Wiring a lighting fixture with 12v DC?

Question

Hi,

I have a garden light that is rated for 240v AC, 60w max, and accepts E27 bulbs. Can I hook it instead to 12v DC, and use a 12v DC 2w light bulb?

It seems from a wiring and rating POV this shouldn't be a problem, as the fixture contains no internal circuitry of its own, and will be operating within its ratings (both voltage and current), but what about legal/compliance?

I'm an electrical engineer, but I don't have an electrician's license, so 240v and fixed wiring are off limits for me.

Also, does the location of the fixture change things, e.g. installed in a garden bed vs screwed to a wall?

Cheers.

R4addZ · Answer

@a_amir

I was under the impression you would be replacing the socket in the lamp as I don't believe you can get a 12V led with an E27 fitting, Do a search on SELV and it may give you more insight into what you can or can't do.

a_amir · Answer

Hi @R4addZ,

The plan was to use an existing plug-in 12v PSU, and hook the light via barrell connectors. There should be no need to go through the roof cavity or any enclosed spaces.

I thought it should be good as I'm not handling any 240v or touching fixed wiring, but like you mentioned with all the regulations and licencing requirements in place, I would rather get a professilnal answer than depend on intuition.

I read somewhere that in this context (household lighting fixture) an E27 socket is strictly 240v and cannot be used with SELV.

Cheers.

R4addZ · Answer

Hi @a_amir

The fact that it is a 240v fitting does not count as you are working with SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage). You could screw a bare socket to a piece of wood and put it in your garden and it would not break any rules! Nor is an electrician required because you will not be working on anything that requires an electrical license because the fitting you are converting is not connected to anything whilst you are working on it and when finished it is an SELV fitting. The only proviso here is you would need to buy a transformer with a pre fitted plug and lead or one with a modular cord (EG Kettle type lead) as you can't work on the mains side of the PSU. Also as it is SELV, there is no restiction on where it can be fitted, however there may be rules if you want to run concealed cabling as, for safety reasons entering roof spaces or running cables down/through cavities will come under the cabling regulations due to the risk of contact with mains voltages. It is for this reason (amongst others) that my trade of Registered Cabler is a restricted trade like an electrician.