I'm getting very expensive quotes to install 27*3w 24v led lights ($10k) How hard is it to diy.
Hi @newbeginner,
I have no personal experience installing this kind of lighting, so I can't give you much insight into how difficult a project of this scale would be, but it would all depend on the circumstances of where you are installing the lights and exactly what is included in the system. Considering you seem to have a large water feature and it looks like you want to install the lights around it, this obviously adds some complications.
Generally speaking, wiring on the 24V side of an extra-low-voltage plug-in lighting system can be something a homeowner can install themselves. However, that shouldn't be taken as a blanket statement that any 24V installation is suitable for D.I.Y. The type of equipment, how it is powered, where it is installed and, particularly in this case, its proximity to water all need to be considered.
Any work involving the 240V mains supply would need to be carried out by a licensed electrician, so unless there is an existing outdoor rated plug, something would need to be installed. You would also need to ensure the lights, connections and other components are appropriately rated for their intended outdoor location and proximity to the water feature.
If you have a plan or some photos showing where the lights will be installed, we could certainly take a look.
Allow me to tag some members who have worked or do work in and around the electrical industry to see what they think - @MikeTNZ, @Dave-1, @CSParnell.
Jacob
Thanks for the information. The water feature has its own seperate lighting system.
Thinking these connectors https://www.bunnings.com.au/elluminate-garden-light-t-piece-connector_p4371579
Any advice would be appreciated
Thank you for sending through the plan.
Most low voltage lighting systems still need to plug into a power point, so we'd need to know where they are as a starting point. It seems like you'd be best having two separate lighting circuits, one in the front and one at the back.
Could you advise if there are any existing outdoor plugs and if so, where exactly are they located?
Could you also put down some rough measurements between the location of the lighting and the plug?
The Elluminate lighting system has a fairly comprehensive guide that can be found here. They mention that you can't exceed 50m in cable length per run, so this would need to be factored in.
Let me know what you think.
Good Afternoon @newbeginner
I am following @JacobZ's questions as well. You have the first part I would generally ask for which is a plan/sketch of what you are after.
You should be getting close to a price. Now if you factor in a couple of trades or a trade and an apprentice + Location you may be able to see why the price is so high. Or you could have a chat with the installers and ask for a breakdown of the costs.
Any automated system will also raise the cost, possibly worthwhile as it would look very nice at night.
Dave
Personally I would get a Tradie to look at this.
There are far too many variables involved in this job to give any really safe advice, regarding the cost, I think any quote you have is probably on point,
it is to take into account the un-knowns, cable runs, the need for underground conduits, the sizing of the power supplies, particular IP rated light fittings, especially if they are going to be submerged permanently,irregardless of the fact that they might only be 24V.
I say this as a Registered Electrician.
Cheers,
Mike TNZ.
The weather proof GPO will be within the pool shed
Given that there are two sections split by the house, and the 50m limitation on the cable run, I'd say it is probably best that the lighting is broken into two sections. This would mean a weatherproof GPO would need to be installed somewhere at the front of the house also. Given that this would mean mains electrical work, an electrician would be required regardless, and I tend to agree with the others that you should go with a professional for the entirety of the work.
If you aren't pleased with the price you've been given for the first quote, it is likely worth getting 2-3 more quotes for comparison.
Let me know if you have further questions.
