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Coloured LED "filament" lamps for external use ?

broadgage
I am about to put up my Christmas lights, which this year will include a mains voltage festoon of the traditional type. 40 B22 lamp holders moulders onto tough rubber cable.

I propose to use coloured LED "filament" lamps made by BELL LIGHTING.

These give an impressive light for only 4 watts, and in very striking saturated colours.


On receiving the lamps, I am rather concerned to observe that they are "for indoor use only"

Does anyone know why ? they certainly look waterproof, with a glass bulb directly sealed to the metal cap, and with only 4 watts wont get hot enough for cold rain to shatter the glass.

I am inclined to use them, but don't like ignoring the instructions.

The festoon will  be connected to the mains via an isolating transformer to prevent any electric shock to earth, and an RCD as a second line of defence.

LED lamps
  • 0
    The lights in question are on private property, but accessible to visitors, delivery people and trespassers. They are out of EASY reach but could no doubt be touched with a bit of determination. The lighting festoons are clearly intended for outdoor use at mains voltage. I considered an isolating transformer to be a prudent precaution as shocks to earth are thereby virtually eliminated.

    The RCD is fitted as a second line of defence, and in order to comply with the instructions which say "use an RCD"

    My concerns are with the suitability of the lamps, not the festoon or the power supply thereto.
  • 0

    Dbat:




    mapj1:




     



    In general, if any part of the string of lights carries mains voltage then the rule is that it is suitable for indoor use only.


    I'd disagree, especially for festoons of B22d lampholders  which are designed to go outdoors. The low wattage lamps were designed to be rained on, and I must have put km of it up over the years. Mains rated LED hose is one of many  new replacements.

    The parameter to look at  is the maker's instructions.

     




    +1 on this. Having worked in theme parks seen plenty of mains outdoor festoon. when its reachable by the public it has to be 110V but thats about it other than the standard RCD protection. Where do you get this from Denis?


     



    Thanks for your comments. I had in mind the type of lighting sets intended for domestic use. Sorry I did not make that clear. For the larger scale strings based on festoon lampholders I would expect certain safety features to apply, either singly or in combination, viz:

    • The lampholders should tightly shroud the lamp caps to discourage ingress of moisture.

    • They should be fitted out of reach if possible.

    • A lower operating voltage than 230 is desirable.

    • 110 V centre-earth is good.

    • RCD protection is good.



    Broadgage is clearly following manufacturer's instructions. Most of these safety points have been made in various places. I don't think we are too much in disagreement, gentlemen.



     
     

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