Advice on putting up outdoor Xmas Decs.

aliasojo

I've just bought an outdoor decoration from B&Q. (Light up Santa on a ladder to be exact.)

I'm a bit puzzled by the instructions.....it said that the plug AND the control box have to be sited indoors.

Fair enough, plug has longish length of cable attached but the control box part has a length of cable only about 2 foot long. How on earth can that reach to anywhere indoors? The decoration would have to hang from an upstairs windowsill with the control box sitting on the inside windowsill if that was the case?

Is this usual? How on earth do peeps put decs all over their house if the cables are so short?

bennygod

My girlfriends dad had about half a dozen sets of outside lights last year and consequently half a dozen transformers that need to be kept dry. He simply bought a large waterproof tub (either one for putting food in or if larger is needed a general storage one, just make sure they have a waterproof seal with an 'O' ring) and cut two holes in either end. he then threaded the lights through (you might need to remove plugs to keep hole size smaller). Then just seal both sides with an outdoor sealeant and make sure that it is watertight. After Christmas you can either fold the lights neatly into this box for storage or pick out the sealent and remove altogether.

jonnyw_2

There are two issues, safety for use of electricity outside and looking after the equipment.

If the transformer which is at mains volyage gets wet it can kill you if you get too close.

If the control box gets wet it can break.

We have the transformer inside and have the control box outside wrapped in plastic bags secured with cable ties - worked ok for the last 3 years. This is good going for any xmas lights.

Edinburghlass_2

:rotfl:..............

aliasojo

Thanks to those who replied with constructive comments.......... :rolleyes:

(Jealousy is a terrible thing.)

I'll see about rigging something up for the control box, I think. The transformer cable will reach inside ok but it's good to know how others deal with this kind of thing.

richardw

Take it back and donate the money to your favourite charity.

aliasojo

richard, I already give quite generously to charity.

I am now also giving quite generously to my 6 year old daughter, who will be delighted to see Santa on the side of her house.

richardw

Apologies, definitely worth doing for the joy of a child.