skip to main content

Electrical Wiring Lighting Storage & Closet

low voltage ac lighting for closet?

last year

Hi,

I have a small hall coat closet that has no light. However, there once was a doorbell in the closet, so I have wires running into the closet that come off of a transformer in the basement below. The transformer puts out ac voltage of 8, 16, or 24 volts depending which terminals I use.

I was hoping I could use these wires to light the closet but I haven't been able to find anything that would work.

Although I'm pretty handy, I'm not knowledgable about what products are available. Would someone offer suggestions on any solutions that might work?

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

HU-867564120
last year
LED strip lighting.

https://www.ledsupply.com/led-strips/cob-led-strip-lights

You'll need a bridge rectifier between your AC transformer and the LED strip. Something like this:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/nte-electronics,-inc/NTE5300/11653012?utm_adgroup=NTE%20Electonics%2C%20INC&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping_DK%2BSupplier_Tier%201%20-%20Block%201&utm_term=&utm_content=NTE%20Electonics%2C%20INC&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlYXwos_z-AIV1f7jBx3DDgIXEAQYAiABEgJIMPD_BwE

Be sure your transformer has sufficient wattage (VA) to power the strip you use, otherwise increase the transformer size.
deepdrop
Original Author
last year
Hi,

Thank you for that suggestion. I'll look into the specs on my tranformer, etc. and also how to wire the bridge rectifier.

I always thought of strip lighting as decorative, but it sounds like you think it could provide useful lighting.

I'll start learning more about it and look forward to having light in that closet!
Related Discussions
Low Voltage Lighting Layout
Q
Comments (16)
So... the goal is a professional result with box store equipment? Yikes. Ok, let's hop in the DeLorean, here's what I would tell you if I could snag you when the goal of lighting hit you. If you want a professional result, hire a professional. It's not cheap, though. If budget or a proclivity for DIY projects is your thing, at the very least consider working through your local lighting supply house. Unless you're a contractor you'll pay retail, but you can often get a lot of technical advice and even layouts and schematic drawings from a local IF you're serious about buying from them (don't be That Guy who pumps them for hours of info and then buys the lights online). There's a lot of thought that goes into lighting design, from effect to placement to beam spread and intensity and angle to baffles and shrouds and filters, calculating voltage drop... I doubt you're going to find anyone to design a system for you without making money off it somewhere (either via design fees or material markup), because it's not the usual "should I plant a forsythia here?" question this forum gets. Besides, if you're buying lights from a box store, it's low risk. If you don't like a fixture what are you out, twenty bucks?
...See More
low voltage LED soffit lighting
Q
Comments (5)
"I thought that a larger transformer would better regulate against line spikes and voltage fluctuations" Maybe, but not always. Keep in mind that low voltage often requires higher current (though LEDs are not as bad as incandescent bubs). Wiring that runs concealed inside walls get smacked by the whole electric code unless the voltage and current are both low (power limited circuits) Wiring on the underside of cabinets at low voltage gets a lot of breaks. Even more if the circuit is also low power (power limited circuits, think like your doorbell or thermostat). Even with LEDs you may not get all tat much light from theses low power circuits though. LEDs sound great at only 10 mA each, until you need a lot of them for bright task lighting, let alone if you want a 3-color setup for varying light color.
...See More
Low voltage pucks vs standard voltage pots - input please
Q
Comments (10)
If you are considering 2" or 3" pot lights, they most likely will be low voltage. The most common approach will have each light wired to 120V AC. Each light will have its own power supply to power a small bulb (at either 12 or 24V DC) Pros 1. very small aperture which in some cases is the overriding consideration. 2. easy to install compared to 4" cans since the entire unit is supported by the ceiling board (drywall). Cons 1. Replacement costs can be significantly higher (as much as a new install) since there is a power supply embedded in the can which does fail. If you already have 2 sconces planned, you could utilize high output light sources (eg - 26W CFL) and save the hassle of having additional pot lights.
...See More
Internal cabinet lights - low voltage vs. line voltage
Q
Comments (24)
fluorescent bulbs under cabinets will be T4 or T5 ; these are long and thin -- think of light sticks, not round / spot / pucks. I gave you search terms. I'm sure you will find out stuff. All bulbs generate Some_Heat; the wattage is a key indicator of heat. Xenons are in the same family as halogens and old-fashioned incandescents (the bulbs we had in the 20th century), which is not efficient technology in terms of producing light (as opposed to heat). Searching, I read that xenons are only 10% cooler compared to regular halogens. That is still Hot. So incandescents, all types including xenon-halogen, make more heat than the other means of producing light (fluorescents and LED's). Fluorescents give more lumen (light) and less heat than the incandescent family (xenons, halogens). Fluorescents come in the range of 6 watts to 25 watts; that is fewer watts than the incandescent family needs. Incandescents use more watts to match the lumen, and the extra electricity goes into heat production. They are a heater and a light. LED's come in the range of a fraction of a watt. LED's are lowest wattage but they are so weak they don't produce much lumen (light). So they are good for accent lighting. If you buy large numbers you will get more light. you would have to install hundreds of them, to match the 1000+ lumen output of fluo or incandescent. Has anyone out there installed a hundred LED's under a cabinet? HTH -david
...See More
kudzu9
last year
Consider a battery-powered LED fixture. I had a poorly lit nook in my MBR closet and installed a motion-activated fixture that runs off AA batteries. The light cost about $15 and took about 5 minutes to attach to the 2 screws that hold it in place.
deepdrop
Original Author
last year
Thanks for that idea. That would certainly be easier. I guess since I found the wiring, I want to try to use it, however the wiring is there whether I use it or not, and maybe a battery powered light would be a good option. . Can you send me the brand and/or model of your light? I'm sure there are many available but a personal recommendation is always good to have. How long do the batteries last?
kudzu9
last year
There are lots of those fixtures available and how frequently you change batteries depends on how often/long the light is on and how many batteries the fixture holds. Mine has 4 AA's, and I probably only replace them once a year, but the light is on only for a minute or so a day. My fixture is probably almost 10 years old, so you would be best just going on Amazon and searching for "motion-activated LED lamps," as they new ones are probably better than mine. I also see there are some now that are rechargeable, which might be worth looking into.
deepdrop
Original Author
last year
Will do. Thank you.

Related Stories

LIGHTING So You Bought a Cave: 7 Ways to Open Your Home to Light

By Alison Hodgson

Make the most of the natural light your house does have — and learn to appreciate some shadows, too

CLOSETS Organizing Tips from a Hollywood Dream Closet

By Becky Harris

Drool over a movie-maker's boutique-like closet, then pick up ideas for your own tidy, well-lit space

LIGHTING The Lowdown on High-Efficiency LED Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Learn about LED tapes, ropes, pucks and more to create a flexible and energy-efficient lighting design that looks great

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 10 Low-Cost Tweaks to Help Your Home Sell

By Lurdes Abruscato

Put these inexpensive but invaluable fixes on your to-do list before you put your home on the market

MOST POPULAR How to Get the Closet of Your Dreams

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Do you cringe every time you open your closet door? It may be time for a makeover

CLOSETS 9 Features That Are Popular in Closets Now

By Gwendolyn Purdom

Design pros and popular Houzz photos highlight the looks that homeowners are loving in closets

LIGHTING 5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Get your overhead, task and accent lighting right for decorative beauty, less eyestrain and a focus exactly where you want

CLOSETS The 15 Most Popular Closet Luxuries on Houzz

By Amber Hopman

Turn distressing disarray into streamlined perfection with closet organizers and amenities like these

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Add a Skylight or Light Tube

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

New project for a new year: Increase daylight and maybe even your home’s energy efficiency by opening a room to the sky

LIGHTING 3 Ways LED Lights Are Better Than Ever

By David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com

See how improved technology has made LED lightbulbs smaller, brighter and more colorful

Sponsored

M&Z Home Services LLC

1 Review

Franklin County's Established Home Remodeling Expert Since 2012

More Discussions

Glow effect on portico ceiling

14

Samsung Frame TV over a fireplace

13

Is Hubbell the only UL listed pop-up outlet for NYC Kitchen island?

4

Why would only one outlet be working and no others on the same breaker

4

Globe light fixtures in closets

3