Article 680 luminarie reconfig.

[Michael Kennedy]

I would like to convert a 110 V luminarie in an existing pool to 12V DC The bulbs are readily available in standard base so why not? Pool boxes like Intermatic have 12 V. DC transformers avilable as part of their package so why not just get away from the nasty 110 V problem this way?? Is there anything I am missing in doing this? I am not suggesting escaping the equipotential bonding requirement, but just making things a little safer!

What are your thoughts?

Cheers,

Mike

 

[electricalperson]

well if somebody takes a fixture rated for 120v and puts a 12v lightbulb and feed 12v to it then it would still be a 120v fixture. i believe ith as to be a listed 12vdc light

 

[iwire]

I would not make any field modifications to a pool light fixture unless it was listed kit provided by the manufacturer.

 

[iMuse97]

"Nasty" 120V?? vs. reallly nice 12V?? I'm not sure that is an issue. Either one could kill you if your system were unsafe. It only takes a little more than 20 mA to really do a number on you.

Anyway, modifying your existing fixture is not a good idea for many reasons,
(1) the first being, you would want to review the ampacity of the wire--a 12V lamp is going to use a lot more amperage than a 120V lamp.
(2) another being that you've just created your own fixture, and you take full liability for it (not UL, not the MFG, etc.)
(3) if the fixture needs to be modified for some other reason (not mentioned), then it needs to be replaced. I wouldn't want to fuss around with substandard equipment in a pool environment.