Extra Lighting

potters11

Guest
I decided to put some extra lighting in my motor home so I went for a few led lights, because they use less energy
Then I tried to buy some wire.

I telephoned ScrewFix and asked which wire to use and if they sell it.
Yes we will have some but I don't know which you need.

I then telephoned Maplins and asked the same question, and got roughly the same answer.

I then rang B&q we will have some but I cant advise you which to use in case its not right and your motor home catches fire.

I telephoned a highly recommended local electronics shop, with my note pad and pen at hand
because he usually baffles you with science when you want anything, and he just said yes we have some red and black speaker wire.

so speaker wire it is then. What do you think ?
 
Here is what you need to do if you are installing a new circuit from the battery:

1) You need to work out the amps that your lights require.
2) Select a fuse that is next size up to your maximum demand.
3) Finally you select cable that carries more load than the fuse (not the load of the lights).


Here is what you need to do if you are extending the existing lighting circuit:

1) Find the rating of the fuse that supplies the existing circuit.
2) Select cable that carries more load than the fuse.


If your circuit was protected by a 10A fuse you would need at least something like a 0.5mm cable rated at 11A. A lot of speaker cable is rated at 8A or less.
 
Admin said:
Here is what you need to do if you are installing a new circuit from the battery:

1) You need to work out the amps that your lights require.
2) Select a fuse that is next size up to your maximum demand.
3) Finally you select cable that carries more load than the fuse (not the load of the lights).


Here is what you need to do if you are extending the existing lighting circuit:

1) Find the rating of the fuse that supplies the existing circuit.
2) Select cable that carries more load than the fuse.


If your circuit was protected by a 10A fuse you would need at least something like a 0.5mm cable rated at 11A. A lot of speaker cable is rated at 8A or less.
Click to expand...
Perfect Information that is what I like to see.
 
when buying single core cable make sure it is stranded not a single strand as it might flex and break with it being single core cable.jpg
 
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Speaker Cable is not a good idea its only thin walled insulation, use at least .75mm twin cable if not 1.0mm twin cable fuse at 5amp carry a negative in the cable to all lights as you might need to add extra at any time. The benefit of using a twin auto cable is hat as well as the core insulation you the have the added cable sheath for protection against rubbing and vibration.
Bought from car spares or an auto spares dealer you will proberly get red and black cores.

see this link

Twin Core Cable (Flat) Multi Strand 2x1.5mm² 21amps ECS TW02/05 10m length | eBay


Alf

potters11 said:
I decided to put some extra lighting in my motor home so I went for a few led lights, because they use less energy
Then I tried to buy some wire.

I telephoned ScrewFix and asked which wire to use and if they sell it.
Yes we will have some but I don't know which you need.

I then telephoned Maplins and asked the same question, and got roughly the same answer.

I then rang B&q we will have some but I cant advise you which to use in case its not right and your motor home catches fire.

I telephoned a highly recommended local electronics shop, with my note pad and pen at hand
because he usually baffles you with science when you want anything, and he just said yes we have some red and black speaker wire.

so speaker wire it is then. What do you think ?
Click to expand...
 
Thanks a lot for the fast replys, it looks like I will have to look into it moor
 
All very good, correct, advice above. However, I wouldn't rule out speaker cable if it's being run where it can't get damaged and is fused accordingly. Some cable you'll see as speaker cable will actually have some decent insulation anyway.
 
The trouble with speaker cable is that thereis speaker cable and speaker cable. I use a twin speaker cable 1.5mm with a plastic shell over the individual core insulation. Muh of the cable sold for vehicle wireing is in fact thinwall.

For most domestic circuits I would not use less than 1.5mm unless it is a very low power circuit. I have used artic cable on boats where 3 cores were neaded with no problems
 
On the van i've been wiring, most stuff is in 3-core flex. Neg, Pos and spare. I think that's a good plan.
 
st3v3 said:
All very good, correct, advice above. However, I wouldn't rule out speaker cable if it's being run where it can't get damaged and is fused accordingly. Some cable you'll see as speaker cable will actually have some decent insulation anyway.
Click to expand...

Second that. The term speaker cable is used for a huge selection of some very thin cheap cables up to VERY expensive stuff (£10+ per meter).
 
Teutone said:
Second that. The term speaker cable is used for a huge selection of some very thin cheap cables up to VERY expensive stuff (£10+ per meter).
Click to expand...

I've used speaker cable in the following sizes 1.5sq mm 2.5sq mm 4sq mm 6sq mm several sizes to big for the circuit requirments but keeps the voltage drop down
 
There is a huge range of speaker cable the cheap stuff being wats generally available I would term the better stuff Audio cable and yes I have used this but never in a motor vehicle other than as speaker cable.
Using the cheaper stuff for lighting would certainly void your insurance cover in a case of fire damage.
Better to use the correct cable for the job.

Alf
 
Red Lights?

potters11 said:
I decided to put some extra lighting in my motor home so I went for a few led lights, because they use less energy
?
Click to expand...

Never mind the wire, can somebody (maybe the OP) explain why red lights?
Apart from not understanding the less energy claim; if wildcamping you are going to need thick, tightly closed curtains otherwise you will be getting knocks on the door at all hours!
 
Private said:
Never mind the wire, can somebody (maybe the OP) explain why red lights?
Apart from not understanding the less energy claim; if wildcamping you are going to need thick, tightly closed curtains otherwise you will be getting knocks on the door at all hours!
Click to expand...

his post says LED not RED lights :)
 
I don't think the wife would agree with red lights :lol-061:

Thanks everyone I really didn't expect so many comments
 
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