Convert to 120ac from 12vdc wiring?

[DesignGnome]

Hi all,

I have a '78 Sovereign and I'm converting it to an office. I'm not interested in making it road worthy. I will be tapping into my house electrical.

Should I convert all the electrical from 12 volt DC wiring to 120AC?

Thanks..

[n2916s]

Well, it depends. The two separate systems are already there so the simplest answer is to plug it in and see if the lights and fans work. If they do and the light is adequate where you need it, you are good to go.

Changing to 120 volt (household) lighting is not simple — you would need to scrap the 12VDC fuse panel and all the fixtures, probably run new wiring to whatever new fixtures you choose... Or, you could just disconnect the 12VDC system and use table/floor lamps plugged into the 120VAC outlets.

Do you want to keep the reefer? It may require 12VDC to operate.

Do you plan to keep the water heater? Furnace? Both need 12 VDC.

[Al and Missy]

The wiring for 12V does not meet code for 120V (and further was designed and implemented assuming there would be no more than 12 volts applied to it) and so should be replaced. It is behind the walls and ceilings so would be a difficult and/or expensive job.