Hi folks,
Our '11 FWC Grandby was ordered with an optional accessory box at the right rear of the camper that contains a pair of cigarette-lighter type 12-volt sockets (outlets). Over the last year I've unfortunately fried 4 sets of various LED nightlights from the local auto parts store, manufactured under the Custom Accessories brand name, and have come to the conclusion that these kinds of LED lights are simply unsuited to this application. The 5-amp fuse in each socket plug doesn't seem to be affected; the LED light finally shuts off one night and that's that, it never comes back on no matter how much I manipulate it, even though the sockets continue to supply juice.
On another forum I found someone talking about the possibility that even normal battery voltages just beyond 12 volts, say about 13, could rapidly cause premature LED burnout, and suggested having a voltage regulator as part of the nightlight configuration. The discussion on amperage draw suggested that LEDs couldn't possibly draw enough to burn them out like that. So I'm still unsure as to the source of my problem. But the bottom line for me is that my wife and I need to obtain a reliable and not-particularly-bright LED nightlight to plug into one of our FWC 12-volt sockets so we can get up to use our porta-potty in the middle of the night without incident.
Would any FWCers have any thoughts to share on this subject, and maybe a place to steer me? As always, thanks!
Rico
Our '11 FWC Grandby was ordered with an optional accessory box at the right rear of the camper that contains a pair of cigarette-lighter type 12-volt sockets (outlets). Over the last year I've unfortunately fried 4 sets of various LED nightlights from the local auto parts store, manufactured under the Custom Accessories brand name, and have come to the conclusion that these kinds of LED lights are simply unsuited to this application. The 5-amp fuse in each socket plug doesn't seem to be affected; the LED light finally shuts off one night and that's that, it never comes back on no matter how much I manipulate it, even though the sockets continue to supply juice.
On another forum I found someone talking about the possibility that even normal battery voltages just beyond 12 volts, say about 13, could rapidly cause premature LED burnout, and suggested having a voltage regulator as part of the nightlight configuration. The discussion on amperage draw suggested that LEDs couldn't possibly draw enough to burn them out like that. So I'm still unsure as to the source of my problem. But the bottom line for me is that my wife and I need to obtain a reliable and not-particularly-bright LED nightlight to plug into one of our FWC 12-volt sockets so we can get up to use our porta-potty in the middle of the night without incident.
Would any FWCers have any thoughts to share on this subject, and maybe a place to steer me? As always, thanks!
Rico