Converting a standard domestic 240v lamp to 12v for use in bathroom?

[julianf]

Ive read a bit about this on the web, but most of the links etc. in other threads are out of date.

As i understand it, i can (somwhere?) buy 12v bulbs with standard bayonet bases, so no need to change the fitting on the lamp.

Hmm... Just found this -

https://www.easy-lightbulbs.com/lig.../gl1225bc-f/?gclid=CLn44rCc-s4CFRMTGwodDw4BWQ

Id then just need to hard-wire to a transformer. Tool station etc has plenty of transformers, but im not certain which is relevant.

For example, would this be acceptable -

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p55497?table=no

Am i on the right track? Ideally id like this acceptable with buildings control - they will never see it, but it does not seem like a bad idea to make it compliant all the same!

 

[brightspark]

i don't get your point just get a bathroom ip rated 240v fitting. its preferable to have them through an rcd if its new wiring. changing an existing fitting no problem. even if u convert a standard bayonet fitting to 12 volt it still needs to be ip rated

 

[julianf]

mains electrics isnt somthing im good at -

the problem im trying to find a solution to is -

we have a free standing (floor standing) lamp (standard 240v) that we would like to use in the bathroom.
so, im trying to make this existing unit (which we like) safe, rather than trying to find another unit.

so, i wanted to keep the 240v in the loft, and then run a 12v feed from that, down to the light

again, i wont pretend i know what im doing, so, if there is a better way, im all ears?

 

[piman]

Hello Julian,

you can get 12 volt B.C. lamps, but I don't know if you can get them with a reasonable wattage, it may be that they will not give out very much light. If you do get a high wattage then you may need to change the cable in the lamp, as like for like wattage, at 12 volts it will draw 20 times more current than at mains voltage. You just need then to ensure that the transformer you buy is large enough for the lamp you intend to use, I don't know that the one you showed is the best type for the job?

Alec

 

[bump]

Just don't go there. It may fall into a zone 3 when stood but could be knocked over easily and fall into a zone 1 area. It also won't be IP rated so you're opening yourself to a world of annoying cut outs when you get condensing moisture on there.

There is a good reason that Dar, Searchlight, Firstlight, Franklite et al don't offer anything like this.

 

[WorkshopChris]

As above a lot of the 12v supplies are not fully isolated and just reduce the voltage.

 

[500e]

These lamps are 12 volt and not for domestic use. Low Voltage GLS Lamp 12v 25w Ba22d/BC Pearl/Frosted.
Why go tungsten at all if you are changing to 12 volts

 

[knighty]

if you look on ebay you can get some pretty decent rechargeable led lights, would one of those work for you ?

they last a pretty long time on a charge... you could always buy 2 so leave one on charge while you use one then swap them over once a week ?

 

[dobbslc]

Nah just put a shaver plug on it and plug it into your shaver point......

 

[julianf]

As above a lot of the 12v supplies are not fully isolated and just reduce the voltage.

From the brief amount ive read, it looks like the EN number of the one i linked to implies that its isolated under normal and single fault conditions.

Now, again, i wont pretend to know about this stuff, but, im having trouble understanding why, if i get the right transformer, that only puts out 12v at a sensible ampage, where the saftey concern actually is?

I guess, what im saying is, i would have thought that the saftey considerations were down to the transformer, and, anything downstream of that, no matter what the specification, would be safe?

 

[WorkshopChris]

From the brief amount ive read, it looks like the EN number of the one i linked to implies that its isolated under normal and single fault conditions.

Now, again, i wont pretend to know about this stuff, but, im having trouble understanding why, if i get the right transformer, that only puts out 12v at a sensible ampage, where the saftey concern actually is?

I guess, what im saying is, i would have thought that the safety considerations were down to the transformer, and, anything downstream of that, no matter what the specification, would be safe?

Its only a possibility but without getting into the Chinese manufacturing argument, is some of the units on the market are not compliant. In the past part of my main job has involved developing products to be used in schools and classrooms, one project i had to evaluate volt transformer and switching supplies some were OK but some were not a few were just plain scary. ( a plastic box small transformer and a underrated voltage reg all hot melt glued to a jump of concrete to give some reassuring weight to the unit no fuse or protection)

Personally i would go for a trusted brand such as, http://www.varilight.co.uk/lighting/dimmable-transformers.html
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Produc...=finalurl_v2&gclid=CLCEg8D0-s4CFRPjGwodXjgK-w
In this high risk situation its not worth the chance.

 

[colnerov]

Hi, Why not convert the light to a car type holder a LED lamp and then have small battery in/on the base? You seem too hung up on keeping the 240v bayonet holder and trying to work round that.

Colin

 

[WorkshopChris]

Just thinking will the existing cable up to the lamp holder be heavy enough if you go over to 12v?

 

[dobbslc]

Some transformers are isolating some aren't. Look up PELV, SELV & FELV I can't remember what one you need as I've just had a day on a PTS course and my head hurts!
But I think off the top of my head you need one that complies with BS3838 like a shaver socket.
As said before there are good reasoned to be very careful with electricity and water.

 

[Bobtail4x4]

on the back of this question, Im looking for a led 12v GU10 type lamp to go in a 240v fitting, ok its in the camper she likes the mains spotlight rather than a caravan one, but I cant get anything to fit it,

 

[dobbslc]

I think the GU10 is a mains only lamp.

 

[rikrobson]

Is this just not a bit od false economy? You'll end up spending to get what you want, why not just get a correct bathroom lamp?

 

[WorkshopChris]

on the back of this question, Im looking for a led 12v GU10 type lamp to go in a 240v fitting, ok its in the camper she likes the mains spotlight rather than a caravan one, but I cant get anything to fit it,

It wont say on any of the data sheets but some of the GU10 Led's will run off of 12v dv some will go lower others won't, i put one in a bike light conversion a few years back for a decent light on the farm. If you have any at home give them a try, it all depends what they have inside them reduce the power.

 

[normspanners]

These are 60W I used to get them as hand lamp bulbs to modify standard 240 light to 12v for working on cars safely till led's hit the market yyhttps://www.easy-lightbulbs.com/light-bulbs/general-household-lighting/gls-bulb/bayonet-22mm-diameter/gl1260bc-f-ca/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw0rm-BRCn85bm8uS-zK0BEiQAHo4vrI87xw24WsKchilAYsFOTiC0l2mmZyDl7KMgOaUiS2QaAhwm8P8HAQ
Possibly an ultra safe way to do it would be a 240 -24v isolating dc transformer then a truck radio 24v 12v dc dc converter that would make it doubly isolated and you could then put the lamp in the bath with you !

 

[bump]

I think the GU10 is a mains only lamp.

GU10 is a Mains voltage lamp. What is inside the LED versions however is anyone's guess. Might work, might not. You could always replace the lampholder for an MR16 unit and then use a 12v 50mm LED to get the same look.