I've spent ages looking for reasonably priced, reasonably bright low voltage deck lights that can be recessed into deck boards. I want to run these off an external transformer, most sets seem to have an indoor transformer which plugs directly into a mains socket.
Homebase have some called Lamanca that are in packs of two and use 12V 10W Bi pin halogen bulbs (£24.99 per set), so that kinda meets the first requirement.
However they supply an indoor transformer and their installation instructions say "..... This product must only be used with the 12V, safety isolating transformer supplied. Do not remove this transformer and connect the product directly to the mains supply (duh obviously!) and do not use with any other transformer ....." (they would say that wouldn't they!). Also " ..... The transformer supplied with this product is double insulated and should not be earthed....."
They also say " ..... DO NOT CONNECT ANY OTHER LIGHTING UNIT TO THE LOW VOLTAGE SUPPLY CABLE ....." (presumably cos the transformer supplied ain't up to it).
The lights are supplied to Homebase by Ring Lighting of Leeds.
The transformer in question is:-
Model: JT-12V1700
Input: 230-240V AC 50Hz
Output: 12VAC 1700mA Max: 20.4VA
The two lights are connected to the low voltage cable in series.
What I would like to know is:
- can I buy a new external use transformer that will allow me to run six of these lights off it (junking the transformers they provide - think it will still be cost effective to do this)?
- if so, can anyone suggest a suitable one (supplier/make/rating/internet website/etc.)? If it will need housing in a waterproof box, can you suggest one of those also?
- will the low voltage cable they have supplied be up to this increased load?
- will I be able to sleep soundly in my bed 'of a night' knowing I ain't going to kill anyone (myself included) due to a dodgy setup?
Ring Lighting's nice young lady on the help line (well her voice sounded nice) suggested 'yes maybe' to the above questions (well the first one anyway - didn't ask her about my sleeping habits) but she wouldn't or couldn't be more specific.
If 'no' then its back to Homebase for a refund (spect they'll want their points back as well!) and on with the search again !!
Homebase have some called Lamanca that are in packs of two and use 12V 10W Bi pin halogen bulbs (£24.99 per set), so that kinda meets the first requirement.
However they supply an indoor transformer and their installation instructions say "..... This product must only be used with the 12V, safety isolating transformer supplied. Do not remove this transformer and connect the product directly to the mains supply (duh obviously!) and do not use with any other transformer ....." (they would say that wouldn't they!). Also " ..... The transformer supplied with this product is double insulated and should not be earthed....."
They also say " ..... DO NOT CONNECT ANY OTHER LIGHTING UNIT TO THE LOW VOLTAGE SUPPLY CABLE ....." (presumably cos the transformer supplied ain't up to it).
The lights are supplied to Homebase by Ring Lighting of Leeds.
The transformer in question is:-
Model: JT-12V1700
Input: 230-240V AC 50Hz
Output: 12VAC 1700mA Max: 20.4VA
The two lights are connected to the low voltage cable in series.
What I would like to know is:
- can I buy a new external use transformer that will allow me to run six of these lights off it (junking the transformers they provide - think it will still be cost effective to do this)?
- if so, can anyone suggest a suitable one (supplier/make/rating/internet website/etc.)? If it will need housing in a waterproof box, can you suggest one of those also?
- will the low voltage cable they have supplied be up to this increased load?
- will I be able to sleep soundly in my bed 'of a night' knowing I ain't going to kill anyone (myself included) due to a dodgy setup?
Ring Lighting's nice young lady on the help line (well her voice sounded nice) suggested 'yes maybe' to the above questions (well the first one anyway - didn't ask her about my sleeping habits) but she wouldn't or couldn't be more specific.
If 'no' then its back to Homebase for a refund (spect they'll want their points back as well!) and on with the search again !!