Hey guys, I have recently started a project for lighting my garden. For I have decided to use 100vdc and will be bucked for each led strip (there will be several led strips rather than a single led strip for controlling each section individually.). So I will be using an esp32 as the microcontroller which would need 5vdc. So should I buck the already rectified and isolated 100VDC or use a seperate flyback converter from the mains(premade ones are pretty cheap). AND I need common ground for the 100VDC and the 5VDC. Here are the very rough schematics.
In case if you are wondering why am i using 100vdc is to reduce the current as i would using several 2-3 meter led strips which would be a lot of current at 24vdc.
I am a beginner so any advice would be appreciated. Feel free to ask for any other relevant information. Thanks:grinning:.
100VDC is still a dangerous voltage, especially outside, where moisture may be involved. I would not use more than 30V, it is enough to buck down to 24V even with losses. And you can easily use a buck converter down to 5V.
Maybe, even a linear regulator may be ok, from 24V to 5V, since the esp32 will probably not consume too much current.
Officially the limit for “safe” voltages is 48V. If you go above 48V, then you should take all the safety precautions that also apply to mains voltage, and you can just as easily use the mains voltage for most of the distribution, and use bog standard power supplies to generate lower voltages locally. Outside applications are also prone to get some kind of moisture / condensation every now and then, and DC has extra problems with electrolysis that an AC system does not have.
Also, if you want to buy cable into the ground, for anything above 48V you should use armored cable that is certified for ground use.
Another consideration:
When burying cables, don’t just bury the cables, but bury stiff hoses. and then put cables in them. Burying cables is a lot of work, wan when you have hoses, you have options for later, such as replacing cables if they get damaged, or adding more cables (Maybe some internet connections in your garden?) With mains wiring you can also use electric garden appliances without having to roll out long extension cords each time.
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