help needed please installing lighting in horsebox

[jacqui]

hi just put living into horsebox and want to install lights but dont no where to start. i have a merc wagon with 2 batterys and have bought 3 12v lights, please can any 1 explain how i do this from beginning to end in simple plain english im a woman with no experience thank you

 

[a1]

I can't help you with your query Jacqui, But I can Welcome you to the forum.

Welcome.

I know we have an auto electrician on here too as well as all other types of electricians.

 

[jacqui]

hello admin, thank you im sure one will be able to help me.

 

[bob]

hello Jacqui what are the wattages of the 3 lights

bob

 

[jacqui]

hi bob, i hav a ceiling light at 9watt and 2 mini spot lights at 10watt each i also want to add another at about 16watt, all these are for motorhomes boats etc,

 

[Apache]

hi bob, i hav a ceiling light at 9watt and 2 mini spot lights at 10watt each i also want to add another at about 16watt, all these are for motorhomes boats etc,

so 45W/12V = 3.75A

These batteries you have - are they wired into the vehicle or are they stand alone batteries? Do you know their rating (in amp hours Ahr?)

 

[a1]

Ah

 

[a1]

Have you got or is it possible to take some photos and to post them on here please Jacqui?

 

[jacqui]

hi they are wired to the vehicle dont know there amp hr?

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

hi just put living into horsebox and want to install lights but dont no where to start. i have a merc wagon with 2 batterys and have bought 3 12v lights, please can any 1 explain how i do this from beginning to end in simple plain english im a woman with no experience thank you

Hello Jacqui, welcome to the mad houseGuiness Drink:Y.

from you last comment I think we need a few more questions I am afraid..

to help people know what level to answer at..

1/ You say two batterys.. do you understand the concept of if they are connected in parallel or series?

e.g. parallel = same voltage 12v, but more current output available.

series = same current but more voltage 12+12=24v

2/ Are the electrics on the vehicle 12v or 24v

3/ Do you have a basic multi meter that can read voltage / current / Resistance?

4/ The bulb ratings don't sound as though they will be a problem.

e.g. a bog standard indicator or brake light bulb is 12v 21w

so each of your lamps are of lower values.

5/ Are there any fused accessory circuits already on vehicle that you can connect onto?

6/ Do you want all of the lights to switch on together? or individually?

Answers to a few of those points may help kick us in the right direction?

Guiness Drink

Basically you just need to:-

ensure you use a suitable gauge of cable to carry the current.

control by a suitable switch.

connect back to supply (battery) via a suitable fuse.

thats the concept in a nutshell,

 

[danny7299]

where are you based Jacqui ?

 

[Andy™]

If the lights may be left on for long hours, you may want to install one of these so stop the battery being drained to the point of engine not starting

Although if its a truck, electrics are probably 24V. in which case, you would need either 24V lights, or run 12V from one battery, and if power starts getting low, change over to other battery

The capacity (AH) of the battery will determine how long you can use the lights (and other stuff) before battery goes flat, but dont forget you need power to get engine started again so not all capacity is useable

 

[steptoe]

my experience of these things (race trucks) are generally that the vehecile is 24v and the electrics are taken off one side to be 12v, so there shouldnt really be a problem. if you want to PM me I will give you a more detailed explaination via phone.

 

[Apache]

Steps is chatting up the ladies again..............

 

[jacqui]

ok thanks guys at least i have i little bit info, i leave it at that for the min if i get stuck i probs be back for more help thanks again jacqui