Wiring a Dolls House
There are many different techniques you can use when adding lights and fires
to a dolls house, but for speed, simplicity, and lowest cost, we recommend
using the standard round wire system.
This comprises a central ‘hub’ – a terminal strip (LT9017) with 12 sockets,
a fuse, and an on-off switch which connects to the transformer with the
attached cable. Each light is then plugged into this hub either directly or
via extension cables.
The terminal 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).
If you need more than 12 sockets, or if the wires from upstairs lights don’t
reach the terminal strip, then use one or more triple extension leads
(LT9015) which will also fix to the back of the house by adhesive pads.
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. The most popular transformer (LT9073) will run up to 32 bulbs –
enough for most 6 to 8 room houses.
Connecting the Lights
Before installing any lights, you should temporarily plug them into the
terminal strip, switch on, and confirm they are working. Bear in mind that
bulbs often loosen in transit, so may need tightening before they will work
(do not over tighten though!). A useful technique is to use a plastic straw
over the bulb to loosen or tighten it. A straw will get into places a lot
easier than fingers, and the natural slippage will help prevent over
tightening.
Lights can be grouped into 3 main types - ceiling, wall, or freestanding –
and each has its own technique for installation:
Ceiling: This would include ceiling mounted lamps, hanging lamps,
chandeliers, etc.
To install a ceiling lamp, first paint or paper the ceiling of the room you
are fitting it in, then drill a small hole where the fitting is to go (we
highly recommend the Cir-Kit Mini Drill (CK201) for this as its size helps
it easily fit into any 1:12 scale room to make drilling into ceilings
simple). In the room above, use the corner of a small wood chisel to make a
groove from the hole to the back of the room. The final part of the groove
can be made with a drill which should also be used to make a hole in the
rear wall of the house.
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 wire which
has been anchored by the pins and allow the plug to be completely removed.
Pass the wire through the ceiling hole, along the groove in the floor and
out through the back wall. The light can be fixed permanently in place using
the adhesive pad supplied. Replace the plug by reversing the method to
remove it after cutting the wire if necessary for a neat job. The floor of
the room above can then have carpet or other floor covering applied to
completely cover the wiring.
Wall: This would include standard wall lamps, fires, etc.
Where possible fit to the rear wall of the dolls house. Decorate the wall
first, then drill a hole for the wire to pass through. Remove the plug as
before, pass the wire through the wall, fix the lamp in place, and reconnect
the plug. Fires are generally supplied without plugs, so purchase a pack of
spare plugs (LT9020) if you are intending to fit a fire. You may also want
to consider a flicker-flame unit for maximum realism (FFMICRO).
You can also fit lamps to an interior wall by using a similar technique to
the one with the ceiling lights. Drill a hole through the wall where the
light fitting is to be situated, then on the reverse of that wall, using the
corner of a chisel, cut a groove from the hole to the back of the house –
just don’t decorate the other side of the wall until the wiring has been
completed.
Freestanding: This would include table lamps, standard lamps etc.
Use the same technique as with wall lamps, but using the single socket
extension leads (LT9013) in place of the light fittings. The sockets on
these cables can be affixed to the inside wall of the house for the lights
to plug into.
Finishing the Job
Once the lights have all been fitted, it is a good idea to tidy up the wires
on the back of the house. Wires can be held in place with masking tape, and
cut to appropriate lengths to fit the terminal strip and any extensions
used. Alternatively you can use plastic tubing or channel to route the
wires.
Minimum World can supply all your dolls house electrical requirements
including a huge range of lights, fires, and accessories at some of the best
prices around.
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[Dolls House Wiring Guide]
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