How to add strip lighting to back patio?

[bbam42000]

we are wanting to put strip lights (preferably electric) under our back patio running under the top rail of lattice (see included photos ). 
We have choice of 2 electrical outlets which are both under cover of pergola and all wires will run under the roof 

we cannot find any strip lights that have a long power lead. 

1) what strip lights would you recommend (we need either x2 5M or 10 m)

2) are there

 

 

extension cords that can connect to the cords on the strip lights (we would need about 8 m if running a 10 metre single strip or 2 metre cords if running two 5 M strip lights 

[EricL]

Hello @bbam42000 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about LED lights.

Doing a quick search, I could only find the Lytworx 10m RGB And White LED Strip Light to be rated for outdoor use. The most of the other LED lights are all for indoor use. In order to have a properly sheltered power point for this LED light fitting, I suggest engaging the services of an electrician and asking them to install an outdoor power point that is right next to the LED lightings plug.

Let me call on our experienced members @CSParnell and @MikeTNZ for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[bbam42000]

Thank you. As per the photo we already have a weather proof power outlet installed. 

[EricL]

Hello @bbam42000 

My apologies that plug was very well hidden and blended in with your plant display. After searching further, the only other LED that has an outdoor weather rating is the Mirabella 4m RGB Genio Wi-Fi Smart Pixel Neon Flex Strip Light.

Eric

[MikeTNZ]

G'day @EricL, 

The actual LED light strips themselves, I believe are rated to IP 56, it could be higher, as in IP67.

IP 56 is shower-proof, IP 67 is strong water jets (like water-blasters).

What is not IP rated is the manner in which the connections at both ends occur.

Ideally, all of the connections that happen in an outdoor lighting installation, no matter what the voltage is, should be made inside a house or somewhere where the connections are well out of the way of moisture.

In saying that, the best solution is to power the mains feed, via a step-down transformer inside the house and use something like 12 or 24V SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) as this leaves the house and powers all of the lighting devices and this is isolated from Earth, by way of the transformer not being referenced to Earth at all and unless you're stupid enough to get two SELV wires in your hands at the same time, you will receive a very mild tingle. 

[EricL]

Hello @MikeTNZ 

Thanks for the update, I definitely won't take anything for granted and would recommend getting a professional to install any light or electrical fittings outside. 

Eric