MAKE A 12 VOLT FLOOD LIGHT

                                         

Make a cheap and simple 12 volt flood light using an old mains garden lamp. Ideal for emergency outdoor security lighting if the power fails, illuminating your campsite, emergency indoor lighting etc. For this in main you will need an old mains lamp, some wire and LEDs.

Open up the unit removing the glass and connections cover. To keep it water resistant be aware of any seals (give them a thin coat of vaseline before reassembly) Any wire run grommets will need sealing as your supply wire is likely less in diameter than the original mains cable. Using an outdoor unit it should be water resistant to IP rating so reassembling/sealing properly is important to maintain this.

Wire, remember to give it a decent length if your using the lamp portable, remember to ensure correct polarity when connecting. It uses minimal current so you do not require heavy grade cable, i used basic speaker wire.

Decide what type of connector you require for your selected 12 volt supply, crocodile clips, car plug etc.

Pull the 12 volt supply wire through to the original connector and run from that then connect your LEDs.                     

LEDs, the high intensity type is probably better, how many will depend on your illumination requirements. The 12 volt LED bulbs are an option although you would have to sort a fitting within the case and in front the reflector so probably better to stay with single and strip LED. Connect them together and push/mount through the rear of the reflector after making a small hole for each one, add a dab of glue. You can add an LED strip around the edge of thereflector too curving and gluing in place this being part of the same circuit. Replace reflector. 

ANY TYPE OR COMBINATION CAN BE UTILISED INTO THE LAMP TRIAL AND TEST WILL SHOW THE BEST RESULT

Mounting. Can be permanent using the original bracket on outside or inside wall. (No heat produced)                

For portability you could simply adapt a clamp, drill hole and bolt to original fitting for easy clip up use.

A magnet, this one is from an old C.B antenna, not only makes a firm magnetic mounting base but a stand too.

Test your lamp, you can always add more LEDs but it may well be more practical to test before reassembling the whole lamp.

                              

                                         

Obviously this lamp will not prove as effective as a proper spotlight however it is cheap to make especially when using an old mains lamp that would have been destine for the bin.

Came across this video of an alternative idea.

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