Can I Use A 120V To 12V DC Converter To Power My AC Thermostat

Updated 10/18/2021 | Published 10/14/2021

Question:

I dont have 12v at the rooftop. Can I use a 120v to 12v dc converter to send power to the thermostat? This would be easier then trying to route 12v wires to the ac roof location. If the converter is an option how many watts/amps would be sufficient?

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

If you want to use the converter, I recommend using a 20 amp fuse and running 10 gauge wire up to the unit. This way if you want to add an extra 12v accessory in the future you can just tie into that wire instead of having to run a separate one.

If you are replacing your current vent with the Replacement Vent w/ Thermostat and Remote for Air Command Rooftop RV Air Conditioner - Non-Ducted # AT15021, it will not allow you to control anything on your AC unit unless the unit has the actual plug for this vent. If it is the correct unit you can get 12v power from anywhere. A light in the ceiling for instance.

You need to keep in mind if you are coming from a light, connect to a wire that will not be effected by an on/off switch, connect to the wire before it gets to the light not after it continues from it.

expert reply by: David B