Do I need to waterproof christmas light connections?

Question

Like the 100 pack of mini full voltage outdoor lights, if I were to connect the end of a string to the beginning of a new string would I have to waterproof that connection? Also the connect where the light string plugs into an extension cord? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

If moisture from snow and rain will get into the plug connections, you will trip the GFCI receptacle. For those laying on the ground, I slip each connection into a short length (8" or so) of PVC pipe to keep them dry. The hanging ones usually don't cause me any trouble.

Answer 2

Waterproof Outdoor Lights

Answer 3

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As the old adage goes, "always get the right tools for a job". If you're talking about using indoor lighting outdoors, then you're literally playing with fire. Is saving a few bucks worth burning down your home? Hopefully your answer is NO. Don't waste time trying to waterproof something that not meant for outdoor use. Spend a few bucks more and get the outdoor lights. If cost is an issue, wait until the day after Christmas and buy up the good lights for 20-50% off. FYI: For indoor lighting, it's not just the plugs you need to worry about. The wiring itself is not rated for outdoor exposure so you can be taping the plug, but a frayed wire or bad light socket can start a fire just the same.

Answer 4

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RE:
Do I need to waterproof christmas light connections?
Like the 100 pack of mini full voltage outdoor lights, if I were to connect the end of a string to the beginning of a new string would I have to waterproof that connection? Also the connect where the light string plugs into an extension cord? Thanks in advance

Answer 5

I hope for your safety you aren't talking about AC power being run in the method you describe. If it's 115VAC or 240VAC you are running a serious risk of electrocution of yourself or any other person in close proximity. If by definition you are referring to "splitters" as a Multi outlet extension outlets your ELCB should trip out as any moisture can permit any amount of leakage up to 30MA operating the trip breaker immediately. Take that as a warning and use the effect as a warning to change the methods to a safe system. If the Christmas lights are even supplied via an ELV transformer there must be a leakage from somewhere which is creating the serious problem. Even if you use "Heat Shrink" moisture can invade the connection even under the Shrink. There is no safe method even with your idea of plastic bags and heat shrink.

Answer 6

If the connection is not on the ground or in the direct path of flowing or falling water you will be fine. If they are in the path of water I recommend moving them instead of waterproofing. Most light come with a fuse by the way at the beginning of the strand to prevent a circuit overload or a short

Answer 7

if it actually is an outdoor lighting that you are using there is no need "waterproof" the connection .now the extension cord f the home has to be for the out door w/ ground established within. other wise to secure all of the connections using black electrican tape . good luck stringing lights (hate untangleingthem) happy holidays

Answer 8

I'm not sure if it's necessary to do that or not but I usually wrap the connections with duct tape so they will be "water proof" and less likely to come unplugged.

Answer 9

If they're outdoor rated, they're probably weather resistant.
A little electrical tape to make sure they're watertight
is a good idea.
Don't use duct tape, its flammable.
If that extension cord is not outdoor rated, it oughta be.

Answer 10

I always make sure that anything outside is plugged into a GFI outlet or all outside plugs are wired to a GFI circuit breaker in your main panel...