24 Volt Conversion To LED On Bus Conversion

[MarkBond]

I have a MCI bus conversion and when the 1967 bus was built it had 24 volt system. Regular incandescent bulbs work but burn out prematurely. The voltage would be way too high for LED's. How might this be done to convert exterior lights to LED.

[desertdeals69]

You could wire 2 in series or use a resistor. I think I have seen 24 volt leds at the consumer electronics show in Vegas.

[ClayL]

Probably the simplest thing to do is buy a 24 v to 12 v converter.

See here http://www.secamerica.com/products/converters/index.php

[bobmacc]

Mark:

Most of the "cheaper" LED bulbs operate on 12 volts. These bulbs use resistors or have the LED diodes in series to match a 12v supply. More expensive (only slightly) LED bulbs use a regulator circuit to feed the LED diodes from a nominal 12 volt source. These bulbs are theoretically more robust as they can handle the 14 plus volts from the RV charging circuit that shorten the life of a bulb designed for 12.0 volts. Many of these bulbs are rated for 10 - 30 volts so you would have no issues using them in a 24 volt coach. I suspect that not all bulb "form factors" are available due to the incorporation/space requirements of the regulation circuit but with a little shopping around you should be able to determine if they can be purchased in the sizes you need. I would suggest you use e-bay and find a dealer in China where they are actually manufactured. They have a much better selection than the N.A. dealers and I suspect any you would buy are made in that neck of the woods anyways. You will need to decide if you want warm (2800 deg K +/-) or cool white (4000 deg K +/-) so you know the approximate color temperature you want. I ordered bulbs for my coach from a Chinese dealer and had them in about 18 days in Canada. Most dealers will show estimated delivery times. I have been very satisfied with mine and $12 bulbs at the Tampa RV show cost me $3 for China about a year ago. Good luck,

Bob

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[jplante4]

LED bulbs made for airplanes (Cessnas had 24v system for years) may work, but they are very expensive.

[rockylarson]

Every single one of these are rated at 12-24 volts: https://www.superbrightleds.com/search/truck-trailer-led-lights/24%20volt%20led/

I suggest more research in the trucking industry.

[wayne77590]

This web site is in China. They have about every type of bulb you can think of. Just search on 24v LED Bulbs

Mini In The Box

[dickandlois]

Mark, try these links. There might be some items you could use. Sights list the 12 and 24 volt together.

http://www.led-cfl-lighthouse.com/page/1433707

http://www.12vmonster.com/collections/12v-24v-led-lamps-and-light-bulbs

http://www.ledlight.com/s25-24-led-light-24-volt-dc.aspx

These lights Have a voltage range of 10 to 30 volts

http://www.boatlightstore.com/24-Volt-DC-Lighting/

Mark, there are 24 volt marker lights I just looked up the interior ones for the most part.

Rich.

Note ! Be mindful that if you install LED lights In the turn signal and flasher circuits, You Will need to replace the flasher assembly with one designed for LED lights because they draw far less current and require a electronic flasher module.

[elkhartjim]

FYI...

Mark's original post was made March 2013. Hopefully others will benefit from all the research that you guys have done.