Cable for LED strip light

diesel100

Hi I am fitting a 5m roll of LED strip light (5050 size) probably only need 3.5m of the roll.


I need to extend the wire from the transformer to the 2pin connection to the LED strip light.


The retailer description of the LED strip light states the transformer output as 5A (but another LED strip light I have is rated as a 2A output). (can a cable similar to used for alarms be okay?)


What type of cable do I need to extend from the transformer to strip light? Will 0.5mm2 2-core be sufficient or does it need to be 0.75mm2 size?
thanks

Mankysteve

What length of extra extension do you need?
http://www.solar-wind.co.uk/cable-sizing-DC-cables.html

paulpud

I fitted quite a bit of LED strip in my house a few years back which was 12 volts and a 5m length was rated at 24 watts. This equates to 2 amps of load, in which case 0.5mm 2 core flex rated at 3 amps will be ok if yours is the same. 0.75mm is rated at 6 amps.

diesel100

Mankysteve wrote: »

What length of extra extension do you need?
http://www.solar-wind.co.uk/cable-sizing-DC-cables.html

only need 3m in total from socket to connection with the strip. Using your link (3% loss, 2A, 3m) says I need 1.5mm2 sized cable!

diesel100

paulpud wrote: »

I fitted quite a bit of LED strip in my house a few years back which was 12 volts and a 5m length was rated at 24 watts. This equates to 2 amps of load, in which case 0.5mm 2 core flex rated at 3 amps will be ok if yours is the same. 0.75mm is rated at 6 amps.

yeah that was what I was thinking just 0.5mm2 (considering the cables already joined to the strip are similar size.

Mankysteve

diesel100 wrote: »

only need 3m in total from socket to connection with the strip. Using your link (3% loss, 2A, 3m) says I need 1.5mm2 sized cable!

A 1.5mm cable is still very thin. Hve you measured the diameter of the cable it comes with I'd be surprised if it uses 0.5mm as thats tiny.

Mike-b_4

I have been working with LED strips for 8+ years

assuming you are using a 60 led/m 5050 strip which will need 14.4w/m then you have a total loading of 43.2 watts or 3.6 amps

to extend your power feed by 3m - either a 0.5mm or 0.75mm will work just fine

diesel100

Mike-b wrote: »

I have been working with LED strips for 8+ years

assuming you are using a 60 led/m 5050 strip which will need 14.4w/m then you have a total loading of 43.2 watts or 3.6 amps

to extend your power feed by 3m - either a 0.5mm or 0.75mm will work just fine

i had hoped to cut the wire of an old (disused) electrical device transformer (but is rated at 2A and 5V).
The LED light arrived yesterday came with a 12V 6A Output transformer. (My last LED light came with a 12V 2A transformer) so this seems a bit excessive.

I guess a 2Amp cable is underated to be used with this transformer so i need a higher rated cable. Thinking this will work

http://www.screwfix.com/p/flat-flexible-cable-2192y-2-core-0-75mm-x-5m-black/78613

paulpud

Even though your new transformer is capable of providing 6A of power, the cable really only needs to be capable of handling the power your LED will need to operate, so your LED may only be using 2 amps of those 6 amps available. That said, to be on the safe side, I'd use some of that cable you've linked to as at least you know that will be up to the job.

adonis

You can buy extensions on ebay, here