Low voltage lighting questions

[srobo2]

Hi - I am hoping to install/have installed low voltage lighting under my kitchen units:

The kit I am thinking about comes with transformer and 3 lights (with 1 metre of cable each).

- 1 metre of cable is not enough - is it ok to extend the cables (by cutting them and inserting a longer length in the middle)?
- The transformer comes with a 3 pin plug - is it normal to run such lights off the ring main instead of the lighting circuit?
- To add a light switch is it a case of cut the cable between the plug and transformer and wire in a switch?

Thanks

 

[Taylortwocities]

First off, are these 12v lights> If so then this is Extra Low Voltage. Low Voltage can be as high as 500V!
In answer to your questions:

1 metre of cable is not enough - is it ok to extend the cables (by cutting them and inserting a longer length in the middle)?
In general, Yes. But it needs to be done properly

- The transformer comes with a 3 pin plug - is it normal to run such lights off the ring main instead of the lighting circuit?
Can be either.

- To add a light switch is it a case of cut the cable between the plug and transformer and wire in a switch? -
No, because the transformer would still be powered up and may not like running with no load. To turn off the lights you should be turning off the main supply to the transformer.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

TTC - that's what he said - "cut the cable between the plug and transformer and wire in a switch"

 

[Taylortwocities]

Aah yes. Indeed he did.

 

[srobo2]

Thanks for the replies:

Yes they are 12volt lights.

You say to extend the cables between transformer and light it 'needs to be done properly' - is that as in using terminal blocks instead of a botching them together

 

[GaryMo]

Low Voltage can be as high as 500V!

Or even 1000v a.c. or 1500v d.c. (600v a.c or 900v d.c. to earth).

 

[333rocky333]

Does the same shop, sell a metre long extension with the same plugs on.

 

[srobo2]

No - they do not sell extensions with the plugs attached