I am wiring a new light fixture into existing structure where the old light fixture was. At the same time I need to splice a very low voltage set of christmas lights into the wiring. Would this be too much volts for the christmas lights? They would go on & off with the light switch. If this does not work, can I splice a different type of low voltage light fixture into the same type of setup, just not the christmas lights?
2007-02-15 04:45:43 · 7 answers · asked by That 70's girl 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Your old fixture likely was 110 volts, your christmas lights are probly 12volts, you can only connect the two with a transformer that probly came with the christmass lights.
How to tell if your christmas lights are low voltage?
Look at the christmass lights is there a rectangular heavy but fairly small box with the plug wires coming out one end and out the other end wires going to the christmas lights? If so that box is the transformer and you can splice into it on the plug side if need be, just don't splice into the 12v out side.
If the christmass lights have no "black box" and just plug into a regular wall outlet, they are not low voltage and you can use them no problem.
Rather than splicing wires though, you can buy a fixture that screws into an existing light socket that has a new light socket, and a plug. It takes up a little bit of room and extends the light bulb a little farther out but might be the best way to do what you are talking about. Just make sure that you set it up turn it on and check it a couple of hours later to ensure it's not getting too hot, using a compact floresent would be a very good idea to reduce heat buildup. I think these little extenders cost less than $5
2007-02-15 04:59:28 · answer #1 · answered by oneirondreamer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The voltage is not the issue. Make sure to use proper splicing techniques. As long as you are not tied into a 2 or 3 phase line you should be fine.
2007-02-15 04:50:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anthony C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Know what the Christmas lights run on before you do anything. Also, "splicing"(connecting in parallel) will introduce another load on that circuit. Make sure the lights aren't bringing you too close to your max current on your breaker, just in case you decide to run a vacuum cleaner or something while running the lights.
2007-02-15 07:55:31 · answer #3 · answered by joshnya68 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing you can try is an adapter with an outlet on it-- it screws into the light socket and the bulb screws in as well- but on the side is an outlet. I used on of these for my outdoor lights from my garage spot-- fantastic. then when Christmas is over you don't have to undo any splices. You could also add an outlet righ there too. good luck
2007-02-15 16:36:40 · answer #4 · answered by Mark B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put a new receptacle in to plug the Christmas lights into.
2007-02-15 06:12:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you may splice when ready.
2007-02-15 04:48:43 · answer #6 · answered by Daniel-san 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
too much power can burn your lights (christmas) out quick
2007-02-15 05:05:45 · answer #7 · answered by joe citizen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋