Using house equipment in car?

SteveRSF · Jan 30, 2004

Right not sure if this is the right section but...............i have a fish picture light which hangs on the wall in the house with a 12 adapter to plug into the wall socket.i have taken the pump out as i want to do the same sort of thing in the car but after cutting off the adapter and connecting to the battery it won't turn.........any ideas out there?

Could it be because of the diff in ac and dc?

Brian110507 · Jan 31, 2004

Have a look at the 240V adapter first and see what the label says regarding output, if it says 12V AC then yes the problem is that the motor is for use on AC only and will not work on the DC in your car. If the adapter says 12V DC then it should work in your car but may be polarity sensitive - have you tried reversing the connections when in your car ?

SteveRSF · Jan 31, 2004

It says 12v-1000Ma Max 12VA 50Hz

Brian110507 · Feb 1, 2004

Yes the 50Hz says the output is AC it will not work on your car's 12V DC.

If you've got a friend who's into electronics they could propably knock you up a DC to AC converter that would run the pump, you can buy ready made ones if you really want to do it but they are not cheap.

SteveRSF · Feb 1, 2004

Thanks m8...where can i get one from?

Brian110507 · Feb 1, 2004

Go to www.maplin.co.uk and search for product code N64AU.

This will get you a box which you connect to your 12V car system with a standard 13amp 3 pin socket on the end which gives out 230V AC. Reconnect the original adapter to your pump and plug it into the socket. The unit I have recommended is rated at 150Watts which should be more than adequate for your needs but if you do decide you want much more power - to run a TV say - then Maplins do have higher power rated units

Maplin have some stores in Wales (see website) but will deliver mail order