights to run on 12 volt. Can I just buy the 120 volt and use them in a 12 volt DC setting, since the voltage is much lower, or will they not light up at all? I found some other reading lights that are 12 volt, but they don't look as nice nor are they LED. Any suggestions?
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04-13-2013, 01:09 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1981 31' Excella II
New Market
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,145
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They won't work. You can get 12V versions that will work.
Perry
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04-13-2013, 01:13 PM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
1962 24' Tradewind
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 252
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Is the problem with the wire itself or the bulb? I don't mind taking the thing apart and putting new wiring in, but the bulb is a unique size and shape, made specifically for the lamp.
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04-13-2013, 01:29 PM
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#4
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Master of Universe
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Grand Junction
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,702
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Don't mix AC and DC. There are many versions of 12 v. LED's. Check the Superbright website: LED Lights, Bulbs & Accessories - SUPER BRIGHT LEDS
They sell a large variety of quality bulbs and while the website can be confusing, what you need may well be there.
Gene
__________________
Gene
The Airstream is sold; a 2016 Nash 24M replaced it.
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04-13-2013, 01:56 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1986 31' Sovereign
Miami
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,137
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There is a small chance that the light fixtures you are looking at ARE 12vdc. Look to see if there is a transformer built into the unit or on the power line. If there is a transformer it will have the input and output voltages marked on it.
If you find the fixture has a 120vac to 12vdc transformer you could simply buy the fixture, remove the transformer and tie it into your 12vdc system.
LED's are Light Emitting Diodes. They are happiest when dining on direct current so most LED fixtures have a transformer to change the 120vac to 12vdc (sometimes 5vdc) so look carefully before you leap as I can't imagine the seller will want them back after you have altered them.
Mike
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04-13-2013, 01:59 PM
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#6
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Master of Universe
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Grand Junction
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,702
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Mike suggestion could be a simple solution, however, make sure the transformer is 12 v. and not 18 or 24 or some other voltage.
Gene
__________________
Gene
The Airstream is sold; a 2016 Nash 24M replaced it.
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04-13-2013, 04:14 PM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
1962 24' Tradewind
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 252
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Thanks for the input! I just bit the bullet and bought boring old 12v reading lights. I wish I knew more about electricity and could just chop and wire anything, but since I am not made of money, I bought the $13 12v DC light for the sake of ease/time/$$. *snore*
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04-13-2013, 04:26 PM
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#8
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65th Anniversary CLIPPER
1996 36' Clipper Bus
Tub City
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,309
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12v led
With the general question you asked, and no detail, it is hard for anyone to give you a definitive answer. If you would have posted the link, picture, or other detail in the original post, (like you did in this last post) you would have gotten a much more informed response. It is quit possible, as Mike pointed out, that the actual lamps were 12V with a transformer in line.
We ALWAYS like pictures and detail.
Dave
Quote:
Originally Posted by aluminitus
Thanks for the input! I just bit the bullet and bought boring old 12v reading lights. I wish I knew more about electricity and could just chop and wire anything, but since I am not made of money, I bought the $13 12v DC light for the sake of ease/time/$$. *snore*
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__________________
"LOVE and LOSS, are two of the greatest emotions one can experience. -- I went to school to learn about "WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN" but I had to live my life to learn the lesson of: 'WITH LOVE THERE WILL BE SORROW'."
David Stewart. (after loosing my NAVIGATOR)
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04-13-2013, 04:30 PM
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#9
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Moderator
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Alamo Heights
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,500
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You can, if you like, buy LED MR16 bulbs for the fixture you linked to.
Just one place to look:
Amazon.com: Simple and practical mr16 led bulbs
__________________
— David
Zero Gravitas — 2017 Flying Cloud 26U | WBCCI# 15566
He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire. — Sir Winston Churchill
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