How to control plinth LEDs from light switch not socket?

anit999 · 16 May 2010

I want to get plinth LEDs for my new kitchen and I have seen these which I like:

http://www.sealdesigns.co.uk/45mm-led-lights/10-x-45mm-white-round-led.htm

The problem is that they come with a 3 pin plug in transformer, but I want to control these LEDs from a normal light switch (maybe even a PIR switch) and not a socket switch.

Any ideas on the best way to do this?

I was thinking about plugging the transformer into an extenstion socket and wiring the extension socket to the light switch?

Taylortwocities · 16 May 2010

First things first. Do you have a live and a neutral at your light switch?
Do not assume that a black or blue wire is neutral, its probably a switched live.

anit999 · 16 May 2010

Taylortwocities said:
First things first. Do you have a live and a neutral at your light switch?
Do not assume that a black or blue wire is neutral, its probably a switched live.

Well I am having a new kitchen extension built and it's still at early stages so none of the wiring has been done yet. So I can specify the wiring that will be required.

Taylortwocities · 16 May 2010

OK, so have the electrician provide a switched lighting circuit to a convenient point and terminate it in a 13A unswitched socket. Mark the socket "lighting load max 3amp".

Plug your LED transformer into the socket and you are ready to go.

sergeantash · 17 May 2010

anit999 said:
I want to get plinth LEDs for my new kitchen and I have seen these which I like:

http://www.sealdesigns.co.uk/45mm-led-lights/10-x-45mm-white-round-led.htm

The problem is that they come with a 3 pin plug in transformer, but I want to control these LEDs from a normal light switch (maybe even a PIR switch) and not a socket switch.

Any ideas on the best way to do this?

I was thinking about plugging the transformer into an extenstion socket and wiring the extension socket to the light switch?

I have just done something similar but instead of wiring a switched-live to the socket, its a permanent live with a remote RF module plugged into it, similar to this (but single-gang):

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HOME-EASY-DOU...vr_id=&cguid=87c43dd01280a0e203672e07ff0bec66

anit999 · 5 Jul 2010

I am in the process of getting the electrics done in the extension.

I am thinking about getting this PIR switch:
http://www.uk-automation.co.uk/gree...-p-1407.html?gclid=CI2ByYeK1aICFYEz3godRm8I0w

Would the wiring work like this, shown in the picture below:

Untitled

anit999
5 Jul 2010
1

Steve · 5 Jul 2010

no, no, no. You need a fused connection unit in line to the PIR.

Beware, most PIRs have a minimum load. LEDs may not satisfy this. Why do you want energy saving switch supplying a product that, if it used any less electricity, would actually generate it?

Just put a switched FCU there.

anit999 · 5 Jul 2010

Thanks for the quick reply. I want a PIR switch, not to save energy, but so that if someone walks into the kitchen at night the LED lights automatically turn on, so the main lights don't have to be turned on.

What do you mean by a fused connection unit in line to the PIR?

Can it be looped with the power sockets?

I am far from an electrician so my knowledge is limited, but I'll have to explain it to my builder or show him a diagram how I want it.

flameport · 5 Jul 2010

The correct method is to put a fused connection unit with a 3A fuse in the position you have the PIR in the diagram, then a short cable from the FCU to the PIR, then a cable from the PIR to the socket.

anit999 said:
I am far from an electrician so my knowledge is limited, but I'll have to explain it to my builder or show him a diagram how I want it.

Blind leading the blind...

anit999 · 6 Jul 2010

I think I understand you now. Is this what you mean:

Untitled

anit999
6 Jul 2010
1

Untitled

anit999
6 Jul 2010
1

anit999 · 7 Jul 2010

slup · 7 Jul 2010

Hi

Your drawing is correct.

ban-all-sheds · 7 Jul 2010

1) Why do you want the lights on a PIR? What's wrong with an ordinary switch?

2) That PIR costs over £30 including delivery - if you're using it to save money on lights being left on unnecessarily you should think again.

3) Lights on a PIR in a room will drive you mad.

anit999 · 7 Jul 2010

I want a PIR switch, not to save energy, but so that if someone walks into the kitchen at night the LED lights automatically turn on, so the main lights don't have to be turned on.

True, if the PIR isn't in the correct position it wouldn't work effectively and would drive me mad.

Do I really need the fused connection unit?

RF Lighting · 7 Jul 2010

YES! If you are insistant on supplying a PIR from the ring final circuit then you must have an FCU.

You'd be much better off supplying a socket from the lighting circuit though.

Have a 2 gang switch inside the door, one for the main ceiling lights and the other for your LEDs

Then when you walk into the kitchen at night the LED lights can be turned on, and the main lights don't have to be turned on.

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How to control plinth LEDs from light switch not socket?

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