led lighting

[skysurfin09]

I'm fitting 10led downlighters into the ceiling of my bus. I've read numerous threads regarding the ease of fitting and connecting these leds up, is it possible simply to wire 5No into the curtesy lights on either side of the bus. As I'm doing the headlining at the same time it struck me that this would be the simplest install, any guidance would be welcome. Rob

[1664]

LED's don't use much current but if you mean 5No 10LED lamps, ie 50 LEDs in total, then I should check what the current demand or power requirement is. I really can't see it being a problem but best to check first. I think the standard courtesy light wattage is 10W and the fuse for the circuit is 15A (No3 from LHS).

You must appreciate though that the courtesy light circuit is fed from the starter battery not the leisure battery so you'll have to be careful not to use them to the point that you flatten the battery to the point it won't start the van.

[kevtherev]

I have done exactly what you are proposing..
'cept I have more than 10..



Limo lights are courtesy of Ikea.

[skysurfin09]

Thanks for the replies lads, knowing that the leds drew very little current, I thought that there must be straight forward answer. I didn't consider the total number of leds was relevant but thanks for the pointer 1664 as the downlighters are a set of decking lights: each down lighter is a group of 3leds making a total of 30leds would that alter the situation re the curtesy feeds? Thanks Rob

[skysurfin09]

Kev, are those the famous IKEA under bookshelf lights? I looked at those after looking at a thread on Samba but went for the decking lights they cost 19.95 delivered 10 x BLUE 30MM 3 LED DECKING LIGHTS GARDEN DECKING BNIB. I'd thought about using those IKEA leds in the footwells as someone here has already done. Rob

[kevtherev]

No they are these... http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00119419/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
you can use them separate or plug them together in twos threes and all four
Just junk the transformer and plug straight into the courtesy loom

[1664]

I've had a quick browse on ebay at a 5 Mtr strip of 300 LEDs and that little lot still only draws 2A, so your 30 or so LEDs should draw in the region of 0.2A respectively which will be an absolute doddle for your courtesy lights circuit.

[skysurfin09]

Thanks 1664 for checking that ampage for me, so I shouldn't have any problems adding in the footwell lighting if I do go that route? Regards Rob

[kevtherev]

No they are 12V.
they use a transformer to change the 230v AC to 12v DC...... like a train set

Ignorance pardoned

[Titus A Duxass]

Cheers for the link Kev.
I'll pick some of those up on my next visit.

It looks like the UK is being ripped off again - they are 19,99€ over here.

[kevtherev]

£19.99 here ...what's the rate these days Titus?

[kevtherev]

Just junk the transformer and plug straight into the courtesy loom

I think I already answered that

[daza1987]

No they are these... http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00119419/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
you can use them separate or plug them together in twos threes and all four
Just junk the transformer and plug straight into the courtesy loom

They are cheap and look great in the picture, think I might have to purchase some myself.