12V battery for lighting

Ice Rich · 15 Sep 2012 at 18:02

Hi all,

Did not know really where to put this but I know there are a few electrical guys in here as it's kind of suitable as I will be using a car/leisure battery.

I need to put 2 strip lights in a container where I do not have access to electric. I plan to run them from a leisure type battery and then take battery away when charging etc.

I've been told I should not run the lights direct and have some sort of fuse and switch.

If anyone can offer any advice it would be appreciated. I can provide details of the lighting power requirements if needed.

I also would not mind hooking up a radio (or have option of using other small items) so i'm guessing fusebox is best way to go.

Many thanks,

bitslice · 15 Sep 2012 at 18:29

Well yes, a fuse is required, otherwise a leisure battery is quite capable of melting a spanner if short circuited.
A switch and an ON led is also handy.

Ice Rich · 16 Sep 2012 at 10:53

I see,
Thanks.

So ideally I only want 1 set of wires going to and from the battery (going to fusebox) that is then split into the different uses (lights, radio etc.).

If the lights are rated to a higher spec then 12v, do I need to get an inverter?

Tealc · 16 Sep 2012 at 11:20

You probably should determine what your lights are going to be before you think about raising voltages. Stick to 12v if possible as messing with inverters or boost converters just makes things tricky.

Usel · 16 Sep 2012 at 15:57

An inline fuse holder should be all thats needed. Pretty cheap simple. Place the fuse holder as close as possible to the + terminal on the battery.

Ice Rich · 16 Sep 2012 at 16:30

Usel said:
An inline fuse holder should be all thats needed. Pretty cheap simple. Place the fuse holder as close as possible to the + terminal on the battery.

Thanks for reply, do you also agree with only using 12v lights?

FluffySheep · 16 Sep 2012 at 16:33

I'd say 12V lights with a built in switch for simplicity. Your local caravan seller will have most/all the gubbins as well as lights that don't murder batteries.

FluffySheep

Usel · 16 Sep 2012 at 19:04

Ice Rich said:
Thanks for reply, do you also agree with only using 12v lights?

Well you could look into 24v too. Obviously two 12v batteries connected together so double the capacity. So it your light ouput you need is 100w then the power in the batteries last longer.

You need to choose your light fittings first then choose 12 or 24 volt. As above check caravan websites and also marine. Haulage sites for the 24v.

Can't recommend anything though, just trying to give ideas.

Usel · 16 Sep 2012 at 19:27

Did a quick browse but not knowing how bright you need the light output or how much money you want to spend but look at led lights strips.

This link gives you an idea or what I'm on about: http://www.elementalled.com/high-density-24v-brighter-flexible-led-strip-light.html