6/12V to 110V conversion?

[alteredpilot]

I'm sure there is at least one thread on here but by my own admission i don't have the patience to wade through the search...

long story short, i'm working on a project and i have a handful of automotive lighting fixtures (spot lights, tail lights, etc.) that i would like to use as accessory lighting/lamps running on house current. might any of you be able to point me to a resource for doing such a thing?

any input is appreciated.

thanks.

 

[EOC_Jason]

You would need a converter to go from 120V AC to 12V DC...

Just do some searching for a DC power supply... though I don't know how cost effective it would be depending on how many lights you want to power.

 

[ishiboo]

If they are all conventional (incandescent) bulbs, a landscape transformer is usually a cost effective solution. Note it puts out 12VAC not 12VDC.

Other options include computer power supplies, and dedicated 12V supplies.

I do not recommend changing the bases/bulbs out to 120v as the reflectors/etc. are not set up for it.

 

[RickP]

I'm not sure if low voltage lights in the house need to be UL listed or something similar, but I'll give you an example of how the electricians wired my house for some low voltage lights.

My kitchen under cabinet lighting is all run off a transformer in the basement. The light switch in the kitchen turns on the AC power to the transformer. All the lights are wired with low voltage wire from that transformer. All the wires are home runs -- none of the lights are wired in series. (I'm not sure if that matters, but I wanted to let you know in case it's important.)

 

[eljefino]

+2 on the computer power supply thing. On a standard ATX supply you ground (black) the green wire then everything else works. Nice thing is they're a regulated 12 volts instead of 13.8 so your bulbs will last longer.

You can also use a "dumb" car battery charger.

 

[awdblazer]

computer power supply!!

 

[landyacht]

60w puck light transformers are easy to come by, and can be had in plug in or hardwired. Most are 12vac though (but most bulbs wont care).

 

[ddawg16]

Or....use 120Vac bulbs in the automotive fixtures.

 

[Sureshot]

I wired our barn with 12v lights using one of those sidewalk light power supplies that has a photo eye.