Please only answer this if you have done a big yard light display before, or if you have applicable experience. Tree is outside and will stay firmly planted in the ground.
I will figure out how to get the lights on the tree. You can offer thoughts on this, but that's not the key area of interest.
I know that there are folks who do huge electrical displays every Christmas. Here's the the thing I need help with. How do folks do outdoor surge protection and multiple sockets?
I can't find an outdoor multiple socket surge protector. I figured I would end up mounting the thing in the tree, but all the ones I've found are for indoor use. I've got 4500 bulbs worth of strings I plan to use.
Thank you.
2007-10-14 12:03:24 · 8 answers · asked by notasperfectasyou 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
I want multiple outlets and I don't want to lose strings of lights since it's going to take hours to get them up.
2007-10-14 12:14:19 · update #1
If I don't use a multi plug surge protector, what is best to use to handle the multiple plugs on all these stands of mini lights? I figure I can plug into at least 3 different outlets in the house.
2007-10-14 15:19:36 · update #2
You might be thinking of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. They are typically used for outdoor power applications in order to protect against short circuits. You might have a couple on the outside of your home. If you do not, then you will need to get a plug and wire one up yourself.
The outlets can be purchased at any hardware store for under $20.
You did not specify what type of lights you are using. I will presume you are going to use mini lights. 4500 lights = 45 sets of lights. Mini lights typically use about 0.33 amps per strand. 45 strands x .033 amps = 14.85 amps. Give yourself a 20% fudge factor and build your circuit for 20 amps. If you plug into a household circuit, make sure the breaker is rated for at least 20 amps, or you will have problems. You can split the load around your home to keep from tripping breakers.
Another thing: keep your plugs out of the water, as that will trip your GFCI outlet.
How to decorate the tree: You can buy extension poles that will get your lights up and down, but they will not wrap easily. You can use a long extension ladder, if the tree will support the weight of you, your lights and the ladder (when you say pine tree, I presume you are not talking about a bushy evergreen).
If all else fails, you can rent a lift basket for about $200 a day. Find a place that is closed on Sunday and you will get 2 days for 1. That is what I am going to do with the large pear trees in my yard this year.
If you need an extension pole, you can buy one at a pool supply home and be sure to get the longest one they have (usually 20 ft).
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Regarding a surge protector: I do not know of anybody that has one. Usually, the lights have a small 3 amp fuse in them. Do not replace the fuse with a nail and you should be protected.
The fuse is located in the male end of the plug. Mini lights are equipped with two fuses each.
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Footnote: If you are not able to run the lights on your circuit, you should consider LED lights. While they cost more, they use 1/10th of the power. 4500 led mini lights will roughly consume about 2.5 amps (as opposed to 15 amps). Unfortunately, LED Lights cost about 3-4X conventional minilights (saw some minilights today at Lowes for $2.24/box)
Good Luck and hope to see you over on PlanetChristmas.com
2007-10-14 13:30:05 · answer #1 · answered by Christmas Light Guy 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
I want to decorate a 30 foot live pine tree with Christmas lights. I can get them up. Need electrical help.?
Please only answer this if you have done a big yard light display before, or if you have applicable experience. Tree is outside and will stay firmly planted in the ground.
I will figure out how to get the lights on the tree. You can offer thoughts on this, but that's not the key area of...
2015-08-08 08:02:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christmas Light Extension Pole
2016-11-16 01:49:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I put up over 3500 lights on a 30 foot blue spruce with a 30 foot pole with a hook on the end that I hook a string of lights and raise them up. And I only use one outlet one plug for the house lights and one that runs over to my tree to a three plug stake one plug for eight strings of lights the second plug for the next eight strings of lights then the third plug gets a extension cord with three plugs on it these are used for the next set of lights that finish the tree again two sets one in each plug and with the third plug I plug in some lighted boxes that looks like presents under the tree. I have found that eight strings of lights together are the max. any more and it starts to blow the fuses on the lights. And I use the mini bulbs. and no surge protector. Hope this helps
2013-11-28 03:44:43 · answer #4 · answered by DENNIS 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Surge protection makes sense on a $1000 delicate computer. I'm not sure it makes sense on a string of Xmas lights. Whats the worst that can happen if there is a voltage surge? The lights will get brighter for a second...maybe some of them will burn out.... shrug..
2007-10-14 12:12:09 · answer #5 · answered by cato___ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u dont need surge protection. I have at least 6 ,30 foot trees with christmas lights, and nothing bad ever happens.
2007-10-14 12:57:43 · answer #6 · answered by Stereotypical Canadian, Eh? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this is an old post but I went through most of the web for years looking for advice on this and this is what I've come up with.
2016-01-03 08:15:47 · answer #7 · answered by Keith 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't believe that is right
2016-07-30 05:20:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋