Is this cable cord suitable?

[Jimmy Jones 1234]

Hello,

I am an expat living in Estonia.
My wife bought this picture light box from a second hand shop. It seems hand made when I took it apart. Looking at the cable and how thin the wiring is, is this okay plugged in to 230v? It seems a very thin cable to me to be carrying 230v.

 

[DPG]

The voltage rating on the cable appears OK, having said that there's plenty if dubious Chinese cable about.

 

[Jimmy Jones 1234]

The voltage rating on the cable appears OK, having said that there's plenty if dubious Chinese cable about.

Okay, I saw the cable rating but it literally is tiny so just wanted to double check. Don't want it bursting into flames

 

[brianmoooore]

Voltage rating is more about the thickness and type of the insulation, which claims to be adequate.
"Bursting into flames" is more a function of the current passing through it, which will be negligible when all is working as it should.
It's not likely to be subject to overload, if it's just a light, but short circuit is a possibility, so whether it ignites or not is dependant on the circuit protection device(s).

 

[Jimmy Jones 1234]

Voltage rating is more about the thickness and type of the insulation, which claims to be adequate.
"Bursting into flames" is more a function of the current passing through it, which will be negligible when all is working as it should.
It's not likely to be subject to overload, if it's just a light, but short circuit is a possibility, so whether it ignites or not is dependant on the circuit protection device(s).

Okay. Just can't imagine 230v flowing through such 0.5mm strands. In the box is simply lots of different elements as seen in the pictures.

 

[Avo Mk8]

Okay. Just can't imagine 230v flowing through such 0.5mm strands. In the box is simply lots of different elements as seen in the pictures.

0.5mm csa flex is fine for around 3 amps. It doesn't look as if anything in the box requires as much current as that.

Could you explain the innards? Presumably one of the electronics modules might provide power to the light or motor, and the other control the speed of the motor that gives the waterfall effect?

There might be a concern that putting those things in a flammable wooden box could result in a dangerous situation. If it was a commercial product approved for the market, it would typically be in an enclosure that didn't support combustion (or at least the electrical part would be, which would also provide electrical insulation), and would have an internal fuse. As it stands, there could be enough energy supplied by the flex to be able to create a fire, e.g. if there was a failure in an electronic module.

I'm not suggesting you abandon the picture, but it might be prudent not to leave it running unattended, or when the house is unoccupied!

 

[Jimmy Jones 1234]

0.5mm csa flex is fine for around 3 amps. It doesn't look as if anything in the box requires as much current as that.

Could you explain the innards? Presumably one of the electronics modules might provide power to the light or motor, and the other control the speed of the motor that gives the waterfall effect?

There might be a concern that putting those things in a flammable wooden box could result in a dangerous situation. If it was a commercial product approved for the market, it would typically be in an enclosure that didn't support combustion (or at least the electrical part would be, which would also provide electrical insulation), and would have an internal fuse. As it stands, there could be enough energy supplied by the flex to be able to create a fire, e.g. if there was a failure in an electronic module.

I'm not suggesting you abandon the picture, but it might be prudent not to leave it running unattended, or when the house is unoccupied!

The insides have small circuit boards providing sound (water sounds), a small motor turning the waterfall effect picture and the small neon light. That's it.

 

[Avo Mk8]

The insides have small circuit boards providing sound (water sounds), a small motor turning the waterfall effect picture and the small neon light. That's it.

OK, thanks, I see the speaker now.
I imagine it's 'home-made'.
If the modules you mention are powered directly from the mains supply, their mounting on the wooden base of the frame (with sticky foam pads?) does not really provide a predictable degree of insulation.
I suggest you ensure nobody touches it while it's on, and since it appears entirely flammable, don't leave it on unattended!