While searching for an answer to my questions, I stumbled across this forum. Judging by the other topics being discussed, I'm guessing my question is pretty basic, so I've put together a pictorial diagram below to make it really easy on anyone that might be able to give me some advice.

I've wired together a series of LED lighting strips, switched on and off by a motion detector. I've noticed that several of the components list max amperage limitations. The motion detector has a 6A limit, the pigtails have a 5A limit, etc. The DC power supply I've used is rated for 100W / 8.5A. However, since the whole LED Lighting System (all of the strips combined) do not exceed the more restrictive limitations of the components, I should be fine, right?

Just trying to avoid starting any fires...

 

hi Aesir,
Welcome to AAC.
Your calculations look OK to me.
You say the total LED load current is 4.5A, are you planning to add a fuse on the output of the PSU.
E

 

I was not planning on adding a fuse. Would that be recommended in this case?

The lighting is inside a home, and the power to the PSU is coming from the home's 120V wiring.

 

hi,
In the event of a short circuit in the wiring, the PSU could be loaded beyond its maximum rating.
Many PSU's have either internal current limiting or a fuse.

Do you have the tech specification for the PSU.

EDIT:
You can get inline fuse holders also 6.3A SB 20mm fuses
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_...570.l1313&_nkw=6+amp+slow+blow+fuses&_sacat=0

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5PCS-In-...621474&hash=item590da4dfa3:g:8o4AAOSwPCFZsPSH

 

I have the Mean Well LPV-100-12 power supply. Attached is the tech specification.

I have not heard of a separate fuse being installed with these. I'm assuming it would be an inline fuse installed on the positive DC OUT wire before going to the motion sensor?

 

hi,
Hic up mode protection means the PSU will keep trying to provide the over current after shorts delays.
Yes, fuse in the +DC line out from the PSU.

E

 

Regarding wire cross section, I'm in doubt what "16-2 Speaker Wire" can be translated into metric size?

 

hi Kj,
This link may help.
E
https://www.amazon.com/Speaker-Cable-Conductor-Strand-Copper/dp/B001UAOLP4

 

ericgibbs - Got it. So I could install a fuse as a backup to the built in over current protection to protect it from a short. But it doesn't sound like I need to worry about the 5A max limitation of the pigtails or the 6A max on the motion detector (PIR Sensor)?

Kjeldgaard - the amazon link that ericgibbs provided is very similar to the product I used. It's just two 16 gauge stranded wires inside an outer jacket.

 

hi,
I would say the pigtails would carry the over current more than long enough for the 6.3A fuse to blow
The 6A of the motion detector is the maximum rating of the internal controller, you could consider using a fast blow fuse.
I would not fuse the system at say 5A, you don't want the fuse to blow 'sometimes' at switch On.
You cannot protect all the modules in your project.