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Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics › Anyone know where you can buy lamp making kits?


4 posts

Wannabe Geek
Topic # 105702 8-Jul-2012 20:33 Send private message

Hi, I'd like to make my own lamps but I can't work out where to buy lamp making kits from in NZ. I'm looking for this kind of thing (this is from a US website)

http://www.lampshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=10_02_PARTS_ELECTRIC

I've looked up Dick Smith and they don't seem to have anything and I've been into placemakers and they don't have anything. Obviously if I but anything from overseas the plug will be wrong.

Has anyone come across any in NZ?

thanks

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581 posts

Ultimate Geek
  Reply # 652718 9-Jul-2012 07:38 Send private message

Maybe try some electrical wholesalers like Ideal or Advance.

Edit: an afterthought - make sure what you're doing is legal, especially f you plan on selling them.





gzt

3198 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber
  Reply # 652767 9-Jul-2012 09:58 Send private message

I've never seen metal body switches and holders like that in NZ. They may not be legal here.



4 posts

Wannabe Geek
  Reply # 652941 9-Jul-2012 14:31 Send private message

Thanks for those replies, hadn't thought it may not be legal here, ..another dumb question - who would I contact to find out if it is legal to make lamps and sell them?

1247 posts

Uber Geek
  Reply # 652948 9-Jul-2012 14:43 Send private message

lamplight: Thanks for those replies, hadn't thought it may not be legal here, ..another dumb question - who would I contact to find out if it is legal to make lamps and sell them?


These guys
http://www.med.govt.nz/energysafety/about-this-site/contact-us/contact-us

Short answer will be that compliance costs will not make it worthwhile to make/sell very low volumes,


http://www.med.govt.nz/energysafety/appliances-fittings/electrical-appliances-fittings/core-requirements/who-must-comply




4 posts

Wannabe Geek
  Reply # 652957 9-Jul-2012 14:53 Send private message

Thanks for that, prob not worth pursuing then but will contact them to make sure.

cheers

2462 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
  Reply # 653010 9-Jul-2012 16:03 Send private message

Purchasing the compliance standard is a few hundred dollars. Compliance testing cost quite a bit, plus about $300 per test report (writing it, not doing the test).

NZ does not allow single insulated wire, there must be a second layer of insulation. US allows it since their 110V mains is not actually lethal (from memory 130V is the threshold).

I've seen lots of metal sockets in South Africa. You get them here as well, but easier to find one with ones with plastic. It is not a requirement to earth the metal cup of a bayonet light bulb, but because you need double insulation you typically would not use a metal socket unless it is recessed in a way it cannot be touched or if it is a metal fitting which then requires to be earthed. Compliance on a double insulated product is much easier than an earthed product.

At Bunnings they sell stainless steel outdoor light fittings. The 240V models cost around $80 where as the 12V models cost $12. The price difference is in compliance cost, some needs to take responsibility for in case there is an accident, and you also need to cover yourself in case an insurance company comes after you for the rebuild cost of a house that burnt down due to your product.

For any electrical product sold in NZ (and AU) you also need to be C-Tick registered. This gives them a reference to who imported/sold the product if there are any issues.

And then you also have to do your tax returns and pay ACC levies.

Sorry for all the bad news for which is probably a great product, but that is the reality of living in a nanny-state (goes for many developed countries). In a country like South Africa where unemployment is >40% and climbing it is a lot easier and you are encouraged to employ people.




You can never have enough Volvos!

2763 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Subscriber
  Reply # 653018 9-Jul-2012 16:14 Send private message

I have definitely seen those switches here but many years ago and on actual fittings rather than for sale anywhere.

Edit: Referring to the ones on the first page at least.



4 posts

Wannabe Geek
  Reply # 653133 9-Jul-2012 19:21 Send private message

Thanks again, all very helpful! talked to energy safety people and yes it looked like the testing (in a registered testing lab) was going to be too costly for the small scale I was considering..may just have to make lamp shades....

581 posts

Ultimate Geek
  Reply # 653307 10-Jul-2012 08:41 Send private message

... but that is the reality of living in a nanny-state (goes for many developed countries). ...


Whilst I share your frustration on numerous aspects of the nanny-state, I'm actually quite pleased to be living in a country that has robust electrical safety (and to a lesser extent RFI) regulations.





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