efficientPV
Solar Addict
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2019
- Messages
- 1,341
I use AC outlets exclusively. If I blow something up, I deserve it. People who visit know not to touch anything!
I used to think that way, but am starting to get away from that. I've found that there is no practical way for a disconnect for a high wattage 12 volt appliance. Even the lower wattage items that are run with the 16 gauge wire have limits like I can see .5 volts to 1 volt drop off after a 15 to 30 watt item. Also, with my RV, installing new thicker wiring is not practical with having to remove the floor to do that.I encourage using as much 12V stuff as possible- especially lighting. Then a decent inverter can power a coffeemaker, vac, anything else you want within the power output of the inverter. 12V coffeemakers take decades to make coffee and it’s not fresh-tasting by the time they’re done.
If you don’t have an electric fridge the inverter can be a part-time item turned off when not needed.
This is really helpful, thank you. Is there a place you rely on to purchase sae compatible 12v stuff with cords?Those sae sockets are not a struggle. Great option for 12V stuff with cords and the improvement over cig lighter sockets is significant.
I encourage using as much 12V stuff as possible- especially lighting. Then a decent inverter can power a coffeemaker, vac, anything else you want within the power output of the inverter. 12V coffeemakers take decades to make coffee and it’s not fresh-tasting by the time they’re done.
If you don’t have an electric fridge the inverter can be a part-time item turned off when not needed.
fwiw I have an electric fridge, 1200W
inverter, and currently run with 400W of solar at 24V into ~500Ah of lead acid. I have another 300W of solar which I’ll incorporate before “the dark months”
So you can have a decent high-performing dependable 12V lighting and other 12V device system and yet still have stable 120VAC available.
Those sae connectors are nearly as easy to use as a 120V socket, just shaped differently and makes your 12V solar life more pleasant imho
I think you may have misunderstood me. Not that we can’t use 120V lights, but if not using an electric refrigerator there’s beauty in having lights, usb chargers, etc available with the inverter off.I used to think that way, but am starting to get away from that. I've found that there is no practical way for a disconnect for a high wattage 12 volt appliance
I like both. Redundancies.Really what is the point in using 12 volt stuff ? It’s really easy to just run a/c wires and outlets every where ?
I agree. I don’t have any cig plugs or bodged stuff. I disagree on the dubious part; if my inverter fails I will still have lights until a new one goes in.it's kind of ridiculous to maintain Cig Plugs and 1/2 based bodged stuff. 12V extra as a side is just ... dubious pretty much now.
Really what is the point in using 12 volt stuff ?
It’s really easy to just run a/c wires and outlets every where ?
Then just power every thing from the inverter, people can’t even tell I’m off grid .
My power system uses 40 watts so 1000watt being on , but we are only talking about a 2/3 extra panels for winter time
No! Not in my way of thinking.homemade ac plugs to cig lighter cords - are they safe?
Thanks. Yes, the choices made by the previous owner are a mystery. I think we’ll just put all new wall sockets in that offer the cig lighter/usb combo. Appreciate the link.There are 12 volt outlets with cover plates that fit a standard single wall box. You would still end up with a 12 volt socket, but there would be no way to plug a standard 120 plug into it.
There is zero reason to do what you have there. A 5 second internet seach for "12 volt wall socket" found this:
12 Volt Receptacle 2 3/4 x 4 1/2 – Prime Products
primeproducts.com