GoE Labs - Safer Lighting and Effects, an option
To LV or not to LV ....
Ok we all love our effects animations and special lighting in our displays, this is an option that we all should consider.
There are many hazards that we face in our haunts, and electrical is no exception. Some things we just have to run off AC power, but there are many that can be run off the standard walkway lighting system.
The few things that we need to run off ac poser include our foggers, which we need to insure we use heavy cords and follow all the electrical safety rules.... Beyond that there is really little else that we can not accomplish using a low voltage system.
Interestingly enough most codes and regulations apply to systems and wiring that are above 48V, anything below that is generally exempt, and is also physically safer and can be more flexible for our uses.
These lighting systems typically run 12V AC and are extremely easy to use and adapt to our purposes. The following list are some of the things I personally have used, and intend to expand on it as I go forward.
Lighting
Motors (like wiper motors)
Prop controllers
Solenoids
Not all of these will run directly off 12v AC (Alternating Current) but will run off 12v DC (Direct Current, like that from a battery). The use of some fairly simple devices can change the AC into DC. These are called rectifiers, specifically full wave bridge rectifiers, and using a capacitor will smooth out the ripples for devices like prop controllers. (we can even easily create 6v also)
General Wiring AC and DC devices
There are a many accessories that can be obtained for haunting purposes from your local Wal-Mart, Auto Parts store, RV supply , and marine supply stores. A lot are available for lighting, with colored bezzels. There are Pumps for fountains, spotlights (fog lights) for bright lighting, motors for props. Look around you will find some amazing products and supplies.
Additionally there are a plethora of other 12v light bulbs halogens for spots or par cans, and even neon ropes to make "Go Away" signs .
So with so many possibilities and options readily available why not !
Think about it, its way safer to use and operate, there are usually no special inspections or codes to follow, and is pretty darn safe, as you minimize your possibility of giving someone a shock (as 12v won;t kill you, as a matter of fact you may not even know your touching live wires)
Tags: ac to dc, lighting, low voltage, lv
Comment
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Comment by Gary Berger on August 24, 2009 at 1:01pm - Very good information, thanks for sharing!!!
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Comment by Pete on August 23, 2009 at 12:18pm - Added General overview of wiring, with reference for DC conversion
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Comment by Pete on August 22, 2009 at 10:15am
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I use a landscape lighting power supply, the problem is its 12V AC, and the motor wants 12V DC. The solution is pretty simple, a full wave bridge rectifier.
AC goes in on one pair of pins, and DC comes out the other set. I tend to use ones like this, and use some quick connects.
This way you can use all the standard landscape light wiring and connectiions to distribute the power, then at the locations you need DC power convert it locally. As a side note, if you use a songle rectifier diode, you will wind up only having 1/2 the voltage (thus 6v) which is handy for running things at differrent voltages (or motors slower)
Just be sure the rectifier (bridge or diode) is capable of handling the current for the device, It never hurts to get larger Amp ratins for these.
As a side note, I upgraded my Lighting Power unit to a massive one (like 300W) lasy year, and it services a fairly decent amount of lights, motorized props .... with room to spare for expansion
-Hope this helps, and ask if you need more detail on it
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Comment by Bones Attain on August 22, 2009 at 9:55am - Any advice as to powering things like wiper motors? I've hacked computer power supplies but there has got to be a simpler solution!
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Comment by Eric on June 29, 2009 at 2:09am -
Great information, I will take the 12v lighting into consideration seems a lot safer and much cheaper at the same time.
Thank you!
-Eric
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