Garden light connections

[CaptainJack88]

I've got a set of garden lights that all come with VDE cable on them.

Can someone explain how to connect these? I've seen some T-junction style plugs/junction boxes on images, but I can't seem to find anything or anyway to connect the lights.

Suggestions?

 

[OwainDIYer]

VDE is a German product testing organisation, not a type of cable.

Are these 240V mains, or (extra)low-voltage through a transformer?

 

[CaptainJack88]

VDE is a German product testing organisation, not a type of cable.

Are these 240V mains, or (extra)low-voltage through a transformer?

Ahh fair enough, that'd explain a bit!

They're 12V, these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291700501818?var=590728195423

 

[333rocky333]

I would guess the idea is to run them all back to your shed or somewhere waterproof and locate your 12 volt power source there, though having a 5metre lead you would need a proper 12 volt powersource not one of the cheap electronic transformers

 

[CaptainJack88]

Hmm..

The supply is located under my fountain in a dry place. 5m won't cut it for the distance thou. I thought they would be connected in series?

Also, when you say a proper 12v power source. Do you have any examples?

 

[Taylortwocities]

I thought they would be connected in series

Never. They'll be in parallel.
If connected in series, if one lamp blows they all go out!

The 12v source will need to be fairly close to the lamp(s) because volt drop will mean that the lamps will get progressivly dimmer the further away from the 12v source (eg transformer ) they are. Using LED lamps will reduce this effect as they have a lower power requirement.

The size of the transformer you need will depend on the wattage of the lamps.
Something like THIS, as an example

 

[CaptainJack88]

Never. They'll be in parallel.
If connected in series, if one lamp blows they all go out!

The 12v source will need to be fairly close to the lamp(s) because volt drop will mean that the lamps will get progressivly dimmer the further away from the 12v source (eg transformer ) they are. Using LED lamps will reduce this effect as they have a lower power requirement.

Ah yes sorry. Still, this leaves me wondering how i am going to connect them.
I need to get at least 10m away due to the shape of the garden.

The LEDs are about 6w each. does it not matter if the driver is 100w and there are 10x 6w bulbs, the furthest away will still be the dimmest?

 

[Taylortwocities]

If you are going for LED, then you'll need a specific LED driver suitable for use in the garden, NOT a transformer
Example
https://www.led-lighthouse.co.uk/led-outdoor-garden-lights/12v-ac-led-driver-waterproof-ip68

These have a 3-way connector thingy and you can buy more.

You'll need at least a 60VA (watt) driver. Distance does make the lamps get dimmer. It depends on the loads and the thickness of the wiring.
SO set the transformer in the middle of the run, not at one end.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

though having a 5metre lead you would need a proper 12 volt powersource not one of the cheap electronic transformers

What "proper" features would it need to negate voltage drop along the cable?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

https://www.led-lighthouse.co.uk/led-outdoor-garden-lights/12v-ac-led-driver-waterproof-ip68

Oh dear

The 3 pin plug can be removed by a professional if required and wired directly into a light switch.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I need to get at least 10m away due to the shape of the garden.

Then have all of the cables 10m long.

 

[333rocky333]

What "proper" features would it need to negate voltage drop along the cable?

I was refering to the 1metre maximum lead length recomended for most electronic ones due to EMC reasons

 

[CaptainJack88]

If you are going for LED, then you'll need a specific LED driver suitable for use in the garden, NOT a transformer
Example
https://www.led-lighthouse.co.uk/led-outdoor-garden-lights/12v-ac-led-driver-waterproof-ip68

These have a 3-way connector thingy and you can buy more.

You'll need at least a 60VA (watt) driver. Distance does make the lamps get dimmer. It depends on the loads and the thickness of the wiring.
SO set the transformer in the middle of the run, not at one end.

Its not the driver im particularly bothered about. Most of them don't come with those connectors, but I could do with them to save faffing with junction boxes. I just cant seem to find them.

I've used these on my car in the past, however I dont think they're suitable to be buried for 12v lights:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-2-3-4-5...hash=item3aac08d624:m:m7N2FJc-jduIdD2uTSj0Lig

I just need something to use in place of the black boxes here:

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I was refering to the 1metre maximum lead length recomended for most electronic ones due to EMC reasons

Ah - OK.

 

[SFK]

EvonStance,
Regarding your question "I've seen some T-junction style plugs/junction boxes on images, but I can't seem to find anything or anyway to connect the lights", when I put 12V lights into my garden I used and I am happy to recommend this type of "IP66 boxes":
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_f...x&_sop=12&clk_rvr_id=1182126218443&rmvSB=true

Also my Cable run providing the 12V was 22meters in total, so I was very conscious of Voltage drop with a website showing significant voltage drop for me when using 0.75mm2 cable. But I found that 1.5mm2 cable was difficult to get into the small connections of my 12V Power Supply/Driver, so I went with the 0.75mm2 cable. For me my LEDs worked perfectly okay and I am happy with the brightness, and I cannot visually tell if they get dimmer as they get down the cable. I used 0.75mm2 Black 'rubber' cable as more durable and less noticeable on fence (where I attached it).
http://www.screwfix.com/search?search=Tough+Flexible+Cable
http://www.screwfix.com/p/tower-co-axial-cable-clip-7-0mm-black-pack-of-100/14161

sfk