Outdoor Christmas tree lights.

Projectx

Hello folks.
I have some new Christmas tree lights (outdoor) which I would like to put on a small tree outside. The cable from the tree back to the electrical socked (indoors) is to short.

My question is can I cut the lights cable and add in a new piece ( about three meters) and then make new connection.

This would mean the plug would be safely indoors.

Thanks.

Stoner

hi Projectx,

joining these caables is not the best idea really, even though it will be a low voltage arrangement, there are kits that you can get that are waterproof but i don't know if it would be worth your while

meercat

perhaps a waterproof box like this would help
http://www.buy4now.ie/woodiesdiy/productdetail.aspx?pid=12675&loc=P&catid=7.9

FMartinp

That Dribox is exactly what I had in mind as a recommendation. Well priced too and also should be available in many electrical Wholesalers.

meercat

FMartinp wrote: »

That Dribox is exactly what I had in mind as a recommendation. Well priced too and also should be available in many electrical Wholesalers.

yes
the local electrical wholesaler will be cheaper too
just used this link to identify what the op may require

FMartinp

Don't think they're much cheaper than €20 Inc vat. It's a good price from Woodies on this occasion.

meercat

FMartinp wrote: »

Don't think they're much cheaper than €20 Inc vat. It's a good price from Woodies on this occasion.

maybe weve found that elusive bargain so:D

cast_iron

meercat wrote: »

maybe weve found that elusive bargain so:D

To be fair, there are certain things in Woodies and B&Q that are cheaper than wholesalers. A branded outdoor socket can be near €50 in a wholesaler, and about €30 or so for the same in B&Q. I've seen MK gear in B&Q go for cheaper than wholesaler prices too, and that's with trade discount in wholesaler and not in B&Q.
Then they rob you blind on most other stuff

Projectx

Thanks for the replies folks.
That box looks good.

Is it ok to cut the two strand cable (from the lights ) and insert a length approx 10' long and then reconnect with blocks and tape up.
Its the cutting of the cable Im not sure about.
Can I use simple two strand cable . (strand ....not sure of name)

Thanks.

meercat

i wouldnt recommend cutting the cable
if you run a 5 metre extension lead like this out to the box,you can plug the lights into it without any joints
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Masterplug-Gang-Extension-Metre-White/dp/B0001P0GDK

Projectx

The reason I was thinking of cutting the cable and then inserting an extention and then rejoining was to keep plugs indoors.

meercat

Projectx wrote: »

The reason I was thinking of cutting the cable and then inserting an extention and then rejoining was to keep plugs indoors.

still wouldnt recommend cutting the cable and joining it outdoors

paddy147

Projectx wrote: »

Hello folks.
I have some new Christmas tree lights (outdoor) which I would like to put on a small tree outside. The cable from the tree back to the electrical socked (indoors) is to short.

My question is can I cut the lights cable and add in a new piece ( about three meters) and then make new connection.

This would mean the plug would be safely indoors.

Thanks.

Listen to what people are talling you here.
Dont start chopping up and rejointing lights to run them outdoors.


Simply pay out 15 euro for a set of 200 outdoor warm white LED lights in Lidl.

They have a 10 meter lead from the 1st bulb back to the traffo and then another 1.5 meters to the plug.The plug can be then plugged into an indoor socket and run through the window.You can also put the lights on a 24 hour timer,so that the lights come on and go off at a time that suits you.

Simple as that and job done.

Bruthal

I did this last year, i did in fact cut the elv cable out to the led lights, i cut one core 12 inches shorter than the other, and the extension bit the same, soldered and heat shrink.

A bit of dampness getting into 12v connections that far apart will have no affect on the setup. But i put a little silicone sealant on each join so it ended up inside the heat shrink anyway.

Bruthal

paddy147 wrote: »

You can also put the lights on a 24 hour timer,so that the lights come on and go off at a time that suits you.

Simple as that and job done.

I had made a light sensing extension lead and PCB board to turn them on at night, working perfect, now need a hired hand that can put the lights out in the garden for me:eek: