You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion
How do we create or adapt infrastructure within homes or workplaces so that DC appliances can be adopted?
Former Community Member
If you are a lucky one living with a resilient electric grid, happy days. But consider those too far away geographically or economically to join in the energy bonanza, which the fortunate have taken for granted their entire lives. Read our blog and let us know your thoughts on how we can innovate, challenge and question the status quo.
I was recently reading a ‘home handyman’ book, basically a DIY book from 1931. It was interesting reading about the electricity supplies provided to houses where they had in effect two incoming mains supplies and meters, one for lighting charged at 1d per kWh and the other for power charged at 8d per kWh (1931 prices, roughly £2 today). Also explains why my grandparents had one of those adapters which plugged into a light socket which you could run an iron from.
Would it be an idea to consider a similar approach today to domestic wiring in new properties? Have totally separate lighting and power supplies with a low voltage DC system for lighting and electronic appliances (phones, laptops etc) and a mains AC system for heavier loads such as heating, washing machines, A/C etc. It would be fairly simple to have the DC side run from solar panels/wind turbines/whatever with battery backup and possibly a mains charger for those few times when there is insufficient input to keep up with demand.
To some extent it would also be fairly simple to convert/upgrade the existing housing stock, at least with regard to LV lighting circuits and maybe adding some LV outlets for phones etc, and would give some protection against being left in the dark due to failures of the grid or too many people plugging in their electric cars to charge!
I was recently reading a ‘home handyman’ book, basically a DIY book from 1931. It was interesting reading about the electricity supplies provided to houses where they had in effect two incoming mains supplies and meters, one for lighting charged at 1d per kWh and the other for power charged at 8d per kWh (1931 prices, roughly £2 today). Also explains why my grandparents had one of those adapters which plugged into a light socket which you could run an iron from.
Would it be an idea to consider a similar approach today to domestic wiring in new properties? Have totally separate lighting and power supplies with a low voltage DC system for lighting and electronic appliances (phones, laptops etc) and a mains AC system for heavier loads such as heating, washing machines, A/C etc. It would be fairly simple to have the DC side run from solar panels/wind turbines/whatever with battery backup and possibly a mains charger for those few times when there is insufficient input to keep up with demand.
To some extent it would also be fairly simple to convert/upgrade the existing housing stock, at least with regard to LV lighting circuits and maybe adding some LV outlets for phones etc, and would give some protection against being left in the dark due to failures of the grid or too many people plugging in their electric cars to charge!
