Converting 110V lighting to 12V

[MattB]

Hi, looking for information on how it might be possible to change a 110V light fixture, as in new off the shelf, to 12V? I am picking out new lighting for my complete renovation. Obviously, if I can also choose from 110V lighting options, it greatly widens my search field as we look for new fixtures.

I have been going through a lot of sites, especially those for marine and yachting, to look for nicer 12V lights for the ceiling and for sconces, but the selection is still pretty limited.

I don't have a lot of electrical knowledge, but if someone has experience with this I would appreciate some help.

Thanks,

Matt

[garry]

One way to use the new fixtures.

Wire the 12VDC that is already available to the new fixture and use 12vDC bulbs.
https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/i...t-rv-lighting/

[MattB]

Originally Posted by garry

One way to use the new fixtures.

Wire the 12VDC that is already available to the new fixture and use 12vDC bulbs.
https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/i...t-rv-lighting/

Garry,

If it is truly that simple, then great! Would any properly fitting bulb work if wired with the 12V wiring?

[bganso]

I replaced three fixtures with 110v fixtures from Avalanche Ranch lighting https://www.avalanche-ranch.com and fit them with 12v bulbs found on the internet. I've since upgraded to LED bulbs. Incandescent or LED, they work great.

[greghoro]

A bit off topic, but this reminds me of a situation with a trailer my parents had in the early 1960’s.

Trailer had no battery or 12V. Incandescent lights were all shore power, although there was a single propane lamp inside when no shore power was available. Dad rigged up a short adapter so he could connect the shore power to the car battery and replaced the AC bulbs with 12V bulbs ( they looked identical). Whenever we went into a new campsite, Dad would switch out the bulbs based on whether we had shore power or not. Little brother wanted to help setting up at the next campsite and plugged into shore power before Dad had a chance to warn not to. As the lights in the trailer were still switched on, all of the 12V lights burned brightly for a split second and then went dark. Dad not pleased, as 12v bulbs that fit a standard AC bulb socket were hard to find and much more costly.

I won’t go into the time little brother decided to help when we stopped at a roadside picnic area for lunch and dumped the black tank into the roadside ditch. Or when Dad thought it would be a good idea to have the dog travel in the trailer.


Greg

[tbashin]

Wire it into 12v system, use 12V bulbs and no mods to the fixture will be required.

[MattB]

Super, thanks! All very helpful and will please SWMBO.

[funkill]

Originally Posted by bganso

I replaced three fixtures with 110v fixtures from Avalanche Ranch lighting https://www.avalanche-ranch.com and fit them with 12v bulbs found on the internet. I've since upgraded to LED bulbs. Incandescent or LED, they work great.

Curious .... replacing the standard 110bulb with a screw-in LED will work on 12v?

[JCWDCW]

I recently looked for a 12V appliance bulb for my Stove (oven) and found an amazing number of 12 V medium base ( standard screw in ) bulbs on line and a few in store.
Still haven't found the 12V appliance bulb which is smaller than the normal 12V bulbs (needed to fit the tight location in the oven) available in RV stores.
You will likely do better on line.
JCW

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by MattB

Garry,

If it is truly that simple, then great! Would any properly fitting bulb work if wired with the 12V wiring?

Sure!