Forum Discussion

innsbrucksRGR8's avatar
Jul 01, 2015

converting lights to electrical outlets

I have way too many lights in my new to me motorhome and very few power outlets... I was wondering is there a way to convert some of these lights into outlets? simply I have lights where I need outlets... they are the 12v traditional rv lights
  • It would be easier to add outlets instead of converting lights to outlets. I have added several outlets to my MH.
  • Ok, thanks fot the advice.... its sad to see 18 lights and only 4 outlets in the whole coach... its a 1989 sterling Glendale 27 foot.
  • If you can add a breaker and pull some 120v romex to the location... the outlet install part will be easy.
  • Do not try it.. You could end up with a short, burned wiring and a fire. Lights are 12 volt DC Wall sockets are 115V AC the dc wiring will not handle the wattage for 115V.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I would not convert them but if you remove them you can mount 12 volt accessory outlets next to them and simply splice in.. BE ADVISED however these may be low current outlets.

    A 1141 lamp is about 1.5 amps. a 1156 about 2 (Rounded in both cases) so you can guess current limits from that.
  • The OP hopefully may be talking about putting cigarette lighter type sockets in place of his 12-volt lights. He'll need to respond and clarify. Adding 120 volt electrical outlets (receptacles) is a huge job in most rigs. My bus has nineteen (thirty-eight).
  • In a word- no. The wiring for the 12 volt is totally unacceptable for 120 volts.
    Unless you want 12 volt, or USB type outlets- then it would just be limited to the circuit capacity.

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