Power audio amp off lighting circuit via transformer?

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Hi chaps/chappettes,

Wonder if I could get a bit of knowledge about the best way to rig up an audio amp in my loft.

I want to drive a pair of speakers from a small audio amp (12v, 2amp : peak amp output is 2x20W), but only want the amp 'on' when the lights are on. Can I treat it the same as the low voltage lights I currently have lighting the room? i.e. hook up a transformer to the lighting circuit and power it off the transformers output?

Obviously safety comes first and I don't want to be doing something that is not 110% safe and correct.

Cheers for your advice!

Ste
 
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A transformer will not work. I'm guessing it's a car audio amp? It will need a reasonably well regulated DC supply of suitable rating. Best consult the place you bought it from. I'll let others comment on connecting to the lighting circuit :)

It's impossible for something to be more than 100% safe or correct. It's pretty much impossible for anything to be 100% safe. :mrgreen:
 
Why not look on eBay for a small stereo system which is meant to be used in a house not a car?
 
Cheers for the responses :)

The ones I have been looking at come with AC power adapters, but I am not sure I want to be fuse spuring a socket off the lighting circuit. I am pretty sure that is not good practice.

Why not just spur off the upstairs ring main? I want it to only be on when the lights are on...my limited knowledge tells me that cannot be achieved if hooked up to the sockets circuit.
 
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Without some complicated switching you will not get the amp to operate when 'any' light is on, but only when a specific light is on i.e. wired in parallel to the switched live for that light.

13A sockets should not be wired off the lighting circuit so get a power supply that has a mains flex end and wire it to a 3A fused spur off the lighting circuit.

If it's a Lepai style digital amp 20+20 watt will usually require closer to a 12V 5A DC supply not a 12V 2A DC supply.
 
I can't see why a 13A socket can't be used - suitably labelled. Worst case is that someone plugs in a larger load and trips the circuit protection.

As an alternative, fit a 5A socket. Of course, no-one would think of making up a short lead with a 13A trailing socket and a 5A plug ;)
 
Just curious, but is there a reason why the amp should only work with the light?
Is there no requirement for sound during the day?
 

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