Closet lighting July 23, 2017, 10:06:31 am Some moons ago we spent time revamping our 30IB closets. The main focus was to make shelving to hold clothes for long trips and to add a drawer to make an odd space more useful. We've loved the results however the closets are so deep that it's a black pit most of the time. The overhead light blinds most everything but the shelving recesses. Spotted the "striberg" light at IKEA. it is meant for interiors of closets. Has its own auto switching and light sensing on board. Ordered two 36" ones. For our closets. Although I'm mounting them sideways rather than overhead they work just fine. I used a 1" square by 36" piece of wood from HD to bring it out from the side so the sensors are not blocked and the light aims better. They Look like they belong and light up every shelf. All at once. In auto mode all you need to do is close the door. And light goes off. When we store it we open the closet door to let the cool air circulate. We turn off the light at the switch. Stole power from above the bed in the space where reading light power travels. Had to take up the board. Again staples in excess but doable. The attached photos were taken in an unlit room with shades drawn in daytime. Ambient light. Except the first and last. Those show status quo with the overhead light on and the closet light off. In pure blackness I would expect to have to turn the light on with the switch. That's not often. It's mostly at or pre dawn for dog walks or camera shoots. To hide the wire path in the closet I followed the inside edge of the closet and over towards the hangers, followed the slope to the rear and penetrated the closet from the overhead at the back to avoid any chance of hitting existing wiring. IKEA also sells a wire channel. It is very very lightweight compare to the 3m stuff at the HD or Lowes. It can be cut with scissors and is easy to thrust the wire into after the fact. Actually like it a lot. Color matches the paneling better too. I cut chunks to follow the curves of the closet and all is groovy. Pun intended. Finally a dream come through. Thanks to IKEA. like the medicine cabinet I bought years ago, I expect these to be EOL at their whim so if this interests you. Go measure and get yours now. The lamp comes with a 12VDC power supply. It does not come with the AC power cord they sell seperately. So if you want it for home. Don't forget that bit. Now on to the outside bins?! With a master interior switch just in case? Not sure but sounds like fun!Happy well lit recesses!LydiaPS. Ladeze. I used the meter to determine the polarity of the plug they used after I cut it off. Then made sure which color LD used for 12v and ground and proceeded to wire it up. A prime example of meter use in household improvement. 😎🍷LD 2 Likes
Re: Closet lighting Reply #1 – July 23, 2017, 11:39:17 pm Our bath wardrobe's closet is dark and one these LEDs lights would be perfect. It looks easier than installing a microswitch on the door, to control a light.Do you know what the current draws is, when in standby (door shut)?Larry
Re: Closet lighting Reply #2 – July 24, 2017, 12:46:19 am Lydia, Aside from the tutelage on the meter use, hope we can get a tour of your closet lighting!!!!Lorna - looking forward to seeing you!
Re: Closet lighting Reply #3 – July 24, 2017, 01:42:31 am LarryI didn't care!!! I suppose I should. But I didn't check. I was gleeful it was a 12vdc supply and ordered. I would have to check via fuse box. I'm not tearing into the splice. This would have to be later in the week. My next few nights are spoken for. I'm now hoping it was all microscopic because I'm not ripping it all out! If it's large. I can use the on board switch. Lorna. In answer to your question. But of course. The Bahama edition will be available at Ladeze. Robin finished redoing pillows and we took pictures of things put back together. I'll figure out how/where to post them Lydia 😎🍂
Re: Closet lighting Reply #4 – July 24, 2017, 02:17:39 am Slick mod, Lydia! As for power... if you don't worry about how much current your refrigerator light draws--after all, it's only on for a couple of minutes a day--then you probably don't need to worry too much about the power consumption of these closet lamps, which will likely see similar usage. My guess: about an amp.
Re: Closet lighting Reply #5 – July 24, 2017, 02:39:32 am Thanks Andy!They are nifty. Out of the way and you don't realize what they are. I'd like to think the vampire draw is minimal. I don't know how much the automatic fans are either come think on it. But finding the fuse shouldn't be too hard. For both circuits. Then I'll know the answer to both; I'll know whether I need a second panel to actually charge batteries again 😅 Here's hoping I don't. Lydia
Re: Closet lighting Reply #6 – July 24, 2017, 03:10:19 am Quote from: Andy Baird - July 24, 2017, 02:17:39 am As for power... if you don't worry about how much current your refrigerator light draws--after all, it's only on for a couple of minutes a day--then you probably don't need to worry too much about the power consumption of these closet lamps, which will likely see similar usage. My guess: about an amp.Since the light has a sensor that detects the door opening, there is a slight power drain all the time.Just curious what is was. It is a neat mod.Larry
Re: Closet lighting Reply #7 – July 25, 2017, 12:10:23 am Ok..I got some time to pull fuses and measure.7.8mA on idle. 0,629 A when on one lamp only. I have no issues with that.Lydia
Re: Closet lighting Reply #8 – July 25, 2017, 02:55:32 am Quote from: Lydia Drake - July 25, 2017, 12:10:23 amI got some time to pull fuses and measure.7.8mA on idle. 0,629 A when on one lamp only. I have no issues with that.LydiaThanks for finding out, inquiring minds need to know.A 8-ma draw is quite acceptable, may need to get one of these.Larry
Re: Closet lighting Reply #9 – August 29, 2017, 11:25:14 pm I have seen this mod live, at Ladeze. I now have closet lighting envy. The same strips would also look great as ambient or mood lighting, as JBO has in her rig. Nice to have something besides the stock bright task lighting sometimes.
Topic: Closet lighting (Read 373 times)
previous topic - next topic
Topic: Closet lighting (Read 373 times)
previous topic - next topic