Above ground storm shelter lighting

[woowoo2]

I am putting together a 12 volt package for a storm shelter.
It will be a simple system with a deep cycle battery, two 12 volt fans, a small TV and some lighting.
Using a trickle charger for now, but someday I will use a solar charger for the battery.
The shelter will be 8x10.
Each device will be on it's own switch and fuse.

When it comes to the lighting, would it be best to go with LED strips, or the cold cathode computer lights?
How about 12 volt trouble lights?
(Doing this as cheap as possible)
Thanks

[grumble]

"woowoo2?" <GGG> Sounds like we have a Three Stooges fan on board!

Seriously though, what kind of storm are you building the shelter for? A two hour tornado alert, or a three day hurricane? For a short use, the type of light won't matter a whole lot. For a longer time, you'll want the lowest power consumption possible, which will probably be the LEDs.

[woowoo2]

3-4 days.
I am looking for the most light, using the least amount of current.

[Txanne]

I am putting together a 12 volt package for a storm shelter.
It will be a simple system with a deep cycle battery, two 12 volt fans, a small TV and some lighting.
Using a trickle charger for now, but someday I will use a solar charger for the battery.
The shelter will be 8x10.
Each device will be on it's own switch and fuse.

When it comes to the lighting, would it be best to go with LED strips, or the cold cathode computer lights?
How about 12 volt trouble lights?
(Doing this as cheap as possible)
Thanks

Sounds like a question for the 12vman.

The right hurricane--IF you live on the coast--it wont matter--the shelter will be gone.
Is this a storage shelter--people shelter?

At home,Tx. generators are the norm--but that requires a gasoline storage--another problem.

What are your insulation plans?
Here a small fan would be useless unless you could sit in front of it.
Heat could be a huge factor--if you have small ones--an exhaust vent maybe run on solar or 12v?
In stress fire situations--stress alone will be high--this is very interesting post--
Please fill us in on your whole idea--Either plan now or pay later.

Sincerely txanne

[woowoo2]

Location: Near Louisville, Ky.
Shelter: Commercially built above ground unit. (Google Safe shed)
Insulation: None planned, shelter is 4" solid concrete.
Primary use: Tornado shelter, Temporary use.
Project status: Shelter on order, prepping site, purchasing supplies.
Generator: Yes, 3500w, I keep 10 Gallons of gas on hand.
Budget: Already blew it, must save money.

Does that help?

[Txanne]

Ans. my question.

4in of concrete will give a storm a fit LOL

I was thinking you meant wood---scary thought.

Welcome to the out of money club.

And so glad you have a plan---through the yrs I have talked to many many that didnt have a clue---

Please keep us posted on the power system--that is the hardess part it would seem.

In my old yrs I am heartened to find those that are just doing it.

Good luck txanne


I am thinking about building a small place and am seriously interested in how your doing you power system.

[J R Adams]

Generator: Yes, 3500w, I keep 10 Gallons of gas on hand.
Budget: Already blew it, must save money.

Does that help?

Ten gallon of gas will only run a 3500w generator about 12-14 hours at full load. You might want to look at a 1000w generator unless you are planning to run window A/C and a refrigerator.

I got about 6.5 hours per five gallon with a 4000w at part load. Ran freezer, fridge and TV 6am to 1pm and 6pm til 1 am.

[woowoo2]

JR, I agree about the run times.
I don't plan on using the genny to power the shelter.
The battery in the shelter will be left on a trickle charger until it is needed.
The generator is for normal power outages, The shelter is for tornadoes.

I am really looking for recommendations for lighting instruments.

[grumble]

As mentioned earlier, LEDs are about the most efficient for electricity consumption. If you want cheap, there are a lot of options for various fluorescent lights, from camp lanterns to regular 12v table lights.

[DavidOH]

I bought a bunch of these for $5 each on sale:
http://www.svc.com/clk12wt2.html
Take a look at the fans with white Cold Cathode or Light Emitting Diodes !
The LEDs use no additional electricity than the fan by itself.

The cold cathode works well for an area light.
It looks whiter than my compact florescent lamp running on AC.

The LED's are a little more expensive right now and do well for close work.
You would need a lot of them to light up a whole room.
I like them for a desk light.

One great thing about both CC and LEDs is that they stay cool!
On these hot summer days that's one less thing to add heat to your home.

[woowoo2]

Thanks for the reply David.
Do you think four of these would light up a 8'x10' room?

[DavidOH]

I think two sets will do. If you have the 12 inch pair. $6.99 or 3/ $6.50 each

I plan on using one set for my 8 x 12 shed, but that's for area lighting.
If you need close up work then two should work fine.
All of my walls will be light colored so will reflect light and brighten up the place anyway.
This might make a nice light for places that need a fan also:
http://www.svc.com/ccf120wt.html

[woowoo2]

Well, I bought three sets :)
Along with two fans, switches, and fuses.
Looking for a deal on a small TV, I will buy the battery when I go to Install the stuff.

[DavidOH]

Looking for a deal on a small TV,

Have you see this thread that Don started? :
http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/vb/showthread.php?t=24424

We discussed 12 volt TV's.

[woowoo2]

David,
Thanks for the link, yes I read that thread.
I will probably look for a 7-10" display that will take an external antenna.
I actually work as an engineer at a TV station, so I might find something laying around that needs a home.