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Wiring a switch into a rope lights circuit

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Old 27-10-2009, 11:56 AM   #1
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Wiring a switch into a rope lights circuit

I want to install some rope lights into my built in wardrobes at home. I'll plug in the rope lights into a socket, and the rope lights I was going to use has a transformer (from TLC Direct).
But I want to break the circuit somewhere and install a switch so when the wardrobe door opens the lights come on, like you get in a fridge, I don't know what those switches are called.
My question is, is it possible to cut the wires to the rope lights and wire in one of these switches?

Many thanks
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Old 27-10-2009, 1:06 PM   #2
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Re: Wiring a switch into a rope lights circuit

If you use Duralight ropelights then these would not need transformers.

You could could then use a switched/fused spur (fitted with an appropriate fuse) to control the ropelight directly or wire from the fused spur to a conventional light switch and onto 5A socket (into which you plug the ropelight) or a flex outlet which is wired to the ropelight.
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Old 27-10-2009, 3:13 PM   #3
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Re: Wiring a switch into a rope lights circuit

Yes it is Duralights I think.

I'm not electrically minded, so what is a switched/fused spur exactly?

I am not wiring it to a light switch, just plugging it in.
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Old 27-10-2009, 3:43 PM   #4
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Re: Wiring a switch into a rope lights circuit

If you are just looking to use an inline switch (push to break) activated by the wardrobe door then as long as the switch is rated above the fuse and you terminate/protect the cabling appropriately then it will be fine.
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Old 27-10-2009, 4:22 PM   #5
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Re: Wiring a switch into a rope lights circuit

Have you seen this? could be ideal without wiring:

http://www.buydiy.net/product/MAGNET...4/32/0/9/price

http://www.buydiy.net/product/EXTRAR...9/32/0/9/price

they are also available:

www.buyhomeeasy.co.uk

some CEF stores, and all B&Q stores

On/Off Range, Home Automation, Electrical

The HE305 is battery operated and will stick or screw to the doors of the wardrobe on the inside so you cannot see it then plug the rope lights into the HE302 socket. once you have paired the HE305 to the HE302 everytime you open the doors the lights will turn on and when you close it will turn off. The HE305 is battery operated and should last over 12 months.

I hope this helps

Last edited by JLA; 27-10-2009 at 4:26 PM.
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Old 28-10-2009, 9:09 AM   #6
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Re: Wiring a switch into a rope lights circuit

Interesting JLA.
Do you know if I can buy some rope lights, plug them in and then use the magnetic switch transmitter? I don't understand how the transmitter links itself to the rope lights, do I need anything else?
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Old 28-10-2009, 1:18 PM   #7
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Re: Wiring a switch into a rope lights circuit

Plug the HE302 into the wall socket,
Plug your rope lights into the HE302,
Pair the HE305 to the HE302 (easy to do)
place the HE305 on the wardrobe doors,
ready to impress

When the HE305 is opened it sends a signal to the HE302 that tells it to turn on, when you close the doors it sends another signal to tell the HE302 to turn off.

You dont need to alter your rope lights in any way, just plug them into the HE302.

Found you a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NolhGeM9-vI

Last edited by JLA; 28-10-2009 at 1:40 PM. Reason: added video
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