120V to 12V Transformer Devices Question

Riverbug

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Might be a dumb question... Can you connect any device that uses a transformer to convert power from 120V to 12V directly to a 12V supply (such as our RV) without damaging the device?

I know it's safe to take low voltage outdoor lights and connect them directly to a 12V battery without damage. It seems logical that I could direct-connect a Wi-Fi router to my DC circuit without burning it up since it uses 12V after the transformer. I haven't tried it and don't really want to burn it up.

Is there any reason to think any device that uses a 12V power supply (when a transformer/converter is involved) would be damaged if connected directly to a 12V DC circuit after removing the transformer/converter? With all the electrical work I've done it seems like a no-brainer and I should know, but I keep second guessing because I don't want to burn up a good router. Thanks!
 
12v dc is 12v dc. Shouldn't make any difference. However, make sure that the output of the router "brick" IS DC, not AC. Most should be DC but check to be safe.
 
Might be a dumb question... Can you connect any device that uses a transformer to convert power from 120V to 12V directly to a 12V supply (such as our RV) without damaging the device?

I know it's safe to take low voltage outdoor lights and connect them directly to a 12V battery without damage. It seems logical that I could direct-connect a Wi-Fi router to my DC circuit without burning it up since it uses 12V after the transformer. I haven't tried it and don't really want to burn it up.

Is there any reason to think any device that uses a 12V power supply (when a transformer/converter is involved) would be damaged if connected directly to a 12V DC circuit after removing the transformer/converter? With all the electrical work I've done it seems like a no-brainer and I should know, but I keep second guessing because I don't want to burn up a good router. Thanks!
Check the specs on the router to see just what variation in voltage is acceptable. Then take a look at what your rig actually varies....This can be different for different units. IE a person with a single LA battery and stock convertor will vary a lot vs a person with a large bank of lithiums etc.
 
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Check the label on the "box" or wall wart used to normally power the device. It will to tell you what input power in needs (usually 120v) AND what output it generates. Many items use different voltages out of their converter - and it would be bad to use 12v on something that needs 5v or 9.6v.
And then there is my CPAP that uses 24 v converted from the wall....
 
Thanks all for the responses! I'll definitely double check the output power of the "brick" to make sure it will be compatible. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.
 
Our 5er came with a Travlfi Wifi Router and it is wired directly to 12v source. Works out great because it's always on and available, even traveling down the road.
 
12VDC routers exist, but they aren’t as common as 12VAC routers in my experience. If connecting a DC router, verify polarity before connecting to battery power. There may be a small diagram near the port on the device, but you may have to check with a meter.
 

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