LED lighting

[Fuzzy165]

Another newbie here. I have a similar dilemma. Installing string of ten LED LV lights, powered from a socket. Is it possible to create a fused spur from an existing ring final socket outlet, and incorporate 2 way switching at top and bottom of the staircase?

 

[Carter]

thanks for the responses so far.

this idea doesnt have to use a plug in system does it?

Better that it wasn't but you have to work with what you've got. **aplins do something like this. A 240-12vdc desktop psu with a flexed mains cable rather than the moulded plug 'n case combination.
Variable Voltage 1200mA Regulated Desk Top Adaptor > Maplin

what and where could the power be taken from? would an exisiting light switch be enough? and just add in a seperate switch for the leds?
the transformer under the stairs was only somewhere to hide the trans unit and not to plug it in...

Just crop the plug off and bring your neutral and switch-wire to a JB spliced into the lighting feed that comes up from your consumer unit below. (usually somewhere at the top of the landing) It's a pretty small unit and even that is over spec at 1.2Amps and with a quick google you could certainly find something even smaller so you could stash it anywhere so long as it's accessible via a trap-board. It won't get hot as it's so under-loaded. Just double check the voltage and current rating of the supplied PSU.

Personally I'd crack open the casing, extract the guts, re-case it into a small enclosure and do it that way. Depends how handy you are with a soldering iron really and whether you can be arsed to spend half an hour or so on it but if you've got a spare casing hanging around (I do) then the job's a simple enough one. Downside-your guarantee goes south of course.

 

[dragon-av]

sadly the cu is in a kitchen cupboard so would be a bit more tricky to get the wires thru.

on a side not is there a good place to get these LED's? and could you cut the plug off the plug in ones to make them hardwired? or has anyone seen the designated hardwired versions?

Transformers - by Ultra Leds U.K ther eare lots of others too Smart LED Transformers that can be wired in just like 12V Halogen transformers or RGB drivers if you want colour control.

 

[boon]

could the power be taken from an exisiting light switch? ie exisiting power cable for the hall light orwould that now work? sorry if its a daft question

 

[stevie h]

Hi boon, no you cant just tap into the switch as its more than likely that there wont be a neutral available , not meaning to be funny , but its obvious from your questions that you don't really have a clue , maybe you should call an electrician ..

ATB

Ste

 

[boon]

Steve,

i dont have a clue??? no sadly you are correct no offence taken at all.
dont worry i plan to take this project to an electrician but i am looking to get an idea what is involved in the job so i know part of what im talking about and i know then if what he says is true or not

just wanting a rough system layout in my head before speaking with them