can you wire a 120v accessory to run on 12v?

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can you wire a 120v accessory to run on 12v?

Postby Scooter » Fri May 12, 2006 1:23 pm

I'm wanting a 12v rope light for inside the tear. Walmart has a 40 foot 120v rope light for only $14 and I'd like to convert it if possible. Seems you could get several lengths from a 40 footer.
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Postby jagular7 » Fri May 12, 2006 1:39 pm

Wire will take the voltage 12 or 120. The bulb is specific to the current draw and voltage use. Make sure the wire is capable of handling the amount of current.
What you may have to do is run a converter from 12v to 120v. You can also get these from WM. Check the wattage rating to make sure it'll meet your requirements of the lights. Might as well step up to a converter to run a small TV, or microwave, etc. They are not that expensive.
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Postby Sonetpro » Fri May 12, 2006 1:56 pm

You would need an inverter.
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Postby rainjer » Fri May 12, 2006 2:06 pm

Is the rope light really 120v or is it low voltage rope light with a power converter in the plug?

If you look at outdoor lighting it is mostly 12v with a 120v power supply. I thought that was the case with some rope light.
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Postby Scooter » Fri May 12, 2006 2:23 pm

rainjer wrote:Is the rope light really 120v or is it low voltage rope light with a power converter in the plug?

If you look at outdoor lighting it is mostly 12v with a 120v power supply. I thought that was the case with some rope light.

Good question. Says 120v on the box, but now that you mention it, the plug did look kinda funny. Didn't buy 'em but might before the weekend's out.
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Postby TD4FREEW/CTD » Sun May 21, 2006 4:21 pm

i do believe those rope lighs are not low voltage. they are sealed. They are also wired in series so if you lose one bulb u lose a a few bulbs down the way like christmas lights. kinda sucks. personally i wouldnt want too much LV lighting. high current = high heat = less bulb life = more possible fire hazard if you dont watch your watts/volts.
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Postby Leon » Sun May 21, 2006 7:55 pm

Look at an auto parts place, they carry a rope light that runs on 12v. I've also seen them at truck stops. It's all in how the bulbs are wired together.
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