[moilar]

So I built an awesome Billy system, and to top it off, I needed to install some Inreda lighting. I decided I needed 4 lights, so I bought a three pack and a single pack. so far, so good.

I installed the three pack, cutting the cord running from the transformer to one of the lights in order to minimize the amount of cord I had to 'hide' (the transformer was only about 12 inches away from one of the lights).

I also (and this is where I'm wondering if I screwed up) cut the 'plug in' end off of the single pack -- which resulted in bare wire, identical (or so I thought) to the bare wire included in the three pack. Then I simply installed the 'single' light in the same manner I installed the three pack lights.

All worked well for about an hour when suddenly all the lights blinked off. I noticed that the three pack transformer (which is supposed to be able to handle up to 6 lights) was very, very warm.

So, my question: are the single pack lights different from the three pack? Did I screw something up by removing the plug from the single pack and just using the single light with the three pack lights? Conversely, did I harm the one three pack light by shortening the cord?

Though I'm no Ikea lighting expert, it seemed like both of these alterations should NOT have caused a problem. And yet... (I understand basic household wiring, how to make a circuit, etc. but do not understand resistance, matching amps/volts/etc. Sigh.)

Any help/input would be much appreciated...


Sign me:

Billy in Darkness

[lacko]

Hello
These "transformers" are not actually transformers but electronic voltage converters. Their output voltage may depend on the load i.e. the resistance your are hanging on to it. Fortunately, you are well aware of your own self limitations when it comes to electronic issues. I would suggest to set the lights you have altered aside for future experiments. For the project I would recommend buying new sets and connect them as the factory recommends, using the original connectors.
I am not privy to the engineering specification of this system but some general thoughts:
These units are designed for aesthetical appeal, not for robust industrial use. The halogen bulbs, the small fixture and the minimum allowable wire gauge used means they might easily overheat and cause fire if not installed in a factory recommended way. The subsequent loss - or risk of loss - is far more than a light is worth. Good to know that the dust buildup on the light itself can lead to overheating. Cutting a factory connector voids the electrical code approval for the fixture.
Back to the experiments.....If you send me the schematics of how you have connected these lights I would be happy to discuss this further.
Cheers
Lacko

[moilar]

Lacko -

Thanks so much for the info. Your answers make perfect sense (though I was hoping that there would be some kind of 'magic fix').

I thought long and hard about cutting those wires, but after examing the lights, I figured that they would work normally -- your explanation of the 'brick' being a voltage converter makes that much clearer.

Do you have any experience attaching more than 3 lights to one converter? (The manual -- on opposing pages -- shows that it will handle 6 lights in the diagrams, but states a maximum of three lights in the text!) It is definitely built with a 6 light wiring block.

Again, thanks for your help.

[lacko]

Installation manuals may be typicals only, referring to similar products of various sizes.
Some stores have these on display, check them out how they are connected which brick supplies them, is the brick hot on the touch...
Most store displays are good eaxmples of a pro installation.

[moilar]

Again-- good advice. When I go to the store to get a new set, I'll be sure to check them out.

Thanks!