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Safety Information - 12v Wired Lights
Please be advised: This notification includes crucial safety alerts and guidelines for the proper usage and installation of the 12v wired lighting items available in our inventory.
We strongly recommend a thorough review of this notification to ensure understanding before purchasing, installing, or operating any of our 12v electrical products.
Primarily intended as a recreational product for adult miniature enthusiasts, our 12v wired lighting products are crafted to illuminate dollhouses and 1:12 scale models. It is essential to note that these products operate at a different voltage and are not engineered to the standards of standard household lighting or electrical devices. They are not intended for prolonged use and should not serve as a primary lighting source within a household.
Failure to adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions outlined in this safety notification or misuse of these products may lead to severe consequences, including fire hazards, electric shock, or other forms of significant injury or damage.
General Safety Warning - 12v Lighting Systems
It is imperative to never leave a lit doll's house unattended.
Our range of 12V electrical products is not intended for children under the age of 14. For those over 14, supervision is recommended during product use.
Under no circumstances should a child or vulnerable individual be left unsupervised near a lit doll's house.
To ensure safety, avoid leaving 12V wired lighting systems illuminated for more than one hour continuously.
After each use, allow all components to cool completely for at least an hour by deactivating the transformer at the main switch and disconnecting it/unplugging from the mains.
Always use a socket strip with fuse protection (max 1.6-amp fast fuse).
Individuals lacking experience or knowledge should not undertake wiring system installation or plug rewiring or use electrical products without supervision.
Before installation, test each light as outlined in the testing section of this document, and repeat the test after any modifications, such as plug rewiring or bulb replacement.
Lastly, adhere to all safety instructions and warnings provided on the product packaging or accompanying documentation.
Safety Warning - Transformers and Bulb Capacity
Ensure that the transformer in use is rated at 12 volts and that the voltage specified on the transformer's rating label aligns with your mains voltage.
Avoid using the transformer with an extension cord; instead, plug it directly into a mains socket.
Adhere to the maximum bulb capacity guidelines for your transformer, socket, terminal strip, or fuse.Feel free to get in touch with us for clarification if needed.
Exercise caution and refrain from touching the transformer's screws or the connecting spades on the socket strip while the transformer is plugged in.
Safety Warning - Damage/Defects
A damaged light fixture or an inadequately wired plug can pose a fire hazard or lead to electric shocks.
Refrain from utilizing the product if it has been dropped or exhibits any signs of damage.
Upon unpacking, meticulously examine the product for any indications of damage. If your newly acquired product displays any defects or damage, please reach out to us immediately.
In case of any uncertainty regarding the proper functioning of the light or component, cease usage immediately.
Turn off the product and disconnect the transformer from the wall socket as a precautionary measure.
Safety Warning - Temperature/Moisture
Certain components may become hot during regular operation. It is advisable to power off the device and allow it to cool for a few minutes before handling.
Avoid operating the device in environments with extreme temperature conditions.
Keep the device away from heat sources like radiators, gas, or electric fires, as well as naked flames.
Protect the product from exposure to water or moisture. In case of liquid spillage, immediately power off and disconnect the entire wiring system to prevent potential damage.
Refrain from touching any components with wet hands to ensure safety.
Safety Warning - Maintenance
Before cleaning or making any modifications to your lighting system, such as replacing a bulb, remember to disconnect the transformer from the main power socket.
Avoid using abrasive pads, chemical cleaning solutions, or any liquids on any components within your lighting system.
Safety Warning - Installation & Usage
It is highly recommended to utilize a "round-wire" system in conjunction with our 12V products. For detailed information on this type of lighting system, please refer to the section in this document titled "ROUND-WIRE SYSTEMS – THE BASICS."
Before installation, after any modifications (such as rewiring a plug or changing a bulb), and post-installation, it is imperative to test each light individually to ensure proper functionality.
Given the delicate insulation of the wiring, it is crucial to fully uncoil each wire before use and prevent contact with wires from other components whenever possible.
Under no circumstances should a light be installed in a dollhouse while it is still plugged in, and changing a bulb should only be done when the light is unplugged.
During installation, it may be necessary to remove and replace plugs to accommodate wires passing through small openings. When rewiring the plugs, ensure that the two exposed wires do not come into contact at any point.
The on/off switch on the socket strips does not completely deactivate the system; the transformer will continue drawing power from the mains when plugged in. To prevent this, always switch off the transformer at the mains socket and unplug it when not in operation.
For safety reasons, all 12V products from Melody Jane Dolls Houses must be utilized with a fuse-protected system, employing a maximum 1.6-amp fast-blow fuse*, alongside a transformer suitable for the voltage standards in your region.
A round wire system comprises a central 'hub' - a terminal socket strip (HW2203) with sockets, a fuse (max 1.6amp fast fuse), and an on-off switch - which connects to a 12v transformer (EL188) that is plugged into a mains socket. A 12v light with a filament bulb is then plugged into this socket strip, either directly or via extension sockets (LT9013 & LT9015).
The transformer should be sized according to the number of bulbs being fitted (NOT by the number of light fittings). It is perfectly acceptable to use a higher-rated transformer than required (though a voltage regulator is recommended if you are using less than about 5 bulbs in total), but do not exceed the recommended rating on a transformer by adding more bulbs than specified. Our most popular transformer (EL188) will run up to 32 bulbs - enough for most 6 to 8 room houses.
Please note that while a transformer may power a certain number of bulbs, the socket strip and fuse's maximum bulb capacity is likely to be less than this. Our most popular socket strip (HW2203) with a 1.5amp fast-fuse (LT9021) has a maximum capacity of 20 bulbs which should not be exceeded, this includes any lights plugged into the terminal strip via extension cords too.
The terminal socket strip should be mounted near the bottom of the outside back wall of the dolls house using the adhesive tape on the back of the strip. The lead-in wire should be connected to the transformer by using the screw terminals (the spade terminals on the end of the wire can be fitted either way round as most dolls house transformers are AC). Make sure the spades are fitted flush against the screws and tighten the screws as tightly as you can manage with an appropriately sized screwdriver to ensure a good connection. Never attempt to touch to the screws or connecting spades whilst the transformer is plugged in.
Before installing any lights, you should temporarily plug them into the terminal strip (one at a time), switch on and monitor for 10 minutes to confirm they are working correctly. Please read our testing procedure later in this document for more information on how and when to complete tests and what to look for to detect a fault.
After testing, when you are happy that your lights are working correctly, then you can think about installing them into your dolls house. To do this you are most likely going to need to remove the plugs on your lights to enable the wires to pass through small holes leading to the main terminal socket strip. To remove and replace plugs please follow the steps below:
- Remove the plug from the fitting by holding the plug in one hand while using a small pair of pliers to pull out the pins. This will free the wires anchored by the pins and allow the plug to be completely removed.
- Pass the wire out through the back wall of your doll's house (or to wherever your terminal socket strip is located).
- Replace the plug by reversing the method to remove it, being very careful to ensure that the two exposed wires are not touching at any point when you rewind them around the pins in the plug.
For more tips how to install ceiling lights, wall lights and freestanding lights in your dolls house – such as creating groove channels for wires and at what stage to decorate your dolls house – please check out our How-to-guide here.
Always test each light individually before initial use, after any adjustments (like changing a bulb or rewiring a plug), and once more after final installation.
It's a good practice to keep a record of the lights/components you've tested and when, to easily pinpoint any issues in your system if they arise.
Consider having spare fuses for your socket strip in case any blow during testing.
During use, some components may feel warm, which is normal. However, none should become excessively hot (except for the bulbs).
To prevent burns or electric shock, be extremely cautious when checking the temperature of any components and avoid touching the hot bulbs during testing.
Bulbs can loosen in transit or with handling. If a bulb fails to light up during testing, gently adjust or tighten the bulb, or try replacing it.
Always let the light cool for at least 10 minutes without power before tightening or replacing a bulb, as they become hot when lit.
Please follow the simple steps below on how to test a light:
1) Attach a fused socket strip (e.g. HW2203) to a 12v transformer (EL188)
2) Plug the transformer into a mains wall socket and switch on (the little bulb on the socket strip should not light up – if it does then the fuse has blown and needs to be replaced)
3) Plug the light to be tested into the socket strip and turn on using the switch on the socket strip
4) Observe the light closely for 10 minutes to ensure it is operating correctly and is not overheating or malfunctioning in any way
If any of the following occurs during your testing switch off and unplug all components immediately and Contact Us for advice:
Any of the components or wires appear to be melting or producing smoke
The fuse on the socket strip blew or the fault light on the socket strip lit up
The wire or the light fitting (excluding the bulb) became very hot
There is evidence of smoke staining in the bulb/s
Our 12v wired lighting products are primarily intended as a hobby product for adult miniaturists. Their purpose is to illuminate and enhance dolls houses and 1:12 scale models, bringing them to life.
These products operate at a different voltage and are not produced to the same standards as typical household lighting or electrical items.
They are not meant for extended use and should not be relied upon as additional lighting in a residential setting.
Kindly be aware that, with the exception of the transformers, which are all CE certified, the 12V products we carry operate at very low voltages and therefore do not fall under the typical CE/UKCA certification required for most electrical devices and components. Nonetheless, there is still a risk of fire, injury, electric shock, or other damage if the 12V products are misused or used while defective.
Dollhouse lighting wires are designed to be thin to suit the small scale, which results in less insulation compared to full-size products.
Despite operating at low voltage, there is a risk of overheating with the lights and components. It is recommended to use the lights for short periods (maximum 1 hour) and
allow the system to cool down between uses.
The intricate and delicate nature of miniature scale models can make wiring and installing these products in dollhouses quite challenging.
While our customers are talented, most are not qualified electricians. Therefore, there is a small risk involved with customers who may incorrectly install or use these products.
To mitigate this risk, please strictly follow all safety warnings, instructions, and testing procedures in this document to ensure safe installation and use.
When in doubt, conduct thorough testing at each stage of your project to ensure proper functioning.
For a simpler lighting option for your dollhouse, consider battery-operated LED lighting.
These lights do not require wiring as each light operates on its own battery with a switch on the base.
Explore our wide range of battery-operated lighting by clicking here!