12 v light timer ?

[BC Bus]

Does anyone know of a timer that can be put on a 12v light that would turn off a light after being on for a certain amount of time. It would not have to turn the light on.

The application... when I get in my conversion I turn on the light right above the entry steps so I can see to navigate the stairs  to get to the light switches that control the lights in the rest of the coach. The switch for the entry light is right inside the door next to the entry door.  In order to turn this light off I have to climb back down the steps. I would like to find a timer that would turn this light off after being on for about a minute.

thanks for your ideas

[Jeremy]

I'm sure there are lots of ways to skin this cat, but the first thing that occurs to me is that a standard delay light switch should work just as well on 12v DC as on AC. The delay mechanism in these switches is mechanical, and independent of the electrical circuit.





Jeremy

[BC Bus]

Didn't know there was such an animal.  that should work perfectly

Bus Conversions comes through again !

Bill

[eagle19952]

The Intermatic FD15 is the classic residential spring wound in-wall timer, shutting off short-term use lights and electrical components after 15 minutes and making it perfect for fans, heaters, incandescent lamps, and small motors. Unlike other in-wall timers, spring wound timers do not require any electricity to operate, an advantage in cases where an electrical timer is not practical. Available in white, ivory, and almond, the decorator-styled FD15 can easily replace any standard single pole wall switch for enhanced energy savings.
Stock Code: ELEC-FD15MWC
http://1000bulbs.com/product/3309/ELEC-FD15MWC.html?utm_source=SmartFeedGoogleBase&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=ELEC-FD15MWC&utm_content=Decor+Style&utm_campaign=SmartFeedGoogleBaseShopping

[DebDav]

May want to consider 3-way switches.  Located up top and low inside the door would light both ways after all other lights were out.

[BC Bus]

Duh !

I was thinking on the "way too complicated side".  The bathroom fan timer will be perfect.

thanks guys,

Bill

[Lin]

Of course, many cars have something that keeps  dome lights on for a minute or so.

[akbusguy2000]

You could also put in a keyless entry system - they go pretty cheap these days and a good one can be had for less than $50.  I use one in my coach for more than one function, including the very one you ask about.  Then if you want to get creative later you can still add electric locks for the bays, an alarm system controller or whatever else you might discover in your creative dreams.

The thing I like best about this method is that you can turn the inside light (or lights) on before you even touch the door, and it works the same when you depart and lock the coach. 

tg

[chev49]

You can also buy timers that will wait for what ever amount of time you select, run whatever you wish for the time you desire and either shut off or recycle in the time you set..
Putting that with a keyless entry system, etc would be interesting... say you want a light on in front for a while, then a light on in back for a while, etc....while you are gone.

I only know about these timers which can be purchased online, after i had a contract with a guy making some stuff for the airport here.  I don't remember who makes them off hand, but they cost $50 or so dollars (which is the circuit board, with dip switches, etc, only).  sometimes you need to double or triple up these depending on what you want happening. They are 12v.

I still have two left over, which i am gonna use in my bus sometime.

[fe2_o3]

Motion sensor?..Cable

[Van]

Well heck! Why not get a whole house system run off your computer, and activate from your cell phone, so long as we are spending some one else's dough.

I think DEBDAV was spot on!