Interier lights

[stephen_5126639]

Hi,my interier lights are all 12v,i would like to install some 240v spots,where do i connect the wires to or could i just wire them to a plug and plug them in,also i would like to change the very dated 12v strip lights to more modern halogen 12v lights,steve

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

I have a Bailey Senator Oklahoma and I too would like to fit a halogen 12v strip light; mostly so that we can light up the sink / washing up area which has no lighting at all ?

John

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Stephen,

I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of light given off by a modern 12V 10 Watt halogen spot-lamp.

My suggestion is that you install 12V halogen spot-lamps over the beds - as reading lamps, and replace the 12V strip lights with modern 12V fluorescent lamps. Do this replacement first and then consider if you need extra 12V lamps.

When you upgrade your 12V lights you need to make sure that your 12V supply is up to the task - I see that in a different thread you are planning to replace the current electrical system with a new ZIG unit. You need to make sure that the new unit has the power to supply all of the new lamps.

Mains electricity in what could be a damp environment (like a caravan) needs careful and knowledgeable work, and you must make sure that what you plan to do is safe.

Robert

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Robert (always theer when you need him !)

Any suggestions on where to source "modern 12V fluorescent lamps". I want a fairly bright 'strip' to add to the strip that's above the cooker; i.e. turn one on and they both light up !

Thanks Robert

 

[stephen_5126639]

hi,well thanks for the info!the reason i would like a zig unit is to charge the 12v battery unless i could find another way round it,you make it sound so simple, i could change the old dated strip light for a modern halogen light their are plenty on ebay as i presume it would just be a case of plugging the original wires in to it,i have seen some very nice 12v spots but i am not sure how to connect these wires as i would have to have new wires for them could i just run a live and a earth from the original wires for the strip light,or maybe be better to run a new wire from the fuse box,steve

 

[rob_jax]

Stephen and John,

If you are replacing an old 12V light with a new 12V light, then it's a case of simply connecting the 12V wires to the new lamp.

You need to make sure that the existing 12V wiring is up to the job - if you can measure the diameter of the copper wire - then it's easy to find out the amps rating of the wire.

If you are planning to add additional lights, it would be best to run a new pair of wires - let's call then "live" and "return" - using suitable rated wiring - and remember to add an in-line fuse for the new supply.

Take a look at caravan parts on-line for fluorescent and halogen lampshttp://www.caravanpartsonline.co.uk/index.php?option=categories&category_id=10693

Robert

 

[Robtel]

Someone mentioned their intention of fitting halogen spots as reading lights. Just a word of caution about this.We have these fitted as standard in our van, they give good light and very handy not to have to get out of bed to switch off when finished reading BUT they do give off quite a bit of heat. Recently on holiday in France and Spain the additional heat from these was quite uncomfortable especially if you are a bit thin on the top anyway.