Lighting - electrical advice

[Rob_H]

I need to place some lighting in an area of a shop to light some furniture. I don't to spend much - as I rent a small space there as it's not my shop - but I've been told I can put some lights up similar to the link below but they need wiring to a plug so they can go straight into the mains.

I have no idea when it comes to electrics and I don't want to spend a lot.

Can something like the ones in the link be adapted so that I can attach a plug and run them from a socket?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ROBUS-RS806GZ...ght_Fittings&hash=item4cee81a421#ht_500wt_928

 

[Steve Maskery]

I don't see why not. It says they are mains voltage so I guess there is nothing to stop you just attaching a flex and away you go.

But if you really don't have a clue when it comes to sparks, I'd get someone else to do it for you. Maybe a favour-swap.
S

 

[RussianRouter]

Can something like the ones in the link be adapted so that I can attach a plug and run them from a socket?

There's an art to wiring a plug...can you do that? ifyou can then yes it can be plugged straight into a socket,there's no difference between putting a plug on a table lamp and putting one on this downlighter.

 

[Rob_H]

I don't expect it will come with a flex to put a plug on, though.

 

[RussianRouter]

I don't expect it will come with a flex to put a plug on, though.

No,because its the type to be wired into the ceiling pendant and via the wall switch.

 

[Rob_H]

Yes, that's my point. Sorry - I'm obviously being dense - so can a flex be attached in that case.

 

[RussianRouter]

Yes, that's my point. Sorry - I'm obviously being dense - so can a flex be attached in that case.

Yes.

 

[WoodAddict]

It will either be wired to a small terminal block or have cables loose for connection when it comes. These will either be black and red, brown and blue, or possibly 2 whites. depending on the material and the type of design it may also have an earth (green/yellow).

your flex will be brown, blue, and earth (if you buy it new)

connect the light fitting end with some connector block (unless there is already some fitted) If it's 2 whites then the polarity doesn't matter, just connect each white to your brown and blue of the flex. If it's red, black then connect brown to red and black to blue. If there is an earth in the fitting then connect this to the earth of your flex earth. connect the plug as normal.

Make sure that your plug has a 3amp fuse (no bigger!)

HTH

 

[RussianRouter]

Make sure that your plug has a 3amp fuse (no bigger!)

HTH

That depends on how many watts the lighting is?

If your lighting states more than 750watts then a 5amp fuse.
If its below 750 then 3amp.

Ok,it says 50watts...so yes 3amp fuse is what the plug fuse should be.

Considerably low for halogen lighting that makes the bulbs at 15w each? pretty dim that?

 

[Rob_H]

Make sure that your plug has a 3amp fuse (no bigger!)

HTH

Considerably low for halogen lighting that makes the bulbs at 15w each? pretty dim that?

Oh, I wonder if I should be looking at something else then if these aren't very bright.

 

[RussianRouter]

Make sure that your plug has a 3amp fuse (no bigger!)

HTH

Considerably low for halogen lighting that makes the bulbs at 15w each? pretty dim that?

Oh, I wonder if I should be looking at something else then if these aren't very bright.

Mail the seller,it might be his listing is for one halogen at 50w per halogen? thats bright enough for one unit and there's three ie 150watts.

 

[chipchaser]

I would do as George suggests, ask the vendor. Never seen a lamp like that less than 20w so maybe 50w each? Before you buy have a look on the Toolstation and Screwfix web sites lighting sections. Toolstation have a trade counter in Peterborough if that is any use.

Are you fixing this to a ceiling or wall? If you are bringing a flex out of the fitting I would not rely only on the terminal block but make sure that there is what they call strain relief, a bush or clamp to prevent the cable pulling out if someone accidentally tripped over or pulled it. You don't need to come in one morning to find the place burnt down!

If no provision or room in the fitting then consider using a suitable box with connecting block etc inside it.

Graham

 

[AndyT]

I'm pretty sure he means that there are 3 50w lamps - they would be the common and cheap "GU10" fitting with a pair of bayonet pins.

If you are thinking of putting this in a shop for accent lighting and having it on all day, have a look at the energy saving alternatives. You can now get LED lamps in the same fitting style, which though not as bright as a 50W Halogen can be very close to it, and effective if a number of lamps are used decoratively.

This is one picked at random from the Screwfix site, rated at 1 watt, but they have 1.5 watt as well:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/24624/Lighting-Lamps/Lamps/LED-Lamps/Accent-Light-1W-LED-Lamp-White

Assuming you are paying for the electricity, the payback time can be very short.[/img]

 

[misterfish]

I've got some of this type of track in the workshop. You can clip on the lights as required.

It is connected at the end.

The connection is to three screw terminals and the wire can be taken in from the rear or the end. There is no cable support, but as it is a permanent (as opposed to portable) piece of kit there should be no strain on the cable.

Misterfish

 

[chipchaser]

Hello Misterfish,

As you say your track is fixed and no doubt the cables are safely secured in place by clips or in trunking.
Rob_H says he wants to simply plug the light in and maybe he has in mind a loose flex between track and plug to avoid damaging the decoration in his rented space. All portable equipment should have the cable held in place and not rely only on the terminals. As he admits to having no idea about electrics it is considerate to point out the risk. A nut and bolt securing a suitably sized P clip, a 39p bush made for the job from Maplin
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1780
or a diy wooden clamp could do the job for him.

Graham