Would it be possible to use a changeover switch in this example?

[HappyHippyDad]

If all the lighting operates at 12V, i.e. it has its own resistors built in to operate from a constant voltage, then a constant 12V is what you need. But as mentioned above, LED drivers are not necessarily the best choice and may be awkward with switchable loads. A 12V regulated DC power supply would serve the purpose, in which case, yes, you can use a changeover switch to select that or the battery as source. There is no switch-on surge with LEDs themselves (only on the mains side of drivers and power supplies) so you don't specifically need to allow extra for that, but all power supplies last longer if you don't push them to their limit.

If you want lighting with the battery removed, that would be the solution. But if what you want to allow for is the battery being low due to lack of sun, surely you want to recharge it ASAP? If it is lead-acid, it will suffer from being left discharged while you happily work under your power-supply-derived 12v lighting. A regulated multi-step charger might be a more useful solution, that could be used to top up the battery and supply the lighting at the same time, without risk of damaging either. However, most chargers will not operate the lights without a battery being connected.

Would this be suitable Lucien? https://uk.farnell.com/xp-power/vcs...604796549:pla-300288194765&CAAGID=14406255429
If not, could you link to a more suitable power supply if possible, thanks

 

[plugsandsparks]

A constant voltage (12V) led driver is in effect a 12 V DC power supply. The one you have linked is cheap as chips and has good regulation but as you can see the packaging is not ideal is it. It needs cooling and to be put in a box, ....

 

[telectrix]

why not leave the 12V installation as it is, and add a 230V light totally separate from the existing lighting, just to switch on as and when needed?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

why not leave the 12V installation as it is, and add a 230V light totally separate from the existing lighting, just to switch on as and when needed?

As soon as I saw that you'd replied I thought that's what you would be writing about .

Where's the fun in that Tel? Would it be cheaper.... yes! Would it be easier to install..... yes! Would it be less likely to break down.... yes!

Actually, I've decided that you're right. No change over switch, no DC power supply, just a standard, cheap switch start batten that I've got left over from a job!

I have however just put a changeover switch in for my sockets... very exciting for a purely Domestic installer to mess around with something different. Bear in mind this is 'my' shed not a customers, hence not as neat!

 

[GeorgeCooke]

but MR16's always have an LED driver

No they don't. MR16 means multifaceted reflector 16 eights of an inch diameter. Nothing else. MR16 are available in 12v. 24, 120v, or 240v and with various types of base.

 

[Silly Sausage]

No they don't. MR16 means multifaceted reflector 16 eights of an inch diameter. Nothing else. MR16 are available in 12v. 24, 120v, or 240v and with various types of base.

Well I never! Always thought it was the pin configuration.
What about GU10s?

 

[telectrix]

As soon as I saw that you'd replied I thought that's what you would be writing about .

Where's the fun in that Tel? Would it be cheaper.... yes! Would it be easier to install..... yes! Would it be less likely to break down.... yes!

Actually, I've decided that you're right. No change over switch, no DC power supply, just a standard, cheap switch start batten that I've got left over from a job!

I have however just put a changeover switch in for my sockets... very exciting for a purely Domestic installer to mess around with something different. Bear in mind this is 'my' shed not a customers, hence not as neat!
View attachment 45355 View attachment 45356

as the old adage goes...... K.I.S.S. ........ keep it simple ******.

 

[telectrix]

No they don't. MR16 means multifaceted reflector 16 eights of an inch diameter. Nothing else. MR16 are available in 12v. 24, 120v, or 240v and with various types of base.

Pedant. .

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Well I never! Always thought it was the pin configuration.
What about GU10s?

GU10 is a type of base. Two pins as often used on 12v lamps are GU5.3, another type of base.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Pedant. .

How is using the correct terms pedantry?