Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

[sansonet]

I need an AC transformer because the one I used is burned. Since I have some unused DC transformers, I wonder if it is possible to just remove the bridge rectifier from it to convert it to an AC transformer. I measured voltage before the rectifier on this one - it shows 13 VAC, and 16 VDC at connector without load. Rated 12VDC 1000mA.

[petehall347]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

yes remove the board and try a load test .

[CapLeaker]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

a lot of electronics that require AC actually have a bridge rectifier installed inside and the brick is AC( like a modem). If there is a bridge rectifier in that piece of electronics you are trying to plug in, just plug in the DC transformer. Polarity doesn't matter, since the bridge rectifier inside the electronic piece is going to take care of it.

[sansonet]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

This is not for electronic devices, just LED lights. I know it sounds weird since LED is meant to work with DC I have a set of garden lights, originally the wiring and power were for old iridescent bulbs, during the years I had it I changed it to LEDs, added more, replaced some, etc. A lot of it soldered to wires. I never paid mind to polarity since it still worked from the original AC transformer. But lighting killed the transformer after many years. I replaced it with another AC transformer. But one rodent chewed wires under the porch (not buried), at the soldering point. Not sure why. It had heatshrink tubing with adhesive on it - does anybody have any idea why the rodent likes it? I have a field near my house, blueberries, etc - Im sure herbivore creatures can't be that starving in the summertime. Anyway, it shorted wires and destroyed the transformer. I can resolder all wires to proper polarity and use a DC adapter, but this will be too much hassle and time-consuming. Getting an AC transformer is a lot easier at this moment (maybe one day I will get to it )
I removed the rectifier from that DC transformer, and connected it to the lights - it reads 12.6 VAC, 0.42A (measured with a fluke clamp meter). One that the rodent killed was rated 12VAC, 1000mA, and connected to lights measured 14VAC, 0.50A. Is it OK to use it?

[sansonet]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

I just opened the damaged transformer, and found a thermal fuse in it. Jumped fuse wires, plugged it in - it works I guess, I can fix it, just need to find a fuse.

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

I would caution you against leaving it this way if you plan on keeping it plugged in the outlet 24 hours 7 days a week 365 days a year

If you plan on using it like that put another thermo fuse back in for safety reasons

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

This is not for electronic devices, just LED lights. I know it sounds weird since LED is meant to work with DC I have a set of garden lights, originally the wiring and power were for old iridescent bulbs, during the years I had it I changed it to LEDs, added more, replaced some, etc. A lot of it soldered to wires. I never paid mind to polarity since it still worked from the original AC transformer. But lighting killed the transformer after many years. I replaced it with another AC transformer. But one rodent chewed wires under the porch (not buried), at the soldering point. Not sure why. It had heatshrink tubing with adhesive on it - does anybody have any idea why the rodent likes it? I have a field near my house, blueberries, etc - Im sure herbivore creatures can't be that starving in the summertime. Anyway, it shorted wires and destroyed the transformer. I can resolder all wires to proper polarity and use a DC adapter, but this will be too much hassle and time-consuming. Getting an AC transformer is a lot easier at this moment (maybe one day I will get to it )
I removed the rectifier from that DC transformer, and connected it to the lights - it reads 12.6 VAC, 0.42A (measured with a fluke clamp meter). One that the rodent killed was rated 12VAC, 1000mA, and connected to lights measured 14VAC, 0.50A. Is it OK to use it?

I do not know what possess rats to be attracted to low voltage wiring but they are I have seen this a few times in the past

As far as the question about the replacement transformer probably be ok but make sure that you are not over driving the LED lights current because as you know this kills them earlier than was intended even if this means that you put a current limiting resistor on each LED circuit

Those transformer that you have in the picture above are terrible about over heating when loaded lightly I have some of the same type and I personally do not use them other than for testing purposes only

[sansonet]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

I would caution you against leaving it this way if you plan on keeping it plugged in the outlet 24 hours 7 days a week 365 days a year

If you plan on using it like that put another thermo fuse back in for safety reasons

Of course, I will not use it without a fuse, already ordered one. Im using a photosensor switch so it gets power at night only.

[sansonet]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

I do not know what possess rats to be attracted to low voltage wiring but they are I have seen this a few times in the past

Not rats, I don't have rats here. We have voles, field/deer mice, and rabbits. It happened in the daytime. Definitely rodent because it has teeth marks.

[stj]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

remember you can kill a thermal fuse with the soldering!

[petehall347]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

crimp the thermal fuse dont solder

[sansonet]

Re: Converting 12VDC transformer to 12VAC

I soldered thermal fuses in the past, no issues so far. Im using those clips when dealing with heat-sensitive components - it helps a lot


https://www.amazon.com/H-2SL-Goot-He.../dp/B001PR1KNS

I ordered a pack of 10 anyway - a lot of spares if something will go wrong