andrewkb 0 Report post Posted April 30, 2014 While replacing one of my "blown" LED downlight, I realised that the main wiring connector to the LED driver has dropped.Being handy, I took out my wire cutter to cut a bit more wire so I can crimp it back to the connector.what surprises me is that the main wire is sooo frail that I can't use wire cutter to cut it ! Even if I use penknife to slice it, I can't twist the wire as they simply break off !It seems the electrician had given me REALLY REALLY poor quality wiring.Anyone experienced similar encounters ?I'm trying to get the electrician back, am really worried about the quality of the wires ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bepgof 20 Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Am afraid the wires mentioned, c/w original light supplied, not the 'integrated' works of the electrician.'Cheap' things often come with 'under sized' parts, and of inferior quality, for price competition in the market.PVC material is 'sensitive' to heat, as well as UV light. PVC (many grades) gets harden and 'cracked' if exceed design temperature. 'Rubber' cable with paper and oil insulation is the 'best' (~ 85 deg C max) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phylux 8 Report post Posted May 1, 2014 Yes, it is sad that a lot resellers of "cheap China" LEDs down lights who are competing in price, are willing to compromise on quality, without taken safety issues into considerations. create a lot of reliability issues and some are actually a fire hazard. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bepgof 20 Report post Posted May 1, 2014 Typically initial phase small new business ventures adopt this 'hit and run' approach. Cash for survival.As time passes, bosses are more 'serious' toward maintaining clients, warranty comes in. Many promises...If pass this phase, firms talk about 'sustainability' - can this business be continued by my son, grandson.....?Then, at last, after making 'enough' $, they talk about "corporate social responsiblilty' .Foxconn (Taiwanese firm in china, assemble Ipnone), so big, what is 'CSR"? Go fly kite!Buy cheap and complain?Go, by all means if find the 'worth'.Be realistic and practical.History repeats.Learning process takes time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andrewkb 0 Report post Posted May 1, 2014 Btw, it's not on the led end, it's from the main to the LED driver!!!Which worries me more! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bepgof 20 Report post Posted May 1, 2014 LED downlight components:1. LED assembly with holder cum heatsink.2. Driver - i/p from mains with cables, o/p to LED assembly with cables.Both cables come from LED downlight OEM!Usually, technician supplies only the '4-pin screw connector' with 2 pins go from AC mains (usually 2.5mm sq cable or 1.5mm sq for this application, by technician, HO5VK).The other 2 pins for wires from driver to connect into. Believed u refer to the wires that come directly from the driver assembly! OEM! Not technician. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andrewkb 0 Report post Posted May 1, 2014 Sorry for the confusion, I engaged the electrician to run additional wiring to install the downlight. It's the main wire that's he provided that is low quality not the LED downlight.What I'm really worried is, the main line carries lots more current and with a poor quality wire, it can short circuit easily! LEDs can change but the main wires in my false ceiling will stay for a long long time! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andrewkb 0 Report post Posted May 2, 2014 Ok the electrician came today and "explained" that the downlight only need 6A wires, vs heater 16A and switch 20A, thus he used the thinner 6A wire.Make sense?!?! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piaget 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2014 I don't agree, the electrician is cutting corner, using low quality material. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bepgof 20 Report post Posted May 3, 2014 Cables carry specifications. color/insulation material/cross section area/application/core/temperature.......0.5mmsq carries 9A1mmsq abt 19A......Reality is always complex enough getting ppls to nowhere: The more I know, the less i understand.Don't burn the house ok liao.I engaged ID for major reno, but not aircon and electrical.I told ID my ideas and how reno items should look like. ID decides the materials.I chip-in for certain materials as well.I told aircon guy 'no join copper pipes' in the middle, I supervised.I told electrical guy what mm sizes of cable to use for different appliances.They delivered what told & I paid what I wanted. That's all. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andrewkb 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2014 Unfortunately I'm not as well verse as you are on all the details Cables carry specifications. color/insulation material/cross section area/application/core/temperature.......0.5mmsq carries 9A1mmsq abt 19A......Reality is always complex enough getting ppls to nowhere: The more I know, the less i understand.Don't burn the house ok liao.I engaged ID for major reno, but not aircon and electrical.I told ID my ideas and how reno items should look like. ID decides the materials.I chip-in for certain materials as well.I told aircon guy 'no join copper pipes' in the middle, I supervised.I told electrical guy what mm sizes of cable to use for different appliances.They delivered what told & I paid what I wanted. That's all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phylux 8 Report post Posted May 4, 2014 (edited) Hi Andrewkb,As a general guide for layman, our projects only use 1.5mm (3x1.5mm with flexible pvc "hose / pipe" to protect wires) for all lighting wiring.For all socket outlets / water heater wiring, we use 2.5mm wires (thicker wires for appliances that are rated more than 4.5KW).Hope this helps.PHYLUX Edited May 4, 2014 by Phylux Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
