Hi Group

this may seem naive, but I know nil about electrics;  I can follow 
instructions on the box!

Bought lights from IKEA. Consists of 2 plastic covered cables, hung 
parrallel to each other along the wall. Current flows through those cables, 
from a little box, which in turn is fed from mains. I then hang 3 x lights 
between the cables, which pearce through the plastic to the inner cables to 
obtain their current.

From my schooldays 30 years ago, this means that one cable is neg, one is 
pos, and if I put a screwdriver, for example, across the two cables, it will 
explode, or blow a fuse, or something? Does anyone know these type of 
lights, and are they safe if I were to touch these the two cables at the 
same time, as suggested?

My reason for suddenly being concerned is that I have a new kitten 
..................................  !!!!

What will happen if the cat chews through one cable, then chews through the 
other, and manages to touch both cables at once?

Ian

In article <Ur76e.16126$il.1446@newsfe5-win.ntli.net>, Ian Hooksem
 writes


>Bought lights from IKEA. Consists of 2 plastic covered cables, hung 
>parrallel to each other along the wall. Current flows through those cables, 
>from a little box, which in turn is fed from mains. I then hang 3 x lights 
>between the cables, which pearce through the plastic to the inner cables to 
>obtain their current.
>
>From my schooldays 30 years ago, this means that one cable is neg, one is 
>pos, and if I put a screwdriver, for example, across the two cables, it will 
>explode, or blow a fuse, or something? Does anyone know these type of 
>lights, and are they safe if I were to touch these the two cables at the 
>same time, as suggested?


They'll be low voltage lamps, probably 12V, and the box will be a
transformer so not a safety problem.
-- 
fred

"Ian Hooksem"  wrote in message 
news:Ur76e.16126$il.1446@newsfe5-win.ntli.net...

> Hi Group
>
> this may seem naive, but I know nil about electrics;  I can follow 
> instructions on the box!
>
> Bought lights from IKEA. Consists of 2 plastic covered cables, hung 
> parrallel to each other along the wall. Current flows through those 
> cables, from a little box, which in turn is fed from mains. I then hang 3 
> x lights between the cables, which pearce through the plastic to the inner 
> cables to obtain their current.
>
> From my schooldays 30 years ago, this means that one cable is neg, one is 
> pos, and if I put a screwdriver, for example, across the two cables, it 
> will explode, or blow a fuse, or something? Does anyone know these type of 
> lights, and are they safe if I were to touch these the two cables at the 
> same time, as suggested?
>
> My reason for suddenly being concerned is that I have a new kitten 
> .................................  !!!!
>
> What will happen if the cat chews through one cable, then chews through 
> the other, and manages to touch both cables at once?
>
> Ian
>
>
>


If they're the same as mine from IKEA then they will be 12 volt. If they 
were in any way dangerous to operate in an exposed state they would be 
illegal I suppose. Put it this way, I haven't fried myself or my son in 
whose bedroom they are fitted so I reckon your cat will be ok!

Note also that when you install them the screw clamps sometimes need help 
making contact through the plastic. Decide where you want to put your lamps 
and scrape away a little of the insulation.
grumble

look here:
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/lights_and_switches.htm

In article 
, Gel  writes

>look here:
>http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/lights_and_switches.htm


Ferk all there about low voltage lighting . . . .
-- 
fred

thanks everyone;  I feel reassured. I am now going to place kitty against 
the wires to put it to the ultimate test (joke!).

"Ian Hooksem"  wrote in message 
news:Ur76e.16126$il.1446@newsfe5-win.ntli.net...

> Hi Group
>
> this may seem naive, but I know nil about electrics;  I can follow 
> instructions on the box!
>
> Bought lights from IKEA. Consists of 2 plastic covered cables, hung 
> parrallel to each other along the wall. Current flows through those 
> cables, from a little box, which in turn is fed from mains. I then hang 3 
> x lights between the cables, which pearce through the plastic to the inner 
> cables to obtain their current.
>
> From my schooldays 30 years ago, this means that one cable is neg, one is 
> pos, and if I put a screwdriver, for example, across the two cables, it 
> will explode, or blow a fuse, or something? Does anyone know these type of 
> lights, and are they safe if I were to touch these the two cables at the 
> same time, as suggested?
>
> My reason for suddenly being concerned is that I have a new kitten 
> .................................  !!!!
>
> What will happen if the cat chews through one cable, then chews through 
> the other, and manages to touch both cables at once?
>
> Ian
>
>
>