Low Voltage Lighting
 

Apologies in advance of this is an inappropriate place
to post this question, however here I go.

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.

There are 6 lights linked by 15m of low voltage cable
which connects into a black transformer.

I have outside power sockets which this transformer plugs into,
however, the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.

This is a pain as I have to disconnect and bring the transformer inside
everytime I am finished using it.

It seems crazy that lights purchased for outdoor use come with
a transformer which cannot sit outside.

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Kevin Ashcroft" wrote in message
...
I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.
snipped

I can think of two options:
1) drill a hole in the house wall and run the wire through
2) build some sort of box to go over/round the transformer. It will need
insulating against the wet

Maybe someone else has a better idea.......
Jenny

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Kevin Ashcroft" wrote in news:bricub$8cm$1
:

Apologies in advance of this is an inappropriate place
to post this question, however here I go.

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.

There are 6 lights linked by 15m of low voltage cable
which connects into a black transformer.

I have outside power sockets which this transformer plugs into,
however, the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.

This is a pain as I have to disconnect and bring the transformer inside
everytime I am finished using it.

It seems crazy that lights purchased for outdoor use come with
a transformer which cannot sit outside.

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin


I don't know what the regulations are in England, but to me it seems like
a bad idea to leave anything especially a bulky transformer plugged in
outside. The problem with enclosures is if your insulating it from the
elements, you're more likely than not trapping heat. Personally, I'd run
additional cable to meet the length and leave it plugged in in indoors
and not bother with the outside outlet or enclosure.

But you might have better luck asking some place like alt.home.repair or
the DIY shop where you purchased it.

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Kevin Ashcroft" wrote in message
...
Apologies in advance of this is an inappropriate place
to post this question, however here I go.

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.

There are 6 lights linked by 15m of low voltage cable
which connects into a black transformer.

I have outside power sockets which this transformer plugs into,
however, the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.

This is a pain as I have to disconnect and bring the transformer inside
everytime I am finished using it.

It seems crazy that lights purchased for outdoor use come with
a transformer which cannot sit outside.
It does indeed

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside
Yes
or does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

Any plastic box that covered the transformer and could be weighted with
stones to avoid it blowing away would do.
--
Chris Thomas
West Cork
Ireland

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Kevin Ashcroft" wrote in message
...
Apologies in advance of this is an inappropriate place
to post this question, however here I go.

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.

There are 6 lights linked by 15m of low voltage cable
which connects into a black transformer.

I have outside power sockets which this transformer plugs into,
however, the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.

This is a pain as I have to disconnect and bring the transformer inside
everytime I am finished using it.

It seems crazy that lights purchased for outdoor use come with
a transformer which cannot sit outside.

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

It's not the tramsformer as such that needs protecting (unless unusually
yours is not sealed) but you need to stop rain getting into the socket while
the transformer is plugged in. So you need to cover the entire Socket and
protect it. What I've done is to fix a tupperware type box with the socket
inside it, the transformer lead runs into it from the bottom (a small slot)
then the lid clicked back on.

the Q

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Kevin Ashcroft" wrote

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.
....the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.

This is a pain as I have to disconnect and bring the transformer inside
everytime I am finished using it.

I have Noma yard lights and have left the transformer outside for the past
decade without a problem. It is protected from the rain, that's all.

If you don't have a sheltered spot just make up a little box or lid of some
kind to keep it dry.

Low Voltage Lighting
 

In article , Kevin Ashcroft
writes

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

You should be able to craft one from a tupperware container.
--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm

Low Voltage Lighting
 

Purchased ours at Walmart. The transformer is outside just built a little
sloping roof to cover it. This has been working for the past 4 years. No
problems.

Kevin Ashcroft wrote in message
...
Apologies in advance of this is an inappropriate place
to post this question, however here I go.

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.

There are 6 lights linked by 15m of low voltage cable
which connects into a black transformer.

I have outside power sockets which this transformer plugs into,
however, the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.

This is a pain as I have to disconnect and bring the transformer inside
everytime I am finished using it.

It seems crazy that lights purchased for outdoor use come with
a transformer which cannot sit outside.

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin







-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
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Low Voltage Lighting
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 19:19:32 -0000, "Kevin Ashcroft"
wrote:

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

These people have one - they have been advertising a lot lately (I
have no connection whatsoever with them). www.greenbrook.co.uk

Regards, VivienB

Low Voltage Lighting
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 20:38:52 GMT, Salty Thumb
wrote:

"Kevin Ashcroft" wrote in news:bricub$8cm$1
:

Apologies in advance of this is an inappropriate place
to post this question, however here I go.

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.

There are 6 lights linked by 15m of low voltage cable
which connects into a black transformer.

I have outside power sockets which this transformer plugs into,
however, the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.

This is a pain as I have to disconnect and bring the transformer inside
everytime I am finished using it.

It seems crazy that lights purchased for outdoor use come with
a transformer which cannot sit outside.

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin


I don't know what the regulations are in England, but to me it seems like
a bad idea to leave anything especially a bulky transformer plugged in
outside. The problem with enclosures is if your insulating it from the
elements, you're more likely than not trapping heat. Personally, I'd run
additional cable to meet the length and leave it plugged in in indoors
and not bother with the outside outlet or enclosure.

and use an earth leakage detector.
--
Martin

Low Voltage Lighting
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 21:02:54 +0000, Kay Easton
wrote:

In article , Kevin Ashcroft
writes

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

You should be able to craft one from a tupperware container.

You are Valerie Singleton etc.
--
Martin

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Cerumen" wrote in message after Kevin

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.

There are 6 lights linked by 15m of low voltage cable
which connects into a black transformer.

I have outside power sockets which this transformer plugs into,
however, the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.

This is a pain as I have to disconnect and bring the transformer inside
everytime I am finished using it.

It seems crazy that lights purchased for outdoor use come with
a transformer which cannot sit outside.
It does indeed

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside
Yes
or does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

Any plastic box that covered the transformer and could be weighted with
stones to avoid it blowing away would do.
--
But make sure your transformer is off the ground under the cover to avoid
problems with heavy rain causing lying water to flood back under the cover.

--
Regards
Bob

Use a useful Screen Saver...
http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/
and find intelligent life amongst the stars
348 data units completed.

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Bob Hobden" wrote in message
...

"Cerumen" wrote in message after Kevin


Any plastic box that covered the transformer and could be weighted
with
stones to avoid it blowing away would do.
--
But make sure your transformer is off the ground under the cover to
avoid
problems with heavy rain causing lying water to flood back under the
cover.

Indeed putting it in an area likely to be waterlogged would just be silly.
--
Chris Thomas
West Cork
Ireland

Low Voltage Lighting
 

Kevin,
As you are on a low voltage supply, you can purchase Plug & Socket from say B & Q or Homebase, they have "waterproof plugs / sockets, or even through connectors.

Cut your cable so that the transformer is indoors ( connected to a RCD socket i hope) take the end & attach the socket, plug to one end of an extension cable, socket to other end, then onto the lighting cable, join them, switch on.

Items & tools :
Extension cable length to suit ( 1 mm x 3 core )
Connector ( Water proof ) Qty. 2
Screwdriver, Cutters, Stanley knife.


Make sure the connectors are waterproof, they cost from £ 5 to
£ 15 each, the dearest being for a pond fountain pump.

If you have any problems let me know & i'll help further.
Good Luck
Electricsub

Low Voltage Lighting
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 19:19:32 -0000, "Kevin Ashcroft"
wrote:

Apologies in advance of this is an inappropriate place
to post this question, however here I go.

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.
[...]
I have outside power sockets which this transformer plugs into,
however, the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.
[...]
Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

You can get transformers which will sit outside, but you would have to
be certain that it gave exactly the right power supply. Easy enough if
you read the specs on the side of the thing, but you would probably
have to accept that the warranty would be void as you were not using
the 'approved' power supply.

I have seen enclosures that look like a green plastic rugby ball.
These are designed to fit around the socket end of power extension
cords, so you run the extension out into the garden, plug in
[whatever], then clip the rugby ball around the plug+socket to (more
or less) waterproof the assembly. If your transformer will fit inside
these things, that would probably do the trick - frost might be a
problem, but I suspect the real issue is that the transformer is not
guaranteed waterproof.

(I saw these enclosures in the Brondesbury park garden centre in
Cardigan, Wales, but I doubt that is convenient for you!)
Please remove "brain." before emailing me.
"Thtrap it to the bench and put a good thick bolt of lightning through
it, that'th our motto. That'th how you /tetht/ thomething!"
- Igor

Low Voltage Lighting
 

Help Save the Dark Skys, Turn OFF the Lights.


--
"In this universe the night was falling,the shadows were lengthening
towards an east that would not know another dawn.
But elsewhere the stars were still young and the light of morning
lingered: and along the path he once had followed, man would one day go
again."

Arthur C. Clarke, The City & The Stars

SIAR
www.starlords.org
Freelance Writers Shop
http://www.freelancewrittersshop.netfirms.com
Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord
Ad World
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"Gavin Wheeler" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 19:19:32 -0000, "Kevin Ashcroft"
wrote:

Apologies in advance of this is an inappropriate place
to post this question, however here I go.

I have recently purchased some low voltage lights from a DIY shop.
[...]
I have outside power sockets which this transformer plugs into,
however, the instructions tell you not to leave the transformer
outside. It should be inside the house or in a garden shed.
[...]
Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

You can get transformers which will sit outside, but you would have to
be certain that it gave exactly the right power supply. Easy enough if
you read the specs on the side of the thing, but you would probably
have to accept that the warranty would be void as you were not using
the 'approved' power supply.

I have seen enclosures that look like a green plastic rugby ball.
These are designed to fit around the socket end of power extension
cords, so you run the extension out into the garden, plug in
[whatever], then clip the rugby ball around the plug+socket to (more
or less) waterproof the assembly. If your transformer will fit inside
these things, that would probably do the trick - frost might be a
problem, but I suspect the real issue is that the transformer is not
guaranteed waterproof.

(I saw these enclosures in the Brondesbury park garden centre in
Cardigan, Wales, but I doubt that is convenient for you!)
Please remove "brain." before emailing me.
"Thtrap it to the bench and put a good thick bolt of lightning through
it, that'th our motto. That'th how you /tetht/ thomething!"
- Igor


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03

Low Voltage Lighting
 

Re outside 230vac...

Use an RCD protected socket spur
o an internal socket makes it easy to turn it off from inside
---- and cheaper than (say) MK-outside-RCD-sockets
o conversely it makes it easy for someone to turn it back on
---- so you need to ensure safety re isolation

For waterproof enclosu
o IP67 boxes exist
---- but require proper glands to be used for IP rating to be maintained
o Verify the transformer doesn't require much ventilation
---- ironically an encapsulated SMPS vs Linear PSU would be good

Note even IP67 transformers may NOT permit free exterior mounting:
o They sometimes specify an enclosure or non-water-immersion
o Reason is heating/cooling cycles draws water in around the cable

Not impossible to convert standard light fittings to low-power, eg,
bollards,
and wall lights using low wattage bulbs. Can be a lot easier where a large,
but distributed garden lighting arrangement is desired or required. However
don't go OTT on the bulbs re fitting big halogen into PL light fittings. Can
be a cheap way of getting light, via LV, without some of the high prices.
--
Dorothy Bradbury
www.stores.ebay.co.uk/panaflofan for fans, books & other items

Low Voltage Lighting
 

Re outside 230vac...

Use an RCD protected socket spur
o an internal socket makes it easy to turn it off from inside
---- and cheaper than (say) MK-outside-RCD-sockets
o conversely it makes it easy for someone to turn it back on
---- so you need to ensure safety re isolation

For waterproof enclosu
o IP67 boxes exist
---- but require proper glands to be used for IP rating to be maintained
o Verify the transformer doesn't require much ventilation
---- ironically an encapsulated SMPS vs Linear PSU would be good

Note even IP67 transformers may NOT permit free exterior mounting:
o They sometimes specify an enclosure or non-water-immersion
o Reason is heating/cooling cycles draws water in around the cable

Not impossible to convert standard light fittings to low-power, eg,
bollards,
and wall lights using low wattage bulbs. Can be a lot easier where a large,
but distributed garden lighting arrangement is desired or required. However
don't go OTT on the bulbs re fitting big halogen into PL light fittings. Can
be a cheap way of getting light, via LV, without some of the high prices.
--
Dorothy Bradbury
www.stores.ebay.co.uk/panaflofan for fans, books & other items

Low Voltage Lighting
 

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 22:19:01 +0000, VivienB
wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 19:19:32 -0000, "Kevin Ashcroft"
wrote:

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

These people have one - they have been advertising a lot lately (I
have no connection whatsoever with them). www.greenbrook.co.uk

Regards, VivienB

For some reason the OP has not supplied feedback here (although asked
to do so), but has e-mailed me. I see no problem in outlining his
experience here, as it may be useful to someone else lurking.

He ordered one of the 'Armadillo' boxes obtainable from the above
website, received it promptly. It takes 4 transformers, so is a fair
size, about A4 x 6" high, cost £29. Apparently B & Q are selling
something similar for £20.

Hope this is of interest,

Regards, VivienB

Low Voltage Lighting
 

Fit the lights to the manufacturers instructions and you cant go wrong! the
transformer has to be indoors.I have a light setup from B & Q, the one were
you buy your transformer,cable,lights & pir switches etc, seperately to meet
your requirements & so you can add to the set up if you have chosen a big
enough transformer.The cable comes in different lengths too,so you can
easily fit the transformer indoors.The bulbs are also halagen so they are
brighter and make more inpact!I have purchased lighting packs in the past &
found they are restricted & are not very bright.You cant add to them & the
cabling isnt long enough.
cheers kenty

"VivienB" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 22:19:01 +0000, VivienB
wrote:

On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 19:19:32 -0000, "Kevin Ashcroft"
wrote:

Can you purchase transformers which will happily sit outside or
does anyone know of a small enclosure I could purchase, which the
transformer can sit inside quite happily and be protected?

These people have one - they have been advertising a lot lately (I
have no connection whatsoever with them). www.greenbrook.co.uk

Regards, VivienB

For some reason the OP has not supplied feedback here (although asked
to do so), but has e-mailed me. I see no problem in outlining his
experience here, as it may be useful to someone else lurking.

He ordered one of the 'Armadillo' boxes obtainable from the above
website, received it promptly. It takes 4 transformers, so is a fair
size, about A4 x 6" high, cost £29. Apparently B & Q are selling
something similar for £20.

Hope this is of interest,

Regards, VivienB

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"kenty ;-)" wrote in message
...
Fit the lights to the manufacturers instructions and you cant go wrong!
the
transformer has to be indoors.I have a light setup from B & Q, the one
were
you buy your transformer,cable,lights & pir switches etc, seperately to
meet
your requirements & so you can add to the set up if you have chosen a big
enough transformer.The cable comes in different lengths too,so you can
easily fit the transformer indoors.
snip
cheers kenty

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the transformer
insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame, and I
don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options :-))

Thanks
Jan

Low Voltage Lighting
 

The only way really is to drill a small hole through the wall then lay the
cabling through the garden were you want the lights,you can get long drill
bits which will easily do the job.
kenty
"Jeep Beep" wrote in message
...

"kenty ;-)" wrote in message
...
Fit the lights to the manufacturers instructions and you cant go wrong!
the
transformer has to be indoors.I have a light setup from B & Q, the one
were
you buy your transformer,cable,lights & pir switches etc, seperately to
meet
your requirements & so you can add to the set up if you have chosen a
big
enough transformer.The cable comes in different lengths too,so you can
easily fit the transformer indoors.
snip
cheers kenty

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the transformer
insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame, and I
don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options :-))

Thanks
Jan

Low Voltage Lighting
 

The message
from "Jeep Beep" contains these words:

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the transformer
insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame, and I
don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options :-))

Exactly the same way as you would get the power out to an outside transformer?

--
Rusty Hinge http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/hi-fi/tqt.htm

Dark thoughts about the Wumpus concerto played with piano,
iron bar and two sledge hammers. (Wumpus, 15/11/03)

Low Voltage Lighting
 

The message
from "Jeep Beep" contains these words:

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the transformer
insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame, and I
don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options :-))

Exactly the same way as you would get the power out to an outside transformer?

--
Rusty Hinge http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/hi-fi/tqt.htm

Dark thoughts about the Wumpus concerto played with piano,
iron bar and two sledge hammers. (Wumpus, 15/11/03)

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Jeep Beep" wrote in message
...

[snip]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the transformer
insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame, and I
don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options :-))

Make a junction in the loft. Take the cable out through the soffits.

Franz

Low Voltage Lighting
 

Franz Heymann typed:

"Jeep Beep" wrote in message
...

[snip]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the
transformer insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame,
and I don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options
:-))

Make a junction in the loft. Take the cable out through the soffits.

Or
Mine goes under the floor-boards and out through an air brick.

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Mark" wrote in message
...
Franz Heymann typed:

"Jeep Beep" wrote in message
...

[snip]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the
transformer insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame,
and I don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options
:-))

Make a junction in the loft. Take the cable out through the soffits.

Or
Mine goes under the floor-boards and out through an air brick.

Equally good, if not indeed better.

Franz

Low Voltage Lighting
 

"Mark" wrote in message
...
Franz Heymann typed:

"Jeep Beep" wrote in message
...

[snip]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the
transformer insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame,
and I don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options
:-))

Make a junction in the loft. Take the cable out through the soffits.

Or
Mine goes under the floor-boards and out through an air brick.

Equally good, if not indeed better.

Franz

Low Voltage Lighting
 

if you can`t sort out a appropriate root for your cabling then maybe you
should`nt be attempting the job yourself!It really is common sense,You
choose the best root were possible and there will be disturbance in some
form no matter were you fit .
kenty
"Franz Heymann" wrote in message
...

"Mark" wrote in message
...
Franz Heymann typed:

"Jeep Beep" wrote in message
...

[snip]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the
transformer insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame,
and I don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options
:-))

Make a junction in the loft. Take the cable out through the soffits.

Or
Mine goes under the floor-boards and out through an air brick.

Equally good, if not indeed better.

Franz

Low Voltage Lighting
 

if you can`t sort out a appropriate root for your cabling then maybe you
should`nt be attempting the job yourself!It really is common sense,You
choose the best root were possible and there will be disturbance in some
form no matter were you fit .
kenty
"Franz Heymann" wrote in message
...

"Mark" wrote in message
...
Franz Heymann typed:

"Jeep Beep" wrote in message
...

[snip]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you get the wire from the
transformer insider to the lights outside?
-I obviously don't want to make a hole in the wall or window frame,
and I don't have a post box! ...so I'm looking for other options
:-))

Make a junction in the loft. Take the cable out through the soffits.

Or
Mine goes under the floor-boards and out through an air brick.

Equally good, if not indeed better.

Franz