Running a Car 12v dc devices on 220AC

RicardoSmith

Is there a way to run a device designed for 12c car supply on a 220 AC home power source?

KdjaCL

Need a special power (transformer) adapter maplin may have it or heitons Buckley use one in work not sure of the name.

kdjac

ZENER

What sort of current does the device require ? This will have a big bearing on the type of power supply you will need. Maybe you could let us in on the secret devices identity.

ZEN

RicardoSmith

NO idea of the current. Whats the max ouput on a car 12v system? Its an air compressor bought in Lidl.

ZENER

Its an air compressor bought in Lidl.

If you mean like the type for inflating tyres then you're looking at about 5 AMPS on load. Mind you thats pumping up a tyre - might not require that much for a blow up doll !!:D


ZEN

RicardoSmith

Originally posted by ZENER
If you mean like the type for inflating tyres then you're looking at about 5 AMPS on load. Mind you thats pumping up a tyre - might not require that much for a blow up doll !!:D
ZEN

You need to get out more.

ZENER

I know . sorry I just couldn't resist it !

Seriously though some idea as to the size of this thing and its purpose would be useful. A PSU to supply 5 to 10 amps wont be cheap thats for sure. If you intended to use it in your garage or the like then maybe a car battery with a charger would be the route to go, if cosmetic appearance is important then there are other routes but I reckon they will probably cost more than the compressor did.

Minimum requirements - if you are electrically savvy - would be:

230VAC to 12VAC @ 5 to 10 amps transformer
10 to 15 AMP Bridge rectifier
Smoothing capacitor
Enclosure of some description
Cable - fuse holder - output socket - odd 'n sods etc.

I reckon you're talking 40 quid or there abouts.

ZEN

dogz

buy acharger and leave it at that it will do the trick

ZENER

buy acharger and leave it at that it will do the trick

It's not that simple:

Battery chargers (Car Battery Types) Dont employ any smoothing of the DC line which could cause damage to the device.

They have poor regulation - voltage output varies up to 16/17 volts.

You will need a charger than can supply the maximum current your device requires for as long as it is used - cheap chargers are not designed for this.

Plus the noise will put you off

ZEN

dogz

im using this with a compressoor. If he wants he can build a reulation circuit for less than 2 eur

ZENER

im using this with a compressoor. If he wants he can build a reulation circuit for less than 2 eur

What current does it draw ? I'd be interested in the regulation circuit for €2 can you show me ?

ZEN

RicardoSmith

I probably won't bother. I bought it primarily for the car, as the air pressure gauges in the local garages always seem to be broken. I thought I'd be able to use it for the Mountain bike aswell. It just would be handier if I could use it with AC power if I wanted thats all.