Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - 12 volt lighting and wiring

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Grant
06-03-06, 09:36 PM
I have a new 12 volt power supply running my 115 volt lights and wall outlets via 115 volt inverters. Can I safely switch to 12 volt lights and appliances without changing the wiring (as long as I respect the 15 amp limit; ie. a 180 watt maximum)?


chandler
06-04-06, 03:38 PM
Haven't seen too many 12 volt stoves lately. Is this in a residence or in a camper/trailer? Where is the 12 volt supply coming from?

joed
06-04-06, 05:30 PM
The 120 volt wiring will be just fine for 12 volts as ling as you respect the current limits of the wire.


classicsat
06-06-06, 10:56 PM
Plus:

You will need to change wall outlets to be 12V types, so as your appliances not get connected to 120V.

Switches will need replaced with DC rated switches.

Grant
06-07-06, 10:24 AM
Yes, thanks. I still have decisions to make; ie. whether to keep the 120V outlets and appliances, and only change the lighting to 12V. Since I'm on limited solar power (in the winter, anyways), I'm guessing my inverter is using some of the power I could send directly to lighting from the 12V battery bank. I don't know the conversion (efficiency or loss) ratio, but since most of the lights are not installed yet, I'm guessing that it would be cost-effective to install 12V LED fixtures.

Thanks,

Grant

Plus:

You will need to change wall outlets to be 12V types, so as your appliances not get connected to 120V.

Switches will need replaced with DC rated switches.