wiring outdoor lights

[frogbison]

I am wondering who might know of a good website to instruct a novice in wiring a string of outdoor lights. I have an idea that I think would look nice but have no clue how to begin. I want to wire/connect a series of plastic pipes and include a bulb at the top of each pipe. It can't be that hard, can it?

[conscious evolution]

1. Call a pro

If you fuck up someone could die or your house could burn down.

[Drunken Irishman]

3. Sounds kinda exciting!

[frogbison]

4. It DOES sound exciting!

But no one will die until I plug them in...I don't really want the "pro" to get my idea...

[Fire Walk With Me]

8. Will your finished project resemble a major award?

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=christmas+story+major+award&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

[Lasher]

12. I got one of those for Christmas!

It's Italian! Not as big as the original though.

[HopeHoops]

2. They're really easy to wire if you buy the solar kind ;}

That's what I've got.

[MajorChode]

6. Low voltage wiring is pretty simple

You can easily do it yourself and there's little danger of burning your house down.

[HopeHoops]

7. Yeah, but you can't randomly distribute them about the lawn so they make the snow glow ;}

That's where mine are now - all over the yard. Looks great!

[MajorChode]

5. The problem would be finding an outdoor fixture suitable for your application

You could probably take a lamp socket and hot glue it to the top of a PVC pipe and it would work if wired properly, but it wouldn't be safe or close to being in compliance with local and the national electric code.

If you're looking at doing a temporary installation that would be removed after each use, then you have a few more options available. You can buy the same material used for exterior extension cords on a roll and install your own connectors to be plugged into an exterior wall socket.

For a permanent installation you are required to use permanant installation type materials designed for the purpose and wire it permanently to an electrical service box.

[hunter]

9. Use low voltage.

Mount the transformer outside on a GFCI circuit away from things that might catch fire. Use a low voltage transformer approved for pond lighting and you'll probably be okay.

http://www.malibu-lighting.com

[montanto]

15. There it is. Don't do anything

with house current outside. You need the GFCI and a low voltage transformer otherwise you are looking for trouble. You can get kits at hardware stores that provide all the stuff required less the GFI for less than $200.

[Mugu]

10. Without knowing what it is that you're trying to do

it's difficult to offer advice. But, I figure that a google search on exterior home wiring should point you in the right direction.

Don't let people discourage you from trying, it's not even close to rocket science. After doing a bit of reading you should be able to tell if you're up to the challenge or not. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the low voltage stuff if regular equipment will get the job done. Low voltage would just add another layer of equipment to deal with and more expense due to transformers and thicker wire. The main thing is to make sure that the equipment that you use is rated for the job at hand (such as exterior insulation, wire gauge, etc.)

My last electrical challenge was an air-cored resonant transformer. I had no idea how to build one, but with some reading I used common household items and get the sparks I wanted (without burning the house down.)

[frogbison]

11. Far out!

Thanks, all...

[hunter]

13. It's been my experience that some people dislike "eccentric" neighbors.

They'll call the building inspectors as soon as they see something that offends their sense of bland conformity.

I enjoy having twinkly lights up for any and every occasion. Ordinary Christmas lights would cost quite a bit less, but that violates code. Over the years me and my eccentric siblings have met some really tight ass building inspectors. (One of my brothers used to drive a car covered with astroturf, so you see where I'm coming from...)

My own exterior lighting is a combination of commercial grade LED lighting and low voltage lighting. I run stuff that's really "out there" -- the custom lights, fixtures, etc. -- off a low volatge circuit powered by a heavy duty commercial and pond rated 600 watt transformer.

Your spark machine is wonderful. Don't you just love PVC pipe? It's useful for air, water, electricity, and other unmentionable mischief, but do google "pvc shrapnel" first. To quote one practitioner of the dangerous PVC pipe arts, "Duh. That's what the duct tape is for."

[Roon]

14. Our potato gun is made with PVC pipe

[Jamastiene]

16. I would have loved to have seen the car covered with astroturf.

I love stuff like that. :thumbsup: