12 Volt System in New Home?

Question

What are you thoughts on using a 120v to 12volt distribution panel for an RV. The distribution panel are like the ones found in most RV's. I was thinking, would it be worth installing a distribution panel in home to power 12 volt fixtures ? (lights and such)

Answer 1

Interesting question...

Are you trying to save money with the fixtures cost, the wiring, or the electricity?

I've also wondered why are homes can't be more like cars (powered windows is what I would want most ;-) and I'm not quite sure if 12VDC is better for somethings in the home.  Lighting is probably top of the list, you can get lights fairly bright with 12VDC, but I think the bigger appliances will need the power you can get with the higher voltage of the 120VAC.  So that leaves the problem that you'd have to have two wiring systems in your home, one for "low voltage" and one for the normal AC.

Of course low voltage works great for outdoor lighting where you don't want that high voltage running all around your yard and you don't have and existing system in place.

I'd have to say it probably wouldn't be a good idea unless you have a very specific application (special lights or motors) in mind.

Good luck

Answer 2

The biggest problem with distributing 12 volts DC is voltage drop from long cable runs.  This is why 120VAC is used.  All wires have resistance.  Ohms law states that voltage is equal to current multiplied by resistance.  So lets say you have 12 volts and a set amount of current (one lamp).  If the current increases (you turn on a second lamp) and the resistance stays the same ( you haven't changed the wiring, just turned on a seconf lamp), then ohms law says that the voltage must drop. In order for the voltage drop to be negated the resistance must change ( larger wire ).  With 12 volts this can get expensive.

Answer 3

Not only will you get voltage drops, but you will likely violate electrical code. If you ever had a fire, your insurance company will refuse the claim. It is simply NOT worth it given what a simple distributed lighting system using 120v runs these days (check out Insteon).