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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> LED Garden lighting https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1246946167 Message started by stocksie on Jul 7^th, 2009, 6:56am

Title: LED Garden lighting
Post by stocksie on Jul 7^th, 2009, 6:56am

Does anyone know if a standard 12V 60W transformer will power a few garden LED lights?
Theres 16 lights with each light having 6 LED's.Theres 2 12V cables going to the junction boxes so its originally had 2 drivers.

I've taken the a job on in which the builder and spark have vanished,the drivers for the lights are missing but I know there micromark fittings (which are no longer available).Similar drivers are around £80 and they all tend to have a different 12v plug socket.
I do have a little device that tells the polarity of things like this so this is why I'd like to just go with a 12V SELV unit.
The client's buying all the materials but I do feel very sorry for her as she's bought a new house with shoddy workmanship,so I'd like to keep the cost down.

Thanks

Title: Re: LED Garden lighting
Post by wozzy on Jul 7^th, 2009, 10:39am

i dont have much experience of LEDs but i think you are going to have to read the instructions of the fittings to see what type of transformer you require, i believe there are two types of LED driver constant voltage and constant current.

Title: Re: LED Garden lighting
Post by Zambezi on Jul 7^th, 2009, 10:51am

I think Wozzy is correct, there are different types and they have their own specific requirements. You do get LEDs that will work off a standard 12V tranny but then there are some that need specialist drivers.

Title: Re: LED Garden lighting
Post by Lectrician on Jul 7^th, 2009, 5:33pm

Yes, it depends on the type.

Some have drivers build in, so a standard ELV lighting tranny is fine. Others require DC and different voltages between makes.

Title: Re: LED Garden lighting
Post by stocksie on Jul 7^th, 2009, 10:28pm

Thanks lads,I'll see if I can get anymore info on the type they are and the driver they require but micromark no longer have a tech help line so it will just be,looking through catalogues etc.
The client doesn't want to pay 2x £70 for the drivers as I've been quoted so I think she'll just run with a punt at the ELV tranny working as the cost of a similar pack inc drivers was gonna be around the cost of replacing.
Ive got a little battery operated device witch tells the polarity of the LED fittings and cable....its been quite handy in the past.

I'll report back and thanks again.

Title: Re: LED Garden lighting
Post by CWatters on Jul 8^th, 2009, 8:56am

Are they Micromark Twilight 66? Kit of 4 LED with transformer for £29. Says the transformer is rated for 50 fittings.

http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-1-281-60850-micromark-twilight-66-15mm-blue-led-lighting-kit-%284-lights%29.asp?iBrandID=98&iCategoryID1=281

They also have a slave junction box for £13.

http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-1-281-60856-micromark-slave-junction-box-for-twilight-66-led-lighting.asp?iBrandID=98&iCategoryID1=281

Might also be worth trying ebay?

Title: Re: LED Garden lighting
Post by wozzy on Jul 8^th, 2009, 6:00pm

What are these £70 drivers? Why so expensive?

Title: Re: LED Garden lighting
Post by stocksie on Jul 10^th, 2009, 7:56pm

Sorry guys for the late reply.
There the 45 mm LED lights.
my wholesaler checked up with them and thats the price they gave,he's normally very good aswell.
He also contacted Collingwood lighting who he deals with and they specialise in LED's and they said it was unlikely there drivers would fit as they'ed have different plug.These are a pin of 1.5 mm dia and a spade of 3.5 mm width.
I'm gonna try the ELV tranny and if I knack them just buy some more as a new pack is the same price as driver.
Could get them going for £4 if the tranny works tho,I think the client will be up for the gamble. ::)