Powering router from light bulb socket!

H

headstrong

Expert Member
Joined
May 10, 2006
Messages
1,099
Reaction score
0
Hi guys

Is it possible to buy a converter or something that is capable of connecting into a lightbulb socket in order to power a router?

I need to stick a router on a roof but there is no power points available but there are a few lightbulbs which I could unskrew!

Thanks
 
My father used to have something like a travelling electrical socket set that allows you to plug your shaver into a lightbulb socket. - twp pin to a screw in or to a bayonet socket.
 
I know about POE but even that needs to originate from a power point!

I need to use a light bulb socket
 
I think you can buy the screwy in bit for a lightbuld separate, try Jacks Paint or Bob the Builder...or you could grab a lightbulb, break it and commence with some creative soldering.

Edit: or even use crocodile clips...
 
lol @ crocodile clips, go to an electrical supplier and tell them what you looking for they will want to know if its a bayonette or screw in fitting I have 3 of the bayonette converters here.
 
don't be stupid... a light socket has like 100watts going through it... which means you use anything that uses more than that and BAM you'll blow the wiring or the thingy that supplies the bulb with power
 
scotty777 said:
don't be stupid... a light socket has like 100watts going through it... which means you use anything that uses more than that and BAM you'll blow the wiring or the thingy that supplies the bulb with power
Click to expand...

Oh dear.
 
Dude youre putting a router on your roof. Why dont you just run it from the ethernet cable that will be connected to it ??? Or is it wireless?

Also, as bekdik says, just rather replace it with a 5A plug and socket (usually for garage motors, I highly doubt a router consumes more power :eek: ) I also recomend getting a waterproof box for it, can get from any electrical shop for around R50.
 
It is a wireless router and I have a weather proof box...

So I need to remove the lightbulb socket...... attach a 5A plug and socket to the remaining electrical cables ( 240v I assume ) and then attach the router to the 5A plug and socket?
 
Last edited:
No the safest and easiest is to use power over ethernet. If its a router not an AP you are running at least one ethernet cable to it right ?
 
dabouncer said:
Correct. Ditch the light bulb socket and stick on a normal plug.
Click to expand...

Ok do that and violate a few electrical saftey codes.
A few tips.

To do this you need a plug socket, a 2X4 box and a gland.
Knock out a gland hole in the 2X4 box screw in the gland and put the cable through it. Connect the cable to the plug socket and srcew onto box making sure it seals nicely or dust will get in and thats a fire hazard. Use plastic box and face for the socket as the feed you using is for lights and will have no earth.
Now at your distribution board the light and plug circuts should run on separate isolators. thats problem number 1
Then you have a socket that will accept a plug for a 15A load and the feed cable is not rated that high (some contractor decides to use a power tool in the cieling, fixing a geyser or beams sees the socket and uses it instead of running a lead down and the cable melts) problem 2
Your house will never pass an electrical inspection. Problem number 3
And if you every have an electrical fire Insurance will not pay out as a ceritified electrician will never sign off something like that. Problem number 4

Now you know whats involved and what the risks are so you cann make a decision
 
Gunny said:
Ok do that and violate a few electrical saftey codes.
A few tips.

To do this you need a plug socket, a 2X4 box and a gland.
Knock out a gland hole in the 2X4 box screw in the gland and put the cable through it. Connect the cable to the plug socket and srcew onto box making sure it seals nicely or dust will get in and thats a fire hazard. Use plastic box and face for the socket as the feed you using is for lights and will have no earth.
Now at your distribution board the light and plug circuts should run on separate isolators. thats problem number 1
Then you have a socket that will accept a plug for a 15A load and the feed cable is not rated that high (some contractor decides to use a power tool in the cieling, fixing a geyser or beams sees the socket and uses it instead of running a lead down and the cable melts) problem 2
Your house will never pass an electrical inspection. Problem number 3
And if you every have an electrical fire Insurance will not pay out as a ceritified electrician will never sign off something like that. Problem number 4

Now you know whats involved and what the risks are so you cann make a decision
Click to expand...

Thanks for pointing that out but my decision still remains.... what will I need to buy to do the above? :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X