Emergency home lighting

[Covert]

On my list of things to do is rig up a 12v emergency lighting setup in my home , we are in a bungalow so thoughts were to put a large 12v battery in the roof and run some cables etc for lighting . Maybe keep the battery on a trickle charger to keep it topped up and in good condition.

Any thoughts ?

[Yorkshire Andy]

Depends on what you want to do if on roof why not a 60w solar charger with charge regulator... My 30w just copes with my shed in winter... Its all in a kit bar mounting brackets
https://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/cat ... -boat.html


The regulator does the charge control and auto shut off if discharged too far to save the battery


Biggest issue is these batteries ( leisure flooded acid) is getting it in the loft (heavy) and maintaining it (if maintainable) unless you have a loft ladder

I would go for low level / intensity lighting rather than led strip as its a pain to hang and cheap light strips don't last

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-x-Brushed-Chr ... Ciid%253A1

[Yorkshire Andy]

Or more discrete

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-10W-LED-Eag ... Ciid%253A5


If you drop the all the light wires into a cupboard this might make life easier

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-6-Gang-Rock ... iid%253A21

Also has CIG socket and USB charger

Remember to fuse accordingly the supplied leads on the solar panel fuse close to the battery but if each light is fused it won't harm

I wouldn't go for Blackpool illuminations and I would be tempted to try red lighting as its very easy on the eye and won't deplete your night vision

[Covert]

Thanks fellas , i hadnt thought about a solar panel, ive actually got a spare big one sitting around doing nothing , how do i work out how much power it kicks out ..?
Its not a problem getting the battery in the loft , my garage is pitch roof and shares the same wall on the side of the house , somone in the past has put a hatch in so easy access.

I like the idea of red lighting as when ive used it at night in the past its been very successful

Was thinking of led strip lighting in red not fixed anywhere but like a long torch with lead so it can be mived from room to room , dont want people being able to see that we have a light on , make it as covert as possible

Thanks Mark.

[pseudonym]

Post Xmas sales have me stocked up on AA battery powered Xmas lights, bright enough to light my way around rooms but subtle enough not to be seen from outdoors.

[jansman]

We have wind up LED camping lanterns, so no batteries needed. Also these:https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331760084929 Keep plenty of batteries on hand and some rechargeable ones too, along with a solar charger. Cheap and reliable.

[jansman]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331760084929 A link that works!

[Squirrelcatcher]

Personally, I wouldn't stick the battery in the roof. Firstly it will be more exposed to fluctuating temperatures - especially higher ones. Secondly, you are less likely to be aware if something goes wrong with it until the results are too late to deal with.

Finally, at risk of stealing your thread, if you or anyone else can recommend an appropriate solar panel/control system (price/power and reliability) I would be very grateful. Apologies if I've not done my homework and this matter is adequately covered on another thread.

[Squirrelcatcher]

D'Oh!! Didn't properly open first link. But if anyone has any other suggestions.

[Yorkshire Andy]

D'Oh!! Didn't properly open first link. But if anyone has any other suggestions.

I have had that panel about 3 years and its still working fine

Went with them after seeing plenty of positive feedback on caravan forums they also sell on Amazon