12V lighting

[Brianv512]

I bought these led lights from ikea. Can someone decipher this for me. I was wondering if I could not use the transformer and wire them into the 12v system.

[wasagachris]

Brian you can see that the max DC output is 8.5VDC. If you hardwire it to the trailer`s DC system(12VDC to 13.6VDC for a fully charged battery) it will damage the lights. Use the transformer and plug it in to 110VAC.

[Phoenix]

I'm not sure that this is the same device in the photo, but it has similar characteristics and it's made by the same company. Please note that the specs are for the transformer/power supply that you are removing from the circuit, not the LEDs that remain that you are interested in connecting directly to the 12v DC in your Airstream.

http://www.self.cn/eipcomsys/self/up...erter14(2).pdf

Depending on how much you paid for the device, personally, I might try connecting it to 12v DC. From the table, I'm guessing like the 12v rating is without load applied, and 8.5v is at the rated current. It might be worth a try, if you are willing to risk ruining the LEDs. However, I'd make sure you have an appropriately sized fuse inline with the 12v DC source, in case the LEDs short out. In most cases, LEDs (being semiconductors) just open up when they burn out (as opposed to shorting).

Obviously, you assume all risk in this experiment; and returning device for a refund or exchange evaporates the minute you make this mod and plug it in.

[Brianv512]

Had some time to do some tinkering. I cut the wires coming from the transformer and checked the voltage. It was about 12.6v. So i hooked the light up to the fuse box and it worked. The only issue was there was a little bit of noise coming from the intellipower power supply. The noise is a faint high pitched noise, not the fan.

I also bought a set of 3 led puck lights for about $36. I saw that transformer put out 12v so i dont see why i could not use tgse in te 12v system either.

Does any one have any feedback on any of this?