See My Christmas Lights Blog

3004 Ridgetop Ct, St. Peters, MO 63376

Archive for

September 2009

DIY Extension Cords

 

40 foot extension cords are expensive and heavy.  They take up a lot of storage.  Just think... EVERY string of lights has to have it's own extension cord.  48 channels needs 48 extension cords.

This year I have decided to make my own custom length extension cords out of lamp cord.  SPT2 cord is 10Amp rated for indoor/outdoor use.

I bought spools of green and white SPT2 cord from Action Lighting (here).  I also purchased bags of male and female plug ends.  These ends are referred to zip or "vampire" plugs.  They have "teeth" that the wire is pushed into to make contact with the wire, through the shield.

Here is my process:

01-cord

Start with the spool of wire

 

02-cut

Cut it to length

 

03-split

Split the end

 

04-thread

Thread it into the hole.  I place the ribbed side of the wire to be in contact with the wide prong/slot.

 

05-push

Push the wire into the "teeth"

 

06-close

Close the cover (yes it takes a bit of pressure)

 

07-finished

Finished

 

Repeat, repeat, repeat until all of your custom extension cords are complete!

 

Getting Ready for Christmas

For us Christmas Lights designers, we start EARLY, or we don't get finished...

 

September is the time to start the process of picking songs, desigining a new layout on paper and getting hardware setup.

 

In October/November, I'll start programming the songs.

 

In late November, I start putting it all together...  This year... this blog will document my process!

 

Songs...

I am always looking for new songs...  Some have suggested "Mr. Heatmiser" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, "Deck the Halls" by Reliant K, "Run Rudolph Run" by Sheryl Crow and "Jingle Bells Techno Bells" by Candy Apple Punch.

 

Jeff Graham

http://www.seemychristmaslights.com

http://www.twitter.com/bluz_fan