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0 pointsestimator72921d ago0 comments

I think we're slowly, slowly coming around to the idea of domestic DC distribution. The vast majority of consumer electronics would be perfectly happy to consume 12v. It's cheaper, safer, more efficient. Less design work and certification on inbuilt AC adapters.

I think it's highly unlikely we'll see mass scale retrofits, but if enough momentum builds up, I can see it as a great bonus feature for new builds.

I got lucky with my house and every room has a dedicated phone line meeting at a distribution panel (a couple of 2x4s with screw terminals) built in the 50s. I'm in the process of converting it to light duty DC power. The wiring is only good for an amp or two, but at 48v that's still significant power transmission.

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zahlman1d ago

> I think it's highly unlikely we'll see mass scale retrofits, but if enough momentum builds up, I can see it as a great bonus feature for new builds.

I imagine rooftop solar could also source DC for the house directly (or via a battery), before hitting the inverter... ?

The main problem I see is educating consumers. Maybe that starts with a standard for DC outlets and plugs that can't be confused with AC... ?

(Now I'm imagining desktop computers with much simpler power supplies; but you'd presumably have to wire for dozens of amps incoming...)

matt-p1d ago

48v is what most home battery/solar systems run off. Also coincidentally POE, IMO it makes a much more sensible candidate as it is still 'safe' while carrying 4x as much power for a given cable gauge. Consider laptops are 19 or 20v so you would essentially /need/ a minimum of 24v.

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