Making your extention cords

[schristi69 0]

Since each channel can handle 8 amps max, depending on the run length, 16/2 extension cords can be a bit overkill. I will be converting some of my runs to home made cords next year. Things like 4 channels for 1 north pole or a cord for 1 led ropelight snowflake. I like the idea of smaller cables, easier handling and the fact they are not orange!!! When you are wiring something like a megatree....that is a LOT of wire and you can customize the run length depending on where your controller is. I can see store bought if you need 50 or 100 feet, but if you need say 30 feet and multiple feeds to one item....makes more sense to make your own and bundle them or use those multi contact plugs like they use in aircraft wiring bundles. Cuts down on the amount of extra cable you have to hide too

One question on the vampire plugs or other plugs you use. Are they pretty water tight or do you cover with something like liquid rubber (stuff you dip tool handles in) to seal them?

[RJTexas 0]

This is 114 extenxion cords the hole is 6"X10". This is the main reason I use spt cords.

RJ

[mnapuran 0]

I have the chance to pickup quite a few new brown 15' 16ga brown extension cords (molded ends, etc) for $2/ea. At that price, you can cut them in half and just lengthen them to whatever you need and have a pretty cheap cable.

If anyone else is interested.... I can pickup some extras too. Just shoot me a PM

[ChuckHutchings 0]

RJTexas wrote:

This is 114 extenxion cords the hole is 6"X10". This is the main reason I use spt cords.

Nothing says "Manly" like a hole bored though brick with 114 electric cords coming out of it!

Nice.

I think I'll go make one just for show. :]

Edit: But I'm a little disappointed in the condition of the cables. Does nobody here (other than me) practice good "cable combing" techniques?

[Push Eject 0]

ChuckHutchings wrote:

Edit: But I'm a little disappointed in the condition of the cables. Does nobody here (other than me) practice good "cable combing" techniques?

You are such a stud, Chuck.

Charlie

[TED 137]

schristi69 wrote:

One question on the vampire plugs or other plugs you use. Are they pretty water tight or do you cover with something like liquid rubber (stuff you dip tool handles in) to seal them?

They are not water tight but don't worry about it. If you try to seal them up what will happen is that water will get in anyway and then won't be able to get out. Even if the water doesn't flow in, condensation will build up on the inside. When that happens it will not dry out for quite a while.

TED

[RJTexas 0]

Chuck wrote:

Edit: But I'm a little disappointed in the condition of the cables. Does nobody here (other than me) practice good "cable combing" techniques?

Chuck all but 8 of the 114 are made up in wire harnesses and hang in the garage.

[schristi69 0]

Need a few more controllers there RJ?

[ryanshow 0]

RJTexas wrote:

Chuck wrote:

Edit: But I'm a little disappointed in the condition of the cables. Does nobody here (other than me) practice good "cable combing" techniques?

Chuck all but 8 of the 114 are made up in wire harnesses and hang in the garage.

I scold my employees when the don't coil the cords correctly. My cords are expensive!

[David Balch 0]

ChuckHutchings wrote:

RJTexas wrote:

Edit: But I'm a little disappointed in the condition of the cables. Does nobody here (other than me) practice good "cable combing" techniques?

According to the Electrical Inspector you now have to derate your cords by 90% for power carrying capacity since you have bundled them :}

[tyb4 0]

:laughing:i think its funny how all of you guys down south have to worry about UV still on your cords. here in the winter there is always a 0 (sometimes a 1) on the UV ratings:laughing:

[cghargis 0]

ChuckHutchings wrote:

Edit: But I'm a little disappointed in the condition of the cables. Does nobody here (other than me) practice good "cable combing" techniques?

Here are a few shots of my cables. This one is my boxes that are mounted on the walls.

[cghargis 0]

Here are the cables going over the driveway.

[cghargis 0]

Some of the harnesses headed out to the display.

[cghargis 0]

Here is a closer shot of trhe boxes where you can see the harnesses coming out and color coding on them.

[cghargis 0]

Last one, this one shows the harness that goes up to my roof show lights and the icicles that are on the house.

[schristi69 0]

Nice camoflage job on the boxes.