24v Garden fence lights - series or parallel??

[JustaWelshDude]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if I could get a little advice on a small project I plan to carry out over the next few weeks.

I plan to install 10x 6w GU10 LED bulbs (fitted inside some suitable outdoor light boxes) on each fence post along a 30 metre garden fence, the lights will be powered from my shed where I have an existing modest 12v solar installation.
The shed has a 20W solar panel, 2x 12v 12Ah batteries wired in parallel for 24Ah total, a solar charge controller (cheap Chinese one) and a 12 to 24v boost converter.
I plan to use 24 volts for the fence run.

My question is, should I connect all of the lights in series or parallel? I'm leaning towards parallel because I'm worried that if I connect them in series the current would drop along the cable causing the end lights to dim. Plus the GU10 bulbs are rated as 12 - 24 volts so would presumably be happy about a little voltage drop under 24 volts.

I decided to get the 12 to 24v boost converter because I was worried about the voltage/current drop and due to the length of the run at 12 volts I would need thick expensive cable.

However, before I start my endeavor I'd like a little advice from anyone who has done something similar previously.

Thanks.

 

[telectrix]

for starters, GU10,s are 240V. you need 12V LEDs (MR16) . wirein parallel, calculate voltage drop, and size cable accordingly.

 

[JustaWelshDude]

The GU10 bulbs I intend to use are here ledkia.com/uk/buy-conventional-gu10-led-bulbs/6424-gu10-120-s11-6w-led-bulb-12-24v.html
Which are listed as 12 -24v.

Thanks for the advice though.

 

[littlespark]

That is confusing. (just looked at the website)
What is to stop someone inserting this 12v /24v lamp into a 230v lampholder?
That's why there is different cap types

 

[JustaWelshDude]

Yeah I see your point, it's great for me though, it means I can use some simple and cheap 240v type outdoor downlight boxes and plug in the 24v GU10 bulbs which will be fed from my 24v feed. Just to be safe I think I'll write 24v on the bulbs with a marker pen beforehand.

 

[pirate]

Shouldn't be allowed, imho...

 

[plugsandsparks]

There isn't really enough info to be sure, however these lamps are stating an operating voltage, i.e. 12-24V. When you wire in series you are trying to maintain a constant current, the voltage out of the driver would be well over 24V to drive the necessary current. So you have no choice really but to wire them in parallel and hope the volt drop along the fence does not fall below the minimum threshold voltage of the regulator built into each lamp.
As you dont know either of these variables, its try it and see..

 

[GeorgeCooke]

for starters, GU10,s are 240V. you need 12V LEDs (MR16) . wirein parallel, calculate voltage drop, and size cable accordingly.

Rubbish. GU10 is a type of base GU10 lamps are usually 240v, but can be 120v, 12v or 24v.

MR16 is the size of the lamps multifaceted reflector. (16/8"). LEDs don't usually have a multifaceted reflector.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

That is confusing. (just looked at the website)
What is to stop someone inserting this 12v /24v lamp into a 230v lampholder?
That's why there is different cap types

Intelligence.

 

[littlespark]

Intelligence.

Well that is something sorely lacking in this day and age judging by some of the lash ups we see on here.
Same base for 12v or 230v? Hardly idiot-proof, is it?