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Compact Standard Lamp (eco)


This compact standard lamp is similar to my other wooden version except the main section is made from metal tubing and it works from a 12V DC supply not 240V AC. Just like the other lamp, it uses readily available parts from the local DIY and general stores and depending on the shade used, stands approximately 1100mm tall. The main parts are a 250mm round bread board (from The Range), a 910mm chrome effect steel tube (from B&Q) and a 150mm x 300mm conical lampshade (from George Asda). Other parts required are a switched bulb holder, some 2 core cable, a 2.1mm DC plug and some extra hardware to mount the tube to the base and the bulb holder to the tube

Because the lamp runs on 12 volts the metal parts do not need to be earthed, but of course the supply should be appropriately fused. I pondered whether to exit the cable through the base or out somewhere along the tube, but due to the construction method adopted, tube it had to be. The tubes come in various finishes (Black, White, brushed steel, brushed Gold and chrome) but I settled on chrome because it matches my coffee table! I wanted the tube to look as though it is just standing on the base yet be firmly attached and it was eBay and Screwfix that came to the rescue here, supplying all the necessary bits and pieces to achieve this

I wanted a 12V lamp so it can be used as part of my solar powered backup system. It actually does run from the domestic mains supply but via a 12V adapter, only switching over to battery operation in the event of a power cut. Construction details of the uninterruptable power supply used can be found here. The lamp uses a high efficiency LED bulb and the instructions on how to make one can be found here. I really like the low height and small footprint of this lamp which make it ideal for many locations, particularly as a reading light beside a sofa. The type of shade used is down to personal taste. I will let the images below describe how it was made
        


              

The bulb holder is screwed onto a lamp mounting kit (B&Q) attached to a plastic end stop which pushes into the top of the tube
              

An M10 x 300mm threaded rod acts as a mounting pillar which screws into a 4 pronged M10 threaded tee nut attached to the base
              

Two modified plastic end stops are bolted to the threaded rod at the top and bottom so the chrome tube can slide over tightly
              

The end stops are modified by removing the closed end with a knife, heating up a 10mm nut and melting it into the end stop
              

A 7mm hole is drilled through the tube and a grommet added for the cable to exit. The tube is then pushed down onto the base



               




The lamp can be terminated whatever way you want but as it's primarily intended for low voltage operation, a normal domestic mains plug should never be used. I don't think those 12V LEDs would appreciate having 240V up 'em! If mains use is required, then it will work quite happily from a standard 12V 1A mains adapter

My favourite choice of low voltage connector is the standard 2.1mm x 5.5mm DC type. They are easily obtained and although not capable of massive currents, seem to do the job with low demand projects like this. The choice of course is up to you, just be safe!

Combined with a mains adapter and the low profile LED bulb and router UPS projects, this makes a great eco friendly and 'cosy' light that will keep going even in the event of a mains power cut


REMEMBER - THIS LAMP IS DESIGNED FOR 12 VOLT OPERATION ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE USED ON A DOMESTIC MAINS SUPPLY