12V cabin lighting.

System
System Posts: 2,511 admin
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
I'm trying to set up a small 12V lighting system in an off-grid cabin. I want to have 3 or 4 LCD ceiling lights that will be used only 3 or 4 hours a day, 3 days a week during the summer. What I need to know is what wiring I use and if there is any other equipment I'll need (e.g. Low Voltage Disconnect?). Do I just connect the wiring from battery to the can normally? Thanks, Bill

Clarification: I'm going to solar charge the battery by itself (not enough sun near the cabin). I just need to know what goes between the battery and the LED lights.
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: 12V cabin lighting.

    Voltage drop is a real issue with this sort of thing so ...
    http://forum.solar-electric.com/showthread.php?t=29

    (Voltage drop calculator.)

    I think you mean LED lights, not LCD. :p

    Fused circuit connected to the battery is fine. You could come off LVD terminals on a charge controller (if so equipped) but it isn't really necessary.
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: 12V cabin lighting.

    Keep in mind, 1w of LED @ 12V is 1 amp, so size your wire accordingly.

    Check the manual for your charge controller, but 5-6A should be within the range of many controllers LVD's.

    1 LED fixture per ordinary household light switch is likely OK, but 5 or 6 amps worth, and the DC arc may wear them out early.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    #4
    Re: 12V cabin lighting.

    I did mean LED. Thanks. Where would I get a charge controller?
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: 12V cabin lighting.
    BillB wrote: »
    I did mean LED. Thanks. Where would I get a charge controller?

    A good starting place would be the forum host, NAWS:

    http://store.solar-electric.com/chco.html

    :D
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