I’ve mounted a couple of second hand lamps through my work tabletop, drilling holes to fit the socket mount. To draw the cables through the hollow socket and under the table, I clipped of the big transformer wall plugs. They were too heavy to hang upside down from the power strips I mounted under the table anyway.
So now the lamps are installed, but they don’t have power. I tried disassembling the transformer plugs to fit the internals into a freestanding enclosure that could be mounted mid-cable instead. Well, these things were very much made to never be taken apart, and after using a hacksaw to open one of them… Let’s just say I’m looking for new transformers now.
The lamps use compact LED tubes @ 7-11W, which is why the transformer is needed. I’ve been fairly particular about the lamp model — Lival PL011 — and nevertheless I’ve found them with varying makes and models of transformer. But I’m not an electrician at all, so I’m going to need your advice on replacements. I’m in Europe, so the wall sockets provide 220V AC.
The transformers that I’ve seen included with these lamps give slightly different information along the lines of
- 220V ~
- 50Hz
- 170-200mA
When I look around the web, however, most transformers available either step the voltage up or down, or convert between AC and DC. Any tips on what I should keep an eye out for, and how better to find it?
Thanks in advance, any help is appreciated!
Just be careful. I do not mean to sound condescending, but it seems you lack basic understanding of electronics. That combined with mains power is deadly. Don’t do it unless you’re sure.
If they are indeed LED lights, you would need a DC adapter with a DC output voltage such as 12V. This voltage you should know at this point. It is safe to work with UNLESS you open the transformer. DON’T OPEN THE TRANSFORMER(s), rather fix them under the table and use an extension cord.
If they need AC, it is definitely something else than 220V or there would be no transformer. Do not proceed unless you’re sure what you’re doing.
Well, I know not to mess with live wires, so that’s one basic rule down. But you’re right, and I appreciate the warning.
Edit: fwiw, I’m trying to get a better grasp of electronics and electrics repair. If you have good basic learning resources you can share, I’d love to hear them.