Hey everyone, I wanted to share my recent DIY project converting a 120V light sconce into a 12V standalone setup powered by a battery. This was a fun challenge, and I thought I’d walk through the process in case anyone else is looking to do something similar!
The Goal:
I have this beautiful light sconce that I wanted to install in a location without electrical wiring. The idea was to make it completely self-contained, using a battery and a microcontroller to manage the power. I also wanted it to be controllable via Home Assistant, so I could integrate it into my smart home setup.
What I Needed:
- A 12V DC bulb (I went with LED for efficiency)
- A lithium-ion battery pack with a charging mechanism
- An ESP32 module with a relay for controlling the power
- Some basic wiring and enclosure materials
The Process:
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Research: I started by researching compatible components and ensuring everything would work together. I found that using an ESP32 with ESPHome was the way to go for integration with Home Assistant.
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Battery Setup: I opted for a lithium-ion battery pack since it’s compact and offers a good runtime. The charging setup was a bit tricky—I wanted something that didn’t require dismounting the sconce, so I ended up using a small solar panel for charging in a sunny spot.
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ESP32 Configuration: Flashing the ESP32 with ESPHome was straightforward. I set up a simple relay circuit to control the power to the bulb. Now, I can toggle the light via Home Assistant or even set up automations based on time or motion sensors.
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Enclosure and Aesthetics: I wanted the setup to look clean, so I mounted everything neatly inside the sconce’s base. A small fan was added for cooling, and I made sure all connections were secure.
Challenges and Learnings:
- Power Management: Calculating the right battery size and ensuring efficient charging was a bit of a learning curve. I ended up using a battery with a higher capacity than I initially planned to be safe.
- Relay Noise: The relay made a small clicking noise when switching, which I mitigated by adding a small capacitor across the relay’s coil.
Outcome:
I’m thrilled with how it turned out! The sconce now sits beautifully in my hallway, powered by the battery and controlled seamlessly through Home Assistant. It’s a great example of how a little DIY can bring smart functionality to even the most unexpected places.
Tips for Others:
- Plan your wiring carefully to avoid any voltage drops.
- Use high-quality connectors to ensure reliability.
- Test each component individually before assembling everything.
If anyone has questions or suggestions, I’d love to hear them! Happy DIY-ing! 