Combination AC and Battery lights

[thehorsepeople4]

My SOB (52' Deville) has two electric lights mounted to the ceiling over the dinette and the kitchen sink. I was thinking of running a set of DC wires to the fixtures....add a 12V light bulb and socket and secure it with a separate switch for the DC light.

My thinking was that when we were off the grid, I would use the 12V side of the lights and run them off the battery. I figured I would use the same light fixture and globe for two types of lighting.

Anyone done this or am I way off base?

Thanks.
Jim

[vikx]

I have trailers with original fixtures that had both. Good idea if you don't want to install new 12 volt lights.

[thehorsepeople4]

Thanks. I was hoping I was on the right track and didn't want a bunch of different lights all over the place. I was originally concerned about the heat from the electric light bulb but have looked and think I will have more then enough separation to keep the 12V bulb and wiring from having heat issues. Now just have to figure out the placement of switches (on the AC light or at a panel) We have a propane light that will also help with the off the grid lighting.

[vikx]

I always use florescent or LED bulbs in old trailer fixtures. Our Deluxe had beautiful fixtures, but the one above the sink got too hot to touch with an incandescent bulb. They put out good light, but not worth the chance...

[thehorsepeople4]

Thank you for the response. I've thought of the heat output aspect of the incandescent bulbs but in removing the fixtures, I don't see any charring or discoloration of the paneling underneath. Thirty four years on the fire department has me looking at all the possible ignition sources on the trailer and replacing anything that could possibly be worn. The bulbs in our AC fixtures are 40W and we are replacing them with those new energy efficient ones that also are cooler to the touch.

I've thought of the LED light bulbs. Is the light output corresponding to the same kind of regular 12V bulb? I know they are much more energy efficient and will not be a drain on the battery.

[vikx]

Haven't tried the LED 12 volt bulbs and heard some people think the light is too directional. I like the low energy use idea.

I'm curious on the new incandescent cooler bulbs? I even tried 15 watt regular bulbs that created too much heat. Granted, only two fixtures in several years but still...

FYI, I rebuilt the fixtures and rewired them. They looked and felt perfectly fine. The metal base would heat up, but couldn't find a reason. The "twin" base didn't get as hot. I always re-insulate the base but that heat worries me.

[kathleenc]

I have two of these dual fixtures I was planning on reusing. Can you tell me how the switch is wired? Basically each switch has two black wires, and each bulb holder has a black and a white.
I know one of the black switch wires goes with a black bulb wire, but what do I do with the other black switch wire???

[vikx]

Either black wire will work. The switch is on/off, so it disconnects the "Hot" to the bulb.

Connect the black wire from the bulb to the switch; connect the other black wire to the hot incoming wire.

Hope this helps.