How can I plug headlights from a truck into a typical house wall outlet??

Question

I have a front clip to ro a classic truck and would like to be able to hang it on the wall in my basement and wire the headlights to come on with a standard wall switch. I have no idea where to start. Any help would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Most of these answers are way off base.
The headlights run on 12 volts but high amperage. You will burn them out by directly wiring them to house current. You need a transformer 120 to 12 volt. However, most small step down transformers won't provide enough amperage. I would use an auto battery charger to run the lamps. Don't forget an on and off switch, because when I come over I don't want to see such an ugly thing glaring at me.

Answer 2

You need a transformer to convert 120 volts AC electricity to 12 volts DC. If you are using the original headlights, you need a transformer capable of about 5 amps. You may want to consider modifying the headlights to use a different bulb as standard headlights will be very bright. Keep the original wiring harness of the front clip.

If you modify the headlights to use a smaller bulb, you can use a smaller transformer as it will require less electricity.

I would consider modifying the bulb to accept a clear parking light bulb. If your front end clip has composite (plastic) headlights, this will be easy, If it uses the older glass headlights, this will be more difficult as you will need to somehow remove the old filaments and make room to accept a clear parking light in its place.

After wiring the headlights into the transformer, you would then control the lights by controlling the power to the transformer with your switch.

Answer 3

First thing you'd need to do is step down the voltage, as a headlight bulb is 12 volts, household current is 110 volts, so the bulbs would last about 1/2 second. Get a 110/120 volt to 12 volt transformer (converter).

Answer 4

you need a 12 volt power supply/adapter. you can pick on up at radio shack, or from an old household electronic item, then you can mount the whole front end and power the lights.

you could also cut out the back of the lights and put regular house candlebra lights inside.

Sounds like a Cool project!

Answer 5

Your headlights work on 12 volt DC, while your home current is 120 volts AC. Different amperes, too. You need a converter.

Answer 6

you need a Dc converter.your house electricity runs off AC.alternating current.Cars/trucks run off batteries and generators that run off DC or direct current.Go to radio shack and get a Dc converter and run the leads red to positive and black to negative

Answer 7

you need a 12 volt dc to ac adapter really pretty easy