| Author | Message | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 157 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.54 Rating: N/A |
I have located some very small ( 8 inch) fluorescent fixtures ( 120v ac) and would like to convert them, if possible to 12 volt dc....is there a way? These would make great closet lights and though I could run them off the inverter, would rather just rely on the house 12 volt system. Comments?...and thanx.  RCB '64 Crown Supercoach (HWC) | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 385 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 68.205.165.5 Rating: N/A |
Walmart (and other fine stores) sell -real- inexpensive (less than $10) 12vdc to 110vac inverters. One small 40 (or 70) watt model should suffice for a few fluorescent fixtures .... | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 158 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.23 Rating: N/A |
But then I am still in the ac mode...want to avoid that if possible.....many reasons. Or am I reading you right?...thought dc to ac was conversion, not inversion. Or??? RCB | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Registered Member Username: Drivingmisslazy Post Number: 1928 Registered: 1-2001 Posted From: 75.108.76.30 Rating: N/A |
If I recall correctly, the 12 volt fluorescent fixtures uses a special ballast. Many years ago I had a contact to order these from but the cost would probably more than if you just found 12 volt units. Richard | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 386 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 68.205.165.5 Rating: N/A |
The 12 vdc 40 watt walmart inverter plugs into a cigarette lighter and provides 110 vac. You can easily hot-wire it into any 12vdc supply, and provide your 110vac fluorescent fixtures with enough power to read by... | ||
| Don Evans (Doninwa)
Registered Member Username: Doninwa Post Number: 38 Registered: 1-2007 Posted From: 65.61.96.82 Rating: N/A |
Lots of 12V ballasts available. Almost any camper supply or solar store. Check here for some examples. http://store.solar-electric.com/12vodcbaforf.html | ||
| Justin Griffith (Justin25taylor)
Registered Member Username: Justin25taylor Post Number: 20 Registered: 4-2007 Posted From: 67.67.222.100 Rating: N/A |
If you go the baby inverter route make sure to switch the 12v FEEDING the inverter, not use the switch on the light if you are boondocking. The inverter will draw a small amount of current even if the light is off. | ||
| James Stacy (Jimstacy)
Registered Member Username: Jimstacy Post Number: 60 Registered: 1-2001 Posted From: 75.41.23.144 Rating: N/A |
I bought some inexpensive 120VAC fluorescent lights from Home Depot. Hooked them up to a mod sq wave inverter and turned them into a crispy critter! Talked with the light mfg who agreed that could happen, they called the store and oked a refund. Seems the sq wave drives the cheap power supply nuts. Check function before investing.... Lots of cheap 12 vdc fluorescents out there. I also had poor luck with units from JC Whitney (very poor light output, early failure). Bought "Thinlight" brand, no more problems. Not the cheapest, but very troublefree. Jim Stacy |