----- Original Message -----
From: Ghetto Scientist <GhettoScientist@GMX.NET>


> For sometime I've been thinking about the merits of wiring a house with a
> low voltage bus (12 volts).
>
> There are a number of reasons I think this could be beneficial.

You would still likely need higher voltage leads for the appliances that use
motors as IIRC motors are more efficient at higher voltages.

> only 12 volts as apposed to 110 volts.   Once white LEDs come down in
price
> they could replace the [hot, inefficient] incandescent lights currently in
> use.  Also I could build a big UPS for all low voltage items in my house.

You can use flourescents now.  IMO good quality incandescent bulb
replacements can be had for $10 a piece and the light color is a lot more
comparable to incandescents than they used to be.

> Another reason I am interested in low voltage home systems is I have often
> though of living "off the [power] grid".  12 volt systems would largely
> eliminate the need for expensive power inverters.
>
> What I am wondering is what would be the best (most efficient) method of
> stepping down enough power from line voltage to 12 volts?  Would a
"simple" wire
> wound transformer due?   Maybe a switching power supply.

Do you want DC or AC power?  For AC a transformer is all that's needed but
you'd still need switching power supplies at the PC, etc.

Jeff

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