09-30-2012, 08:12 AM
Most people use "cig lighter socket" for 12V, this is convenient but as a connector it kind of sucks.
The Code sayeth you can use single-phase 220 outlets (eg, NEMA6-15 or NEMA6-20) for 12V **if** there is no 220VAC in the building, but these are expensive and difficult to find.
My future installs will use barrier strips in a zip box; this is "less convenent" but the parts are cheap and the connection is secure, and it's not like you move your table lamp around the place anyway.
Agree that "big wiring" can be expensive; fully native 12V is really only practical where small square footage (boat, RV, cabin) keeps the wiring runs short. Longest run here is about 35 feet to the pumphouse, with #10 wire the loss is under 5%, not a problem.
The Code sayeth you can use single-phase 220 outlets (eg, NEMA6-15 or NEMA6-20) for 12V **if** there is no 220VAC in the building, but these are expensive and difficult to find.
My future installs will use barrier strips in a zip box; this is "less convenent" but the parts are cheap and the connection is secure, and it's not like you move your table lamp around the place anyway.
Agree that "big wiring" can be expensive; fully native 12V is really only practical where small square footage (boat, RV, cabin) keeps the wiring runs short. Longest run here is about 35 feet to the pumphouse, with #10 wire the loss is under 5%, not a problem.