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7lazy77's avatar
7lazy77
Explorer
Aug 27, 2015

LED Strip Light addition -- battery power?

I am wanting to install the LED strip lights under my awning as an upgrade. I am looking at the set that comes with remote, so I can turn on/off & dim the lights. The set is from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-16-4ft-remote-Supply-Waterproof/dp/B004T0BM0O/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1440687291&sr=8-12&keywords=led+strip+light#Ask & comes with everything I need to plug them in to 110V socket.
I looked at several options for power sources & have come to the conclusion that it would be best to just wire directly to the battery (not only is it the closest power source, but I can avoid dirlling any holes thru the camper)....plus, I like the idea that I can use the lights when dry camping! Just had a few questions on this.....1. What kind of extension cable should I use, if it is even needed? 2. If I wire directly to the battery, do I need to install an inline fuse to the positive connection? 3. What kind of modifications do I need to make to the AC cord to run directly to the battery? 4. What are the advantages & disadvantages of wiring direcly to the battery for power?
  • John_Wayne's avatar
    John_Wayne
    Explorer II
    Aug 27, 2015
    You mention AC are you using 12 volt lights that use an AC power block to make 12 volts. If so you can use the wire that goes from the power block to the lights and attach the pos. wire with a fuse to the battery and the neg. wire to ground. And forget the power block. If the lights are 110 volt then you would need an inverter to run the lights off the battery.
    I got my 12 volt lights off e-bay that I can change color and dim, brighten, flash different modes, remote etc. for around 30.00 just make sure you get the waterproof ones.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2015
    Just reread your post with the changes.

    Your battery is 12vdc, the system, as Amazon supplies it, is 120vac. The 2 are not the same. If you connect to the battery you can't use the remote and dimming. The actual light strip may or may not be 12v.

    Clicky
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2015
    I'm just a little confused by your post.

    First, anything wired directly to the battery must be fused as close to the battery as possible.

    Why would you not be able to use the lights when dry camping if wired to some other convenient 12v source? The porch light, or it's switch, comes to mind.

    What would the extension cable be for?

    If wired directly to the battery it is one more thing to disconnect (turn off) when in storage.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2015
    Just make sure there is a fuse somewhere in your circuit. I wired into the porch light connection for that reason.

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