How To Wire Regular Light Fixtures In Your Camper

If you're looking to install a regular light fixture in your camper, you're in luck! It is possible to install a regular light fixture in a camper van, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you'll need to determine the power source for your lights. Most campers use a 12-volt DC system, so you'll need to buy light bulbs labelled 12-volt. When it comes to wattage, a lower number is preferable since it will use less power.

Next, you'll need to consider the light bulb base size. There are two standard sizes: E12 and E26. Make sure you can find the right size of light bulb base that coincides with the base size in the fixture.

Finally, you can choose between warm and cool-coloured lights. Warm lights emit a cosy, yellow-toned light, while cool lights give off a brighter, whiter light.

Once you've selected your light fixture and bulbs, you can follow online tutorials to wire your lights correctly. Just remember to always turn off the power and wear protective equipment when working with electricity.

The difference between 120V and 12V lights

120V Lights

120V lights are known as high-voltage, line voltage, or standard voltage lights. This type of lighting runs on the same voltage that powers most homes, typically ranging from 110V to 120V. These lights require an electrical license to install and often have higher installation costs due to the need for trenching and conduit installation. The fixtures for 120V lights tend to be bulkier and less aesthetically pleasing, and the bulbs may be less energy efficient, resulting in higher electricity costs.

12V Lights

12V lights, on the other hand, are referred to as low-voltage lights. They operate at a lower voltage, typically achieved by "stepping down" the standard high voltage through the use of a transformer. 12V lights are much safer, especially for outdoor use near water, and they don't require trenching, making them more cost-effective for initial installation. The fixtures for 12V lights are more diverse and can be installed in a variety of locations, including flush in the ground, mounted on fire pits, or even placed in water. The bulbs for 12V lights tend to last longer due to lower heat generation, and they are available in a wider range of wattages, colours, and beam spread options.

Energy Efficiency

When it comes to energy efficiency, 12V lights have the advantage. Running lights directly on DC power without any inverter or voltage changes is the most energy-efficient approach. Additionally, 12V LED bulbs are available, which consume significantly less power than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Safety

12V lights are also considered safer, especially for outdoor applications. They can be installed near or even in bodies of water without the same safety concerns as 120V lights, which require all junction boxes to be certified waterproof and sealed.

Installation and Cost

In terms of installation and cost, 12V lights again offer benefits. They do not require an electrical license to install in some states, making them more accessible for DIY projects. The initial installation cost is typically lower due to the absence of trenching requirements, and the fixtures themselves tend to be more affordable and aesthetically pleasing.

Suitability for Off-Grid Systems

For off-grid systems, 12V lighting is a popular choice. It ensures that the lights remain operational even if the inverter fails, providing a level of reliability. However, it is important to consider the efficiency of the lighting system to avoid placing a strain on the battery bank and requiring frequent generator use.

In summary, 12V lights offer advantages in terms of safety, energy efficiency, installation cost, fixture diversity, and suitability for off-grid systems. They are a popular choice for outdoor lighting and can provide the same level of illumination as 120V lights while consuming less power.

How to wire 12V campervan lights in series vs. parallel

Wiring 12V campervan lights in series or parallel depends on the type of lights you are using. If you are using 12V LED lights, wiring them in parallel is preferred. This is because wiring them in series can cause the lumen output of each light to differ, with the first light being the brightest and the last light being the weakest. It also means that if one light breaks, every light after that will also turn off.

However, wiring campervan LED lights in parallel can cause a lot of extra wiring to be needed. Therefore, most people will opt for a mixture of parallel and series wiring. For example, you can wire two sets of two lights in series, and then wire the two sets in parallel. This means that if the first light of the first set blows, the last two sets will still stay on, but the second light in the first set will turn off.

To wire 12V campervan lights in parallel, you will need to use T-tap connectors. These will allow you to wire the lights per the wiring diagram. You can also use a DC 8-way splitter to wire up all the lights in parallel.

To wire 12V campervan lights in series, simply connect the negative of the first light to the positive of the second light.

• Lay the cabling: Before touching any insulation or carpentry, lay the cabling. Run a positive (red) and negative (black) wire out to all the lights.
• Wire the lights: Attach the lights to the wire using crimp connectors. Strip back the wire insulator half an inch on both the light and the wire.
• Wire the switch: Most people will want a 12V dimmer switch. 12V light switch wiring is simple: positive and negative IN (from the battery) are on one side of the dimmer switch, and positive and negative OUT (to the lights) are on the other side.
• Wire the switch to the fuse box: From the switch, the positive and negative IN will run to the 12V fuse box, which in turn runs to the bus bars and on to the leisure batteries.

How to wire campervan LED puck lights

Wiring your campervan with LED puck lights is a great way to ensure you have a well-lit and inviting space. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Planning

Before you start, it is important to plan the location of your lights and switches. LED puck lights are typically installed within the ceiling boards and along the underside of overhead cabinets. You should also consider the location of your switches and plan your wiring paths to keep all cables tidy and secure.

Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools

You will need the following materials:

• LED puck lights (e.g. ACEGOO RV Puck Lights)
• Batteries
• Bus bars
• 12V fuse panel
• Light switches (e.g. Nilight Light Switch with USB A & C Ports)
• Wires (e.g. 14 AWG wires)
• Electrical connectors (e.g. lever nuts, butt connectors, ring terminals, female spade connectors)
• Electrical tools (e.g. wire strippers, voltage meter, safety glasses)

Step 3: Connect Batteries to Bus Bars

First, connect your batteries to bus bars. Bus bars are power distribution centers that simplify the wiring process and help keep your electrical wiring clean and orderly.

Step 4: Wire Bus Bars to 12V Panel

Next, wire the 12V fuse panel to the bus bars. The fuse panel distributes power from the batteries to each 12V end device in the van, such as your LED puck lights, but also other devices like a vent fan, water pump, or fridge.

Step 5: Attach 12V Panel to Switches and Lights

Finally, wire the 12V panel to the switches and lights. Different switches may require different types of wire terminals. For example, the Nilight switch uses female spade connectors. Make sure to refer to the appropriate wiring diagrams for your specific setup.

Step 6: Test and Enjoy!

Once you have everything connected, test your lights to make sure they are working properly. Now you can enjoy your newly lit campervan!

How to wire LED strip lights in a campervan

Wiring LED strip lights in a campervan is a straightforward process, but it's important to plan ahead and have the right tools and supplies. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wire LED strip lights in your campervan:

Step 1: Planning and Gathering Supplies

Before you begin, it's crucial to plan the layout of your LED strip lights. Consider where you want the lights to be located and how you want them to be controlled. Will they be controlled by a switch, dimmer, or Bluetooth? Also, make sure you have the necessary tools and supplies, including wire strippers, crimp connectors, cable clamps, electrical tape, and the correct gauge of wire for your specific setup.

Step 2: Wiring Basics

When wiring LED lights, you have two main options: series or parallel. Wiring in series is not recommended for campervans, as it can cause uneven lighting and if one light breaks, all the subsequent lights will turn off. Wiring in parallel is the preferred method, as it ensures uniform lighting and allows individual lights to be turned off without affecting the others.

Step 3: Laying the Cable

The first step in the installation process is to lay the cable for your LED strip lights. This should be done before any insulation or carpentry work. Determine the locations for your strip lights, and run positive and negative wires from your fuse box to those locations. Use cable ties and adhesive mounts to secure the wires to the ceiling or desired surface.

Step 4: Connecting the Strip Lights

Once you have determined the locations for your strip lights, it's time to connect them to the wiring. Cut the strip lights to the desired length and add strip connectors. Then, splice the positive and negative wires from the fuse box to the corresponding wires on the strip lights. If you're using a dimmer or Bluetooth control, make sure to incorporate that into your wiring setup.

Step 5: Testing and Finalizing

After you have connected all the strip lights, it's important to test the wiring to ensure everything is functioning properly. Check that the lights turn on and off as expected and that there are no loose connections. Once you've confirmed that everything is working correctly, use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to insulate and protect all the connections.

Additional Tips:

• Always turn off the power and use a voltage meter to ensure there is no power running through the wires before beginning any electrical work.
• When splicing wires, use butt connectors or T-tap connectors for a secure connection.
• Consider using a dimmer switch for your LED strip lights to control the brightness and create the desired atmosphere.
• If you want to control your LED strip lights with your phone via Bluetooth, you can purchase a Bluetooth dongle and connect it to the strip lights.

How to wire LED lamps

Wiring LED lights is a simple task that can be done by following these steps:

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools and Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. These include wire strippers, electrical caps, a voltage meter, safety glasses, and, of course, the LED lights themselves. It is also important to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with electricity.

Step 2: Understand the Basics of Wiring

LED lights typically have two wires: a positive wire (usually red) and a negative wire (usually black). When connecting LED lights, it is crucial to match the correct wires to ensure proper polarity. Additionally, LED lights operate on low voltage DC, with common voltages being 12V and 24V.

Step 3: Prepare the LED Lights

If you are using LED light strips, you may need to trim the strips to the desired length using scissors. LED light strips have indicated cutting lines, and it is important to cut along these lines to ensure that all the lights function properly. Once trimmed, attach a wire connector to the end of the strip, aligning the positive and negative terminals accordingly.

Step 4: Connect the LED Lights to a Power Source

If you are powering the LED lights directly from a power source, such as a battery, simply connect the positive wire from the LED light to the positive terminal of the power source, and the negative wire to the negative terminal. Ensure that the connections are secure and that the power source matches the voltage requirements of the LED lights.

Step 5: Test and Adjust Brightness (Optional)

If you are using LED lights with adjustable brightness, you can connect them to a dimmer switch to control the intensity of the light output. This will allow you to create different ambiance and lighting levels in your space.

Step 6: Splice into Existing Wires (Optional)

If you want to power your LED lights by tapping into an existing power supply, you can use a wire splicer. First, test the LED lights to identify the negative and positive wires. Then, slide the splicer over the wire you want to connect to, insert the LED wires into the splicer, and clamp the pin using pliers. Finally, snap the cover of the splicer into place, and your LED lights will be powered by the tapped wire.

Step 7: Finish and Protect the Installation

Once you have successfully wired your LED lights, cover the LED strip with a plastic or aluminum casing to protect the installation. Ensure that all connections are secure and that there are no exposed wires. Now you can enjoy your newly installed LED lights!

Frequently asked questions