DIY Floodlights

EricsGarden

I know this isn't a DIY forum, but this is the best community forum I've ever used so I'll ask here. Plus it is related to gardens, in a way.

Someone just bought me two of these 15 watt floodlights 
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07478B8XX/

I would like to connect standard plugs to the wires and connect them via a smartplug. 

I know this is possible as our home already has one old but powerful floodlight with a plug on the end (that was here when I moved in) which we now have a smartplug on and it's worked great for ages.

Although I'm really good with tech I have never delved into home electronics, so I just want to check some things.

Can I just attach a standard household plug on the cable?
If yes, what would be the correct fuse to use for the plug?
Is there anything else I need to know?

Thanks all.

BrixtonGardener

Are you planning to plug this into an outdoor socket, or an indoor socket?

if it’s and outdoor socket you can pick up hard wearing plugs from Screwfix and the like, but wiring it to an indoor socket would be contravening building regulations. 

Pete.8

I can't see any reason why you shouldn't connect an ordinary 3-pin plug to it, so long as the socket is not outside. I don't know what a smart plug is tho...

As the lamp is rated at 15W a 3 amp fuse will be more than enough (even a 1 amp fuse would be fine if there is such a thing). At 15 watts it's barely drawing any current.

EricsGarden

BrixtonGardener said:

Are you planning to plug this into an outdoor socket, or an indoor socket?

if it’s and outdoor socket you can pick up hard wearing plugs from Screwfix and the like, but wiring it to an indoor socket would be contravening building regulations. 

Thanks for the info. Through the wall into an extension, that's the idea.

EricsGarden

Pete.8 said:

I can't see any reason why you shouldn't connect an ordinary 3-pin plug to it, so long as the socket is not outside. I don't know what a smart plug is tho...

As the lamp is rated at 15W a 3 amp fuse will be more than enough (even a 1 amp fuse would be fine if there is such a thing). At 15 watts it's barely drawing any current.

Thanks for the info. 

A smartplug connects to the internet via wifi and can be controlled remotely with something like a phone or a voice activated device like Alexa. Also usually has options like scheduling on/off switching. We have several connected to a variety of devices, very handy.

Pete.8

Oh right - I get the idea - no reason why you shouldn't use such a plug.
If you can find a 1 amp fuse that'll be best, but I guess 3 amp is more available.

EricsGarden

Pete.8 said:

Oh right - I get the idea - no reason why you shouldn't use such a plug.
If you can find a 1 amp fuse that'll be best, but I guess 3 amp is more available.

I've just prepared two plugs with 3 amp fuses, which is the lowest I have.

Now I just need to commandeer an extension.

Pete.8

I've got a spare
good luck!

EricsGarden

Pete.8 said:

I've got a spare
good luck!

Right OK, as soon as I turned it on the fuse blew. So that didn't work. 

Back to the drawing board.

EricsGarden

OK changed the fuse and it's all good in the neighborhood.

Pete.8

The fuse should be fine.
The formula for fuses is easy-

watts/voltage=amps
15 watts divided by 240 volts = 0.06amps
So a 3 amp fuse is plenty