Is it safe to buy power cables from AliExpress?

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littleheaven

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#306821 24-Aug-2023 13:48

Hi, I am setting up a shelf unit for some of my houseplants, which involves mounting T5 LED battens to the underside of each shelf. I'm using Barrina lights, which I have purchased locally in the past and been very happy with. Unfortunately, they were not available in New Zealand in the length I needed, so I had to source them from Amazon with a US power plug. I have a travel adapter for the US plug, but ideally I would prefer to get a cable I can plug in directly. However, I have struggled to find one locally. This is the product on AliExpress, but I am not sure if it's wise to buy it from overseas. It says it is SAA approved, and I know all the stuff sold here in NZ is manufactured overseas anyway, but I've always been careful to purchase from a local supplier because NZ regulations require the items sold here to be compliant. Am I being overly cautious or should I keep looking for a locally-sourced alternative?

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

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Smpl Mnmlst
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#3119779 24-Aug-2023 14:02

Could you cut off the US plug and wire a NZ 3-pin on in its place?

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Jvipers2

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#3119780 24-Aug-2023 14:04

Looks like a genuine ad...should be alright.

Just beware when it's amazingly cheap!

littleheaven

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#3119783 24-Aug-2023 14:07

eracode:

Could you cut off the US plug and wire a NZ 3-pin on in its place?

If all else fails, yes, I could probably get someone to do that for me. Unfortunately, I don't know how to do it myself and attempts to DIY would probably end up with something much less safe than the current options on the table! 😂 Thank you for the idea - good to have a backup option.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

SirHumphreyAppleby

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#3119784 24-Aug-2023 14:08

If you're concerned, buy an extra one and cut it open to confirm if the conductor size is appropriate. Chances are, it'll be perfectly fine. LED lighting probably isn't going to come close to the theoretical rating of the connectors.

littleheaven

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#3119786 24-Aug-2023 14:11

SirHumphreyAppleby:

If you're concerned, buy an extra one and cut it open to confirm if the conductor size is appropriate. Chances are, it'll be perfectly fine. LED lighting probably isn't going to come close to the theoretical rating of the connectors.

This is true. The lights daisy chain to a max of 8 x 5w strips, so it's very low consumption. Thanks!

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

littleheaven

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#3119787 24-Aug-2023 14:12

Jvipers2: Looks like a genuine ad...should be alright.

Just beware when it's amazingly cheap!

Thanks! I just checked out the seller - been trading for over 10 years with a 95% positive review rating, and they sell a LOT of components, so that all seems reassuring.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

eracode

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#3119795 24-Aug-2023 14:26

Jvipers2: Looks like a genuine ad...should be alright.

Just beware when it's amazingly cheap!

Is NZ$10.52 + $5 postage amazingly cheap for those?

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

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Bung

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#3119827 24-Aug-2023 15:35

Not really, there are numerous IEC C5 clover power cords available in NZ under $10.

jonathan18

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#3119829 24-Aug-2023 15:42

Bung: Not really, there are numerous IEC C5 clover power cords available in NZ under $10.

... though fewer options if the OP wants/needs the cable in white (which I assume they do, going by the specific link). That said, PB Tech has them in stock at $5.31 for 2m:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CABDNX9057/Dynamix-C-POWERNCWH-2M-3pin-to-Clover-Shaped-Femal

SirHumphreyAppleby

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#3119830 24-Aug-2023 15:45

Bung: Not really, there are numerous IEC C5 clover power cords available in NZ under $10.

It's a bit odd looking for a C5. The top of the earth pin usually isn't flat, so I assumed this was either a variation on the C5 or a different connector used in T5/T8 lighting.

Unless the OP specifically needs a weird length, then just get a C5 locally (assuming that's what it is). The only time I ever buy these things is if I need an odd (usually very short) length. Otherwise, I have a box full of cables with IEC connectors (not many are C5s).

littleheaven

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#3119833 24-Aug-2023 15:59

jonathan18:

Bung: Not really, there are numerous IEC C5 clover power cords available in NZ under $10.

... though fewer options if the OP wants/needs the cable in white (which I assume they do, going by the specific link). That said, PB Tech has them in stock at $5.31 for 2m:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CABDNX9057/Dynamix-C-POWERNCWH-2M-3pin-to-Clover-Shaped-Femal

I actually purchased that cable after asking PBTech if it would fit. It did not. The clover shape was too big for the hole into which it needed to go. T5/T8 battens require the dimensions shown in the AliExpress image, which appear to be smaller than a normal C5 connector.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

Bung

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#3119849 24-Aug-2023 17:00

I've found a cord on Amazon that has a diagram showing 3 variations of LED fitting sockets 1 looks C5 described as NVC lighting and 2 other slightly smaller, sanxiong & ordinary style. Variation for variation's sake.

neb

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#3119855 24-Aug-2023 17:50

From the photo it also looks OK, e.g. shrouded active and neutral pins which wouldn't be the case if it was an all-corners-cut product.

littleheaven

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#3120002 25-Aug-2023 09:27

Appreciate the feedback, everyone. Have purchased a couple because I will probably end up needing another in the future.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

larknz

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#3120021 25-Aug-2023 10:31

What is the voltage rating of the lights, US uses 110v. However a lot of small power supplies are rated 110v - 240v. Check before you plug anything in.
Also be aware that lights purchased from Amazon won't be certified for use in NZ.

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