12v Xmas lights? (1 Viewer)

2dogs

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We've got a 12v external socket to connect a water pump to refill the onboard tank.
Anyone know if I can use the socket to run some Xmas lights from?

This would be a once off as we normally like minimum lighting around a site but as we will be away for Xmas, why not.

Any recommendations on where to get a string of 12v Xmas lights?

Cheers
2dogs
 
Sep 26, 2013
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We have the ones that come with a small solar panel, quite cheap and usually top up during the day and last a few hours at night.

Mike
 
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2dogs

2dogs

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Thanks Mike, may take a look at that, just thought as the socket is on the van and I don't use it to fill the water tank I would try that option.

Trikeman, I would assume if I only want static lights I could cut off the control box and wire it direct with the plug I have to the outside socket.

Cheers
2dogs
 

Trikeman

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Thanks Mike, may take a look at that, just thought as the socket is on the van and I don't use it to fill the water tank I would try that option.

Trikeman, I would assume if I only want static lights I could cut off the control box and wire it direct with the plug I have to the outside socket.

Cheers
2dogs

Not too sure about that - I think the controller would have some sort of transformer, as generally the little LEDs run on a lot lower than 12v direct. We had some for the kids parties and I cut the end off the plug and put a pair of crocodile clips on (just quick way to the battery) and that worked a treat but still the controller was on there. Ours has a 'on' mode where they all just stay on and not flash or dance about - they are quite bright for what they are.

hope it helps.

Regards,

Trikeman. :winky:

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2dogs

2dogs

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Thanks Trikeman,
I could do the same but use the plug I've got instead of croc clips.

Cheers
2dogs
 

Armytwowheels

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We have the same as the ones in the ebay link and wire them into the 12v supply in the fridge vent. No reason why putting a socket on and using your external point should be a problem.... So says Colin. The remote control allows you to choose between static for flashing, or colour changing lights.

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2dogs

2dogs

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I hope so .... just put an order in.

and I just thought, as the van is always plugged up at home, I could hang the lighting from the van on the house guttering when we get back:thumb:

that'll keep her happy::bigsmile:

Cheers
2dogs
 

Wildman

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I would assume if I only want static lights I could cut off the control box and wire it direct with the plug I have to the outside socket.

Cheers
2dogs

you could but look around you can get the same lights without the control for half the price.
 
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2dogs

2dogs

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Thanks Wildman,
went for the control as when at home I can flash all I like:Eeek:

just don't want to disturb next door on site::bigsmile:

Cheers
2dogs

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TheBig1

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Nov 27, 2011
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many many years! since I was a kid
one point is that the pump socket on many vans is not permanent live. on mine the switch for water pump has 3 settings, internal pump for taps, off and external pump for filling the tank

years ago we used to go to the c&cc national feast of lanterns and the local region one. we all added lights and a theme to our vans. wonderful displays they were

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2dogs

2dogs

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Thanks Big1,

control panel in the van has pump on/off, don't even know if outside socket works yet but assume it is permanent on, will let you know how I get on.

Cheers
2dogs
 

dogman

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Oct 24, 2013
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Just ordered two from E bay, cheap enough aren't they, thought I would fit cigarette light type plugs on them since I have wired in a 4 socket gang direct from the leisure battery and mounted them on the panel behind the passenger seat. I can then run the leads through the partly opened window (for ventilation) which would be somewhere handy for the job.:thumb:
So many things come with that type of plug now such as sat nav, phone charger, etc. I thought extras would be useful, also a handy spot to plug in the TV when not on EHU without cables being draped all over the place.
Cal
 

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