How Do I Convert an AC Device to Use on My 12V DC Boat?

Gavin sent us this question, "Thanks Jeff - I really enjoy the videos as I am a newbie to boat electrical. My question is regarding the WiFi router, but I suppose it can be related to many other devices. I want to convert this AC device to DC (12V in the case of my boat). It is the only device I need to have run through the day and night but to do so right now I have to run my inverter which means using more power. Can it be done and if so how?" – Gavin

Subscribe to the PYS YouTube Channel

Follow Us:

[captrandy]

Great video Jeff! I did a similar thing with my LG smart TV to avoid using my inverter, except I did need to put in a DC transformer to change the voltage from 12V to the same as the plug DC output. I was able to buy it on Amazon for less than $15.

[realhusky]

I recommend using a buck/ boost converter. It will regulate for voltage settings without putting your potentially expensive device at risk of overvolting

[williambunting]

I have a similar system on my boat and bought a router specifically which had mains adapter with a 12volt dc socket on the router. However I don”t want to connect the router directly to the battery voltage which can possibly vary outside the router’s internal voltage regulators ability to adjust the voltage level so I bought a 12 volt to 12 volt dc/dc regulator with 120 watt capacity to ensure that the router and my tv receive the proper voltage level. The dc/dc converter handles a much wider voltage range on the input side and the output can be fine tuned to prevent dropout.

[bullseye]

All the Linksys routers I've installed are 12 VDC. If you can cut the wall wart off and put a 12v cig plug with a built in fuse on it and use any available cig lighter.

[KiwiSkipper]

fantastic again Jeff .. love this great technical advice .. brilliant ..Have a great Christmas

[gustavotobon]

Hello, great video. Is there a way to convert a 12v portable compressor that uses car battery with clamps to power up to use 12v from an ac outlet. Thank you

[ColGadarby]

Love your vids mate - learn so much. Actually, I'd like to come and work for you. Might drop you a line.

[theskateprofessor]

Great video thank you for the information! I am wondering does the varying voltage of the battery have any effect running 12v devices directly on the dc? Say my 12v lithium battery is fully charged and showing 13.6v can that damage the 12v dc output required by the router? Or as long as it is on a 12v battery it should be okay? I can't find any information as far as max voltage or voltage range from my router. "DC power option: DC input (12V-2.5A) Barrel Plug"

Also I might add some info for anyone trying this. After I cut off the power block one wire had the wire information down it the other had what looked like minus signs down it. I incorrectly assumed the minus signs was the negative. I reversed polarity and blew 3 fuses when attempting to power on the router. Thankfully my router is fine after I reversed the connections. The one that looked like minus signs down the whole thing was actually the positive and the one with the wire information was actually the negative. So moral of the story do some research on the wires you have and be sure to have a fuse in the circuit before you turn anything on especially if you are unsure about the positive and negative. Cheers

[kennethcollins]

how do i convert 120w chest freezer to DC and connect to solar panel?

[tomfitzgibbon]

Jeff, I thought I heard you say the device must be connected to a circuit breaker at the panel and a fuse. Do I really need both? If the panel is just a switch I know I need a breaker or fuse for over current protection, but if it is sized for the wire and device connected to it, wouldn’t the breaker be enough? Thanks, Tom.

[danedwards_ee]

Just to add on to cutting that cord. One way to make sure which wire is ground is to check continuity with a multimeter. The outside part of the jack is ground and the inside is positive.

[mikewilliams-nocm]

My mini pc has an adapter ac to 12v dc
Should I buy a pure wine wave inverter? Or run it on 12v?

[lylefranklin]

Loving the videos. But Jeff, is your office made of pressure treated lumber??!!

[Mr_Navil_Campo]

Silly question, How would you know which cable is the possible and negative once you cut the cord? Any tip?

[davidhopkins]

You limited this to a device requiring 12v. What if the device requires 5v? Or 18?