I see everybody doing it, but never thought it was safe as conections are not water tight between plugs and extensions.
But, they are low voltage. Anybody know of any fire danger or risk?
2007-12-07 02:00:27 · 11 answers · asked by Stephen C 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
These lights are designed for this, and I've never had any trouble running them in the rain (or sleet, or snow, etc.) I will admit, though, that I don't run them in one of those very heavy downpours, (which are usually short lived) or during a freezing rain. But normal weather? No problems.
2007-12-07 02:10:41 · answer #1 · answered by cajungaijiin 3 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Outdoor Christmas Lights Rain
2016-11-02 23:53:44 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They aren't 'low voltage', they all run 110v just like the house they are plugged into. The cool thing about electricity is that it wants to follow the 'easiest path'. This is conductivity and here's why they work in the rain.
In order for electricity to flow, it must have a complete circuit. In your home wiring there are three wires (hot, neutral and ground). The hot and neutral work together (flat prongs) to make the circuit and the ground wire is there in case there is a short in the device to route the electricity to the ground. The current "wants to run" between hot and neutral and will prefer to make that route.. depending upon the resistance (level of conductivity) in the multiple routes.
So... you plug the lights in and there is good conductivity through the wires and only a small amount of resistance as the lights don't use that much amperage and the current runs between the hot and neutral as it 'wants to'. Then it rains and the water (which we know DOES conduct electricity) gets down into plugs / lights / etc. Not the electricity has two routes to go.. through the lights (hot and neutral wires and low resistance) or through the water (higher resistance) through you (even higher resistance) throught the ground (even higher resistance) to the grounding stake of your electrical box (which could be a long ways away and therefore a VERY high resistance). Thus the electricty flows as we want it to .. through the lights.
Hope the helps and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Disclaimer: When dealing with electricity there is ALWAYS danger... never work with electricty when it's raining. While the chances of a shock is minimul.. why take the chance!
2007-12-07 02:15:47 · answer #3 · answered by wrkey 5 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Of course I've been running Xmas lights in the rain for 50+ years, never had any problem.
2007-12-07 12:58:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
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yes that is why they are outdoor lights
2016-04-08 20:57:44 · answer #5 · answered by Pauline 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always tape glad freezer or sandwich bags around where mine plug together to be safe and keep water out.
2007-12-07 02:38:20 · answer #6 · answered by glamour04111 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
They are safe because as anyone who puts up lights knows.....where there is any connection you seal it with electrical tape.
People don't leave connections between cords open to the elements, that's why they don't short.
2007-12-07 02:25:38 · answer #7 · answered by Chris O 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I only have problems when it rains heavily - then my GFIs pop. If anyone has suggestions for that, I would appreciate it.
2007-12-08 10:42:48 · answer #8 · answered by Michele R 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
most of today's Xmas lights have a tiny fuse on the plug in
also, they are designed to be out in the rain/snow
2007-12-07 02:08:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
if they say outdoor lights thats what they are for and they are safe
2007-12-07 02:08:48 · answer #10 · answered by jim m 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋