Posted: 4/28/2005 7:37:00 PM EDT
|
I recently bought a pretty nice gun safe. It's a full blown fireproof Browning Medallion. Although I spent the cash for the safe, I'm cheap enough to try and improvise the interior lighting, since a typical door activated light system seems to cost about $120+ (more AR parts). I was at home depot the other day and saw a "Hampton Bay" 18 foot cord light for $20. I snapped it up without thinking of how to automatically turn this light cord on and off when I open the door of my safe. I've already mounted the light cord, and it works well in the safe. Yet, I don't want to install a switch that requires me to manually turn it on/off everytime I open/close the safe. Call me lazy. Additionally, call me an engineer with electrical controls experience. . . I've already got a limit switch to mount behind the door to trigger the lights (not installed yet), but I was wondering what the commercial safe light companies are using as an "easy install switch" (i.e. American Security). If they use a single switch without a custom bracket, I guarantee you that I can locate and purchase it. All I need is a good photo, part number, etc. I just want to avoid a custom bracket for my switch. Can anyone provide me photos or descriptions of their safe's lighting door switch brackets etc? Any response is (of course) greatly appreciated. M.L. |
|
The "cord light" is a sting of lights set inside of a "plastic" tube that is about 3/8" diameter. It is flexible and I believe that the individual lights are a series of white LED's. There are not any built in switches besides the 2-pronged 120 VAC plug. I can handle placing a switch somewhere to trigger the lights with the opening of the door, but am not sure what switches the "majors" are using with their light cords. I can rig up an elaborate system with a custom switch mounting bracket, but didn't know if there was an easier way to get the job done. Thanks, M.L. |
I was thinking more like this: Link |
|
Use a motion sensor, with the outlet to a plug. Then plug the cord light into it. When the door opens, the light goes on. When the door closes, the light goes off (after < a minute). Think about attaching this motion sensor, motion sensor to this lampholder cover lampholder cover and attaching the cover to this electrical box. electrical box Run 3 wire line into the electrical box, through the motion sensor (as per the instructions), and out to a plug that you can connect to the rope light. Then sit the electrical box on the floor of the safe, and point the motion sensor at the door. |