to led or not led,that is the question.

[buddha]

hi guys,ive got to install some lights in a garden,square holes have been shuttered out in the concrete slab,and ive connected all the holes with plastic conduit.

the holes are around 500mm deep and filled with shingle.I was planning to sit lights in the shingle,level with the ground.

Would 240v ground lights be ok or would it be better to use low voltage led lights due to the possibility that at time these lights could be submerged in water in heavy rain?

I want the job to be safe,first and foremost.

The cable run for 4 lights would be around 5-6 meters,one light every meter or so,and I'd like the lights to be around 1 watt each or maybe a bit more.

Im unsure as to what cable,led drive and lights I need over this distance,I dont want to get the pre made plug on leads due to the lenght of the run and the fact that im using 20mm conduit.

I'd probaly like 240v lights but would be paranoid about risk of shock.

are my fears warranted?any tips?

 

[sparkytim]

If RCD protected and correct IP rating of fittings AND connections then see no reason why not to go with 230 Volt.

 

[batty]

I think you tend to have less problems with 240v stuff but any outside lights can be a problem just looked at a 70watt metal halide light that is tripping circuit out its in the ground under a tree. Took apart and L/N to earth is a dead short. Unable to get inside to see what problem is due to not being able to unscrew all screws a replacement will cost anything from

 

[Andy™]

I think you tend to have less problems with 240v stuff but any outside lights can be a problem just looked at a 70watt metal halide light that is tripping circuit out its in the ground under a tree. Took apart and L/N to earth is a dead short. Unable to get inside to see what problem is due to not being able to unscrew all screws a replacement will cost anything from

 

[bassman]

You havent said where you are running the feed to the lights from, if a garage or shed I would look at 12 volts and low wattage sealed halogen easy to replace.

Also would run two sets of cables as it is only 6 mtrs max wire in a 1&3 +2&4 config so that if there is water issues or cable at least 1 set of lights will still work.

If going from house as stated above rcd it, the way to go is let the customer pick the lights they want to go in or they may come back at a later date saying that it is not what they want.

 

[buddha]

thanks for your help,its doing my head in.ive run a switch line and neutral from inside the house to waterproof box on outside wall,then from here to flowerbed in armoured terminating in another box where my conduit starts,ready for leds or 230.

its on a 6amp breaker at board which is splitway with rcds on both sides.