Interior Lights

Post by **Dubstar** » 24 Sep 2006, 20:38

I used to work for a kitchen company and I have a few of the low voltage halogen downlights that go into glass display units etc. They run off a transformer that puts out 12 volts, therefore, are there any problems with fitting a few to the interior of my van, minus the transformer, to run off 12 volts? You know, things like, will it drain my battery double quick, will they get too hot etc? If they are the same as the ones you buy in the van type kits, then I can maybe save some money, cos they only cost a couple of quid each.

Post by **tonytech** » 24 Sep 2006, 20:45

I dont know the spec of the lights, but would expect them to be about 24W, if so 2 or 3 in your van will draw about 6Amps, Not a great deal but not as economical as flourescents.
Better looking though.

Do you have a leisure battery? I dont think I'd even consider them if you dont.
Have a check on the lamp to see if there is a wattage rating.

T

Post by **dink** » 24 Sep 2006, 20:51

if you have a leisure battery wire them into that
if you havn't before you start you might want to fit a leisure battery

one problem i have with those lights, they get very hot, IMHO not the best thing to have in your bus
in ikea the other day there were some rather nice 12v led strip lights and round flat led lights and a quick search though ebay will turn up some 12v flourecent lights
again won't get hot, will put less strain on your battery

Post by **Dubstar** » 24 Sep 2006, 20:59

The bulb says it's 12v, 10 watts, and yes I have a leisure battery. I also have a small striplight above the sink-mine's a 1981 Westy-but I thought, seeing as I have a few lying around, I might put them in as additional lights in various places round the interior. Kind of like individual reading lights.

Post by **max biaggi** » 25 Sep 2006, 09:11

I've a couple fitted as reading lights, above the bed, on swivel fittings.

They work well.

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 25 Sep 2006, 09:27

I found that neon kits (the white variety) are very good as interior lights and will run off a dimmer - pretty much what I did with the dashboard by having under-dash lighting. Lots available on ebay, aimed at lit-up wheel arches I guess but as interior lights they're pretty good.

LED courtesy lights are brilliant at night if you're camped up as they use almost no battery power and are perfectly adequate for reading - available in lots of different colours too. The glow doesn't disturb anyone else either.

Power consumption is something to be watchful of with lighting, and I find I don't need a leisure battery at all now as I've gradually changed the big consumers to low-draw versions. A 10 watt bulb can draw quite a bit - its suprising, but with LEDS you're down to milli-watts.

Post by **ringo** » 25 Sep 2006, 13:00

Do you mean like this ? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAX-POWER-Blue-or ... dZViewItem

Interesting.

Im struggling with lighting at the mo - the flourecent one we have is horrible.

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 25 Sep 2006, 13:17

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12-BLUE-INTERIOR- ... dZViewItem

They look like that. I found I could super-glue ends to underside of dash etc - gives a real cosy feel to the inside. They're available in just about every colour. The LEDs however use less current and fine for low level lighting at night and DEFINATELY better than stock festoon bulbs in courtesy lights which are a horrible yellow colour - awful for reading.

Post by **kevtherev** » 25 Sep 2006, 14:31

some nice 12v stuff here

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 25 Sep 2006, 14:36

Well spotted Kev. Bit pricey but much more 'designer' - adds a touch of class.

Post by **T2Andy** » 25 Sep 2006, 15:26

Noticed in Homebase at the weekend that they use special LED bulbs for display purposes only in the spotlights on show.

If you could get hold of some of them it would really drop the amps used.

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 25 Sep 2006, 16:33

Yeah, these have been available for a long while now. Search for 'LED bulbs' on ebay to find them: http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search. ... category0=

Also listed are indicator, stop and tail bulbs etc which I went over to earlier in the year. You'll find that all new traffic lights in the UK are LED too these days. That said if you're fine with resistors and knowing the polarity of LEDs, you can convert most light fittings (12 volt) to LED or even make your own fittings - you can save a fair bit DIY - limited only by your imagination. If you look at decking fittings, there are some great ideas that you can adapt to light up the inside of your wagon. All lights on T25s can be changed for LEDs except headlights and spotlights - saving considerable battery juice.