Wiring Ice House

[carp master]

This is a stupid question but i'm absolutely lost. When wiring multiple 12v lights together you use a parallel circuit right ? Also how do you hook up a generator to an ice house that i'm building from scratch. I'm good at metal and wood working but when it comes to electrical I know nothing and need help . Any tips on wiring a fish house? Thanks

[JakeJ_Mn]

For the 110 volt electrical - you need an outside power inlet like on a camper. I used a 20 amp RV power inlet. If you use this one you will need a extension cord with a 20 amp end. They do make 15 amp regular ones, but I use a microwave and electric heat at times so I went larger.

I am not an electrician, but wiring 12 volt multiples is just like 110.

I found out on e how dot com.

I purchased my RV outlet on the bay site. I have the 110 volt coming in from a home or my generator to an inverter to change 110 to 12 volt. An inverter will charge your deep cycle and power all your 12 volt at the same time when plugged into 110. My 12v lights can be turned on by a wall switch or individually.

If you aren't running a heater with a blower - a deep cycle is more that adequate for a weekend running lights and some computer fans.

[BLACKJACK]

That e how dot com HSOforum seems like a pretty good, informative HSOforum!!! I've never been there before but now its bookmarked!!!

[dukhntr]

Do yourself a favor...get an RV power distribution center. Mine allows for 11 12 volt circuits, and 5 110 volt circuits. The 110 circuits have breakers, and the 12 volt circuits have fuses. Then run all wiring to the distribution center. I put my distribution center in the same bench as my battery storage, with access to the front. Mine also has a built in battery charger. Then wire in your generator plug to the distribution center. I think the cost was something around $180.00. It is the only way to go.

dukhntr

[hovermn]

Iota makes a power distribution center for both 12V/110V power, room for 12 12v fuses and 3 or 4 110 breakers. I think I paid around $35.00 for mine. For another $140, I bought the Iota 30 amp Converter/Smart charger. It's a 4 stage charger, and keeps the batteries conditioned if left plugged in all the time.

Ha, I also bought an Iota transfer switch. I think that was another $30-40 or so, and is wired in before the distribution center. It goes Male 110v outlet on the outside of the house for a generator or home power. That leads to the transfer switch, which leads to the distribution center. Also hooked into the transfer switch is the inverter.

I ran a common ground for the lights. Keep that in mind if you plan on putting every light on its own switch.