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PLease do not laugh but I am absolutely clueless where electrics are concerned.

I have some 12v striplights that have crocodile clips on the end, one red and one black.  I have been given some 12volt plugs. 

My question is this, does the red or black wire go the live?

I was going to wire it and plug it in, but thought I'd ask first!!!!

Thanks

Neil

Red is normally the positive (Live)  on your battery and black the negative.

Hope this helps

Quote: Originally posted by imogensdad on 08/03/2005

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I have some 12v striplights that have crocodile clips on the end, one red and one black.  I have been given some 12volt plugs. 

My question is this, does the red or black wire go the live?

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The convention is that in such 12v systems the negative terminal (-ve) is the black lead and the positive terminal (+ve) is the red lead.

'Live' has no real meaning in such 12v systems, 'Live' is used to refer to the non-earthy side of an AC mains system.

Hello Neil

As has been said Red +ve Black -ve (or earth)

If the plugs you have are the type used to plug into a cigarette lighter socket in your car, then attatch the red lead to the centre pin and the black lead to the outer earth ring (solder these joints preferably)

Most 12V Striplights will work whichever way they are connected.

weerab

Quote: Originally posted by weerab on 08/03/2005

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Most 12V Striplights will work whichever way they are connected.

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Well even if its 'most' (and I doubt it is) that means some dont and could be damadged by connecting the wrong way around.

Both my 12V strip lights DO NOT work when conncted the wrong way around.  

Quote: Originally posted by JohnG on 09/03/2005

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Polarity has to be right for fluorescent striplights as far as I know

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I would agree.