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thachertom
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2024 20:50
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Seeking opinions on the idea of using USB Rechargeable LED lightbulbs/LED lamps for interior night-time lighting. We have an off-grid cabin with a generator that we only use about one hour a day to pump water and recharge computers/phones etc. We have propane Humphrey lamps but they are not the best to read by and add a lot of unwanted heat on hot summer days. The cabin is fully wired with regular 120v AC outlets throughout which can be used when the generator is on (my Dad wanted to future proof in case the grid ever got extended to the cabin). I am considering putting USB rechargeable LED Lightbulbs in standard fixtures and/or buying USB rechargeable LED lights and placing them around the cabin where their USB charging bricks can constantly be plugged into the 120v AC outlets. Most nights the LED lights would only be used in the kitchen for perhaps an hour. Maybe two hours for an LED reading lamp. LEDs in the bathrooms would have short occasional usage in the evening and overnight. Bedroom LEDs would be mostly 15 minute usage while getting ready for bed. The hope is that the daytime one hour generator run will provide enough recharge to keep the LED lights system viable. Thoughts?
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thachertom
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2024 20:55
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I should add that when we open the cabin each Spring, we would charge each LED units battery to full.
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darz5150
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2024 22:28 - Edited by: darz5150
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Check out the thread below about 12 volt led lighting.
We are wired for on grid, off grid with 12 volt solar power or generator when needed.
Lots of people here with good advice. Some say wiring for ac/dc might not be what they want/need.
I've never regretted wiring for all the above. But
What works for us, doesn't mean it works for everyone.
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2024 22:46 - Edited by: gcrank1
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A battery recharged off the gen whenever it runs hooked to a small (300-500w) pure sine wave inverter will give you 120vac for std fixtures and Edison base LED bulbs. Mine also has a usb charge port along with the duplex outlet. LED lights draw so little that Ive been using plain old cheap extension cords to them.
I have used, and am planning to use more usb rechargeable lights in our new cabin quite a bit, at least until I get the wiring for the little inverter squared away.
I have a 3 bulb led set off Amazon that has its own small solar panel with some fairly long leads to the bulbs, they disconnect for use and can be usb charged too. They look a lot like an Edison bulb but have a hook on the end rather than threads, just screw in a cup-holder hook and hang em where ya want em.
For bigger light Ive got a couple of 'tool kit' led lights, one usb rechargeable, the other runs off the cordless tool set battery and recently picked up 2 flat, magnet backed 'under cabinet' led lights that usb charge. My intension is to be able to use them a movable lighting about the place. All I need to do is screw down some metal plates here and there to stick them on to.
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spencerin
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2024 23:40
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What are you hesitations about using them? They don't use much power, and can last a reasonably long time between charges. As long as you don't mind recharging them on a regular basis, go for it.....
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