Is wiring 12V same as 110?

[coldmark]

I'm planning to just wire my shack the same way I wired my basement. Use the same leftover wire, outlets, switches, and light fixtures. Am I correct in assuming 12V is the same as 110?

Also, can I use a dimmer switch with a 12v system? Thanks!

Also

[love to hunt]

12V DC (direct current) and 110V AC (alternating current) are not not even close to the same.

12V DC has a positive and a negative side and is polarity critical.

110V AC has a hot and a return or common and is not polarity critical.

You would have to out fit all your 12V appliances with new cord ends to fit in the outlets

You would have to get dual power light bulbs and they are pretty pricy.

Of course your left overs will carry 12V power but I can't see as how you would gain anything by using the left overs from your basement, and the wire (12-2 or 14-2) is dificult to work with in tight areas and is a little over kill for the job.

If you are going to wire 12V I would just start with new 14ga 12V Primary wire (red for + and black for -). Install a 6 gang switch plate with fuses, power points for all your 12V appliances, and 12V camper lights in the ceiling. It is much simpler to work with and you will be much happier for it.

The dimmer switch will work but will drain your batteries very quickly. It is set up for 110V AC and the 12V will work 10 times harder to push current through that heavy circut.

[deepportage01]

L2H, ware did you get that switch/fuse plate? I need one to finish off my system. Thanks

[love to hunt]

I think Cabelas has them and most marine dealers can get them. They are made by Atwood.

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[huntingislife]

What size fuses are you using for all those different components?

[love to hunt]

Depends on what it is running. If you look on the appliance it will tell you what the max amp draw is and fuse it accordingly.

The radio has a max draw of 4 amps so there is a 5 amp fuse in there.

The weather station draws 2 amps so there is a 5amp fuse in there.

The fan draws 6 amps on high so there is a 10 amp fuse in there.

The main runs everyting so it is carrying a 30 amp fuse in there.

Also the switch set is not set up for a main control switch. Wire it like the diagram to have 1 main switch.

The fuses come all joined to gether on 1 feed line. Cut the feed at the lowest switch. Then run the loose end from the switch to the next fuse and wire in your appliances.

The diagram shows the main switch at the bottom.

It works great.

[huntingislife]

Thanks L2H, that explains it very well!

[coldmark]

Thanks for the info. Let me clarify my question. Is it the same to wire everything in my walls as I would in my house? It sounds like it is as long as I'm using red/black wire.

I'm going to wire 3 12V lightbulbs (each with a switch), a car stereo, and a cigarette lighter (for charging stuff). My plan is the wire everything from my batteries to the switches and fixtures just like I would in a house. Are my leftover switches and light fixtures good to use for 12V? I'll skip the dimmer and I won't put any 12V outlets. I'll put a couple of 110 outlets instead. Thanks!

[JohnMickish]

Yes, you can use the stuff. The wire is rated for 600volts and it won't know the difference between 12 and 120. Your switches are more than likely rated for 300volts and they can't tell the diffence either. You can even use your light fixtures and use 12V incandescent bulbs or spend the money and get 12volt screw in LED lamps (that would be the right way to do it). I wouldn't use the receptacles though, as someone might plug in a 120volt item. They will work for 12volts if you want to, as they really cant tell what voltage is going thru them either.