dimmer switch on security light

[KSDP_PA]

Anyone know of a reason why we can't/shouldn't install a dimmer switch for the security light on our 2008 Kountry Star ?

Just bought the unit and are starting down the list of 'nice-to-haves'.
This item is pretty close to the top.

["007"]

Welcome KSDP_PA to the Newmar forum and irv2.
I do not see why you couldn't install one first I have heard of one. The passenger side should not be hard to do both lights are off same switch.
Most leave them as they are for additional light outside and the security when inside for emergency's.
Congratulations on you new coach many safe miles and happy travels.

[John-D]

I can think of one yes.. IS that light a 12 volt or a 120vac lamp? If, as I suspect, it is a 12 volt it takes a very special dimmer switch, Now there are two kinds

One is a variable resistor, this is the kind that dims the dash lights. With a high wattage "Security" light it's gonna get right hot (And you are gonna need a big capacity dimmer) about the only thing that might work is a heater fan speed control and I"m not sure it could take the load.

The other kind is a DC/DC converter, it basically inverts DC to high frequency AC, then transforms as needed, then converts back to DC, IN this case though we could stick with AC to the light, and then a standard SCR type system can do what is called Pulse Width Modulation to dim the light..

I think I read where someone makes such a system but I have no info on it.. If anyone has a link please post.

GOOGLE, however, knows what I do not Click here

[Shaun and Amy]

That's a great idea. I like those lights because they don't attract bugs right next to the door like the door light does, but they are SO bright. I think I'm going to steal your idea and use it myself. If your lights are the same as what are on mine, then they're just 12-volt. Here's a nice dimmer switch I saw in a carriage: http://www.tomraperrvparts.com/parts...productid=4461

[Dav5942]

Yup, done it. See mod thread above. It is a "King Controls KC-9101 Light Dimmer" available on the internet. Also used it for the reading lights in the bedroom. Also see it below under NewmarAllStar.

["007"]

You will find Dave's install on page #6 of Quick Tips.

[RVDude]

Why not just use a SPDT switch with 12v on one side and a 6v tap off the house batts on the other side? This is how Newmar does the Hi/Lo halogen lighting inside. See this thread if you worry about an un-equalized battery bank.

[John-D]

Gee RV Dude.. I have had folks tell me why that won't work with Halogen lights (Least you think I'm arguing with you be advised that I do something very much like that with some halogen lights and it works just fine.. The DRL's on my car run the headlights at six volts)

[RVDude]

Hmmm... I've got about 40 12v 10w 2 pin halogen lights (actually Newmar originally installs 10v 12w bulbs for whatever reason) in my coach and every one has a 12v/6v hi/lo dimmer capability... Most of the other Newmars with H/Lo do too. The newer KA models use a solid state multiplex dimming.

Halogen (a type of incandescent) and "regular" incandescent bulbs most certainly can be dimmed by altering voltage. In a halogen, reducing the voltage might, I repeat only might, reduce bulb life due to possibly insufficient heat to fully activate the tungsten/halogen atom re-depositing on the filament cycle going on inside the bulb. I've had my rig for over 2 years and replaced only 1 of those bulbs to date.

Typically, CFL and florescent can not be voltage dimmed, just won't work for a whole different set of reasons.. There are now LED replacements for these halogen bulbs at about $8/ea down from $40/ea only a year or so ago - Google "G4 LED".

BTW - You would NOT really want to use a rheostat method to reduce the voltage. You could but too big and too much heat generation, use the solid-state systems above if you are seeking an infinite dimming as opposed to just a hi/lo 12v/6v.

[Dav5942]

The King dimmer controls "Incandescent, Halogen and Flourescent lights. Maximum 7.5 amps.