Natwerk Designs

12 Volt vs. 120 Volt Lighting / Controls?

So I am currently working on an insane lighting project for my entertainment center / "dragon" computer, and have come across a problem. So my setup is as follows. I am designing a switchboard that will house toggle switches for various LED lights and accents. Their will be a master switch that powers the other switches, which will in turn power each set of lights. The lights I have are 12 volt (DC) And it seems that the switches are DC as well. So my question is, how do I run this system in a house (120V)?

Public Comments

1. Use a power supply circuit (AC adaptor) that steps down 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC. ------------------------------------------ Main article: AC adapter A linear or switched-mode power supply (or in some cases just a transformer) that is built into the top of a plug is known as a "plug pack", "plug-in adapter", "adapter block", "domestic mains adapter" or just "power adapter". Slang terms include "wall wart" and "power brick". They are even more diverse than their names; often with either the same kind of DC plug offering different voltage or polarity, or a different plug offering the same voltage. "Universal" adapters attempt to replace missing or damaged ones, using multiple plugs and selectors for different voltages and polarities. Replacement power supplies must match the voltage of, and supply at least as much current as, the original power supply. The least expensive AC units consist solely of a small transformer, while DC adapters include a few additional diodes. Whether or not a load is connected to the power adapter, the transformer has a magnetic field continuously present and normally cannot be completely turned off unless unplugged. Because they consume standby power, they are sometimes known as "electricity vampires" and may be plugged into a power strip to allow turning them off. Expensive switched-mode power supplies can cut off leaky electrolyte-capacitors, use powerless MOSFETs, and reduce their working frequency to get a gulp of energy once in a while to power, for example, a clock, which would otherwise need a battery.
2. You might want a "Class II" power supply. One from Allied shown at link below.
3. Use an step down transformer to step down it its input voltage.. connect the secondary windings of it to an regulator namely 7812.. from it connect it to your lightning switches.. simple.. it works..