12v system

[Maybedaisy]

Hi,

I have an off grid system where led lights are run from 12v leisure batteries with light switches.

I have put blade fuses on all of the connections using these;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-WAY-STA...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f06854cbe

However I was wondering whether it would be safer and neater to use a consumer unit. That way I would be able to have one set of clamps on the batter instead of 3.

Can I use a 240v consumer unit and put different fuses in or do I need a 12v one.

Any suggestions. This is for the tack room at a stables yard not a domestic installation.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If you were to install a mains voltage consumer unit, you would use a transformer to step down the voltage to 12V.

 

[Maybedaisy]

Even if it was connected to a 12v leisure battery and not the mains ?

 

[JohnW2]

If you were to install a mains voltage consumer unit, you would use a transformer to step down the voltage to 12V.

I think he was proposing using a CU fed from a 12V battery, not mains power. What I don't know is how standard MCBs perform with DC - do you?

Kind Regards, John

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If you are running the lights of a 12V battery, you don't need to step down the voltage.

 

[JohnW2]

If you are running the lights of a 12V battery, you don't need to step down the voltage.

Indeed - but, as I asked, do you know how standard MCBs perform with DC current, 'cos I don't.

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

That way I would be able to have one set of clamps on the batter instead of 3.

Why are you using three sets of clamps at the moment?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

What I don't know is how standard MCBs perform with DC - do you?

Sorry John, I was replying to OPs previous post and had not seen yours!
I understand they have to be DC rated, some models will perform on 12V DC and some will not.

 

[Maybedaisy]

I have 3 batteries in different locations. Each battery has three sets of led lights running of it via the blade fuses which is messy.

 

[Maybedaisy]

I basically want something that looks like a consumer unit that I can connect to the battery and then feed the individual lighting wires into.

 

[RF Lighting]

What about a vehicle fuse box?

A domestic CU is not going to be suitible for use at 12VDC.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It seems to me that it is only messy because you have done it messily.

I don't see why it can't be done neatly using vehicle components.

 

[Maybedaisy]

It probably could be, but I think it would look neater with a consumer unit.I was also considering this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321008660664?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

 

[big-all]

torpedo holders only take a second to open and change one per battery or one per item
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/In-Line-C...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19d1e97687

 

[ericmark]

Some wagons did have 12/24 volt circuit breakers normally with two blade connections. ERF and Leyland both used the same system. Durite was where I got most of the extra low voltage stuff.

The 230v MCB did seem to work with 12v but likely the magnetic part would not work correctly with DC so not really a good option.

In-line fuse holders one has to be wary of as in some cases with large fuses the plastic melts before the fuse blows.