LED driver

[Andy Burns]

"The power supply is not waterproof"

So, is there enough cable to run from the PSU indoors to where the lights will be outdoors?

[Mike Clarke]

It certainly sounds like it's mains powered but I would take their Chinglish product description with a very large pinch of salt. E.g the

*only* references to voltage being "Voltage:DC12V" and miss-spelt "DC12 valtage".

Nice contradictory lamp type too, "Light source type: Incandescent energy-saving lamp LED"

"Waterproof materrials (Note: The power supply is not waterproof)" contradicts "LED Ground Wheat Ear Reed Lights Outdoor Waterproof Plug ". OK I expect they use the word 'plug' to describe the spike that goes in the ground but it's misleading and doesn't inspire confidence.

[Torx]

I checked with the supplier via Amazon, this is the reply:

Hello, this product is equipped with a transformer, the transformer is on the lamp, supports 85-265 voltage, You need to be waterproof when connecting the two wires . Check the attachment effect diagram. The product is certified and will not cause safety problems. Connect the product to the main line Connect well, just do waterproof

Very informative... I am tempted to wire it to the mains just to see what happens, as for making the box and wiring waterproof is another question!

[Torx]

There is no psu, just bare wires a few inches long. I will look for a method of posting a pic.

[Adrian Caspersz]

That PSU module is a component that is a designed to be used in an enclosure appropriate to the installation. So if outside, then in a waterproof box. And, as in the UK, connected via a fused plug.

I don't see that being particularly difficult. Look on amazon for "waterproof junction box", though you might need something bigger if the item is larger and needs some air around it.

You've fallen victim to the range of items that Amazon stock, that is somewhat broader than, say, walking into Tesco, and there are items that are more specialist for trades than end users. Dangers lurk for the unwary.

Amazon should be labelling their adverts as,

"This product is intended for professional installation. If in doubt, please contact a qualified electrician."

and a range of other suitable warnings

"This item might be supplied with a kettle lead connector cable, with an odd T-shaped 13Amp plug without an internal fuse, or an europlug. If so, please contact customer services and we will dispatch the correct replacement lead, and give the supplier a bollocking."

"This product is titled "genuine original", which may mean that it is NOT a genuine original part from the manufacturer of the item that it is intended for, but is an item comparable with the genuine original part offered by said manufacturer."

"This item requires a radio license to use in transmit mode"

"This recording features swear words, which might be of concern to people over 60 or those under 6."

"These chicken flavour crisps are suitable for vegetarians/vegans"

"These cheese flavour crisps are NOT suitable for vegetarians/vegans"

"This peanut based product may contain nuts"

[alan_m]

"The power supply is not waterproof"

[alan_m]

With only "two thin wires" I doubt if the above is waterproof with glands designed for much thicker double insulated wire. The minimum size wire is 4mm (diameter).

[Torx]

On 29/11/2020 18:12, Torx wrote: I hope this works

[Adrian Caspersz]

Two thin wires would hopefully connect inside with a length of double insulated cable with a 3-amp fused plug on the other end.

It is a junction box after all ...

[alan_m]

BUT it's only waterproof (and suitable for outdoor use) if the glands at each end completely seal the hole that the cable goes through. The box is supplied with a range of sealing rings but the smallest is for a 4mm diameter cable. The two thin wires supplied with the light are most likely to be less than a total of 4mm diameter.

[Adrian Caspersz]

Correct, but I'm not suggesting threading those thin singles through the hole. That would be a bit daft?

[Adrian Caspersz]

Ah, I'm being daft. The singles to the LEDS.... er.... Umm....

[Torx]

Just a quick update. I bit the bullet and connected it to the mains, via an rcd adapter, it worked! The missus saw it and liked it so it stays... I still doubt was legal to sell in the UK, not supplied with a plug etc. Thanks for the help and advice, great group this.

[Nick Cat]

It needs to be inside a box to comply with safety requirements.

NT