Grehan
Well-Known Member
I'd like to run my coolbox (beer-box) off the mains when electricity is available. It consumes 5A so the label tells me. Could I use a 12v lighting transformer? (of the appropriate rating) - they look both small and cheap.
12v transformer
- Thread starter Grehan
- Start date
Refueler
Well-Known Member
I have a high power transformer from an electronics shop. It was originally made up from parts ... multi input mains (110 - 240V) standard 10A transformer, about 4"square block size. Then a large can capacitor and a zener diode block ... this smooths the 12V out. Made to power a car stereo and booster graphics job when I travelled.
It now sits on board as my mains to 12v supply for cool-box.
So answer is yes - if the transformer can supply the ampage needed - but beware of heat. The transformer must have adequate ventilation.
It now sits on board as my mains to 12v supply for cool-box.
So answer is yes - if the transformer can supply the ampage needed - but beware of heat. The transformer must have adequate ventilation.
VicS
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Could I use a 12v lighting transformer?
[/ QUOTE ] Your cool box presumably needs a DC supply. If that is so you will need a suitably rated rectifier in addition to the transformer. A 50volt 10amp bridge rectifier from Maplin should do the trick.
Whether or not smoothing is also required depends upon your cool-box.
Continuing to run off the ships battery at the same time as running a decent battery charger may be an option to consider.
Some of the modern automatic battery chargers are designed to supply power as well as charge the battery (but at a cost!)
Could I use a 12v lighting transformer?
[/ QUOTE ] Your cool box presumably needs a DC supply. If that is so you will need a suitably rated rectifier in addition to the transformer. A 50volt 10amp bridge rectifier from Maplin should do the trick.
Whether or not smoothing is also required depends upon your cool-box.
Continuing to run off the ships battery at the same time as running a decent battery charger may be an option to consider.
Some of the modern automatic battery chargers are designed to supply power as well as charge the battery (but at a cost!)
rogerthebodger
Well-Known Member
Just ensure the 12v lighting transformer gives DC and not just AC as some lighting transformers I have seen do
lumphammer
Well-Known Member
The output from lighting transformers is 12v AC, so will not power fridge unless rectified first.
As already mentioned there are dc power supplies you could use, or some fridges will work from mains and 12v depending on which is there.
As already mentioned there are dc power supplies you could use, or some fridges will work from mains and 12v depending on which is there.
JustMelfort
Well-Known Member
If you're handy with a soldering iron, the power supply from an old pc works a treat. It normally comes out as a self contained unit and offers 5v or 12 v DC outputs. That's what I use for my cold box - just soldered a cigarette lighter socket on.
Grehan
Well-Known Member
Excellent, have got a few of those kicking around. Knew there'd be a use for them one day. Thanks.
Refueler
Well-Known Member
Mmm forgot about the usual AC jobbies ...
The tip about PC power supplies is a good one.
The tip about PC power supplies is a good one.
meandraft
Well-Known Member
Don't use an electronic lighting transformer as these are always AC only and produce a square wave which doesn't lend itself to rectification. If you want to go down this line buy one of the older style "heavy" wound transformers and fit a rectifier to it. Beware though that you will actually get more than 12V from a rectifier.
Refueler
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Don't use an electronic lighting transformer as these are always AC only and produce a square wave which doesn't lend itself to rectification. If you want to go down this line buy one of the older style "heavy" wound transformers and fit a rectifier to it. Beware though that you will actually get more than 12V from a rectifier.
[/ QUOTE ]
What you describe is what I have ... it's darn heavy as well but compact.
Onto the PC transformer - mentioned it to another and his reaction was ... and a nice fan to suck in all that damp sea-air .... mmmmmmmmmmm never thought of that !
Don't use an electronic lighting transformer as these are always AC only and produce a square wave which doesn't lend itself to rectification. If you want to go down this line buy one of the older style "heavy" wound transformers and fit a rectifier to it. Beware though that you will actually get more than 12V from a rectifier.
[/ QUOTE ]
What you describe is what I have ... it's darn heavy as well but compact.
Onto the PC transformer - mentioned it to another and his reaction was ... and a nice fan to suck in all that damp sea-air .... mmmmmmmmmmm never thought of that !