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From: Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: electrical deaths
Date: Thu, 28 Nov 2024 20:32:29 -0700
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On 11/28/2024 7:51 PM, Edward Rawde wrote:
>>> Chainable light strings are common in North America so there is usually a
>>> socket on the other end to allow connection of another string of lights. I
>>> don't remember seeing that in Europe.
>>
>> Yes, and often the plug has an in-built (replaceable) fuse.  I think
>> three strands (of C9's) are the limit (~5A?) -- likely a consequence
>> of the flimsy wire interconnecting them.
> 
> Yes I've had to replace the fuse a few times.
> Parallel rather than serial topology is rocket science to some people.

"Parallel" doesn't work when the spot to start the next string is
far from where you started the previous.

I help many of the (olde) neighbors decorate their homes for the holidays.
PLANNING is the first step.  I sure don't want to have to take down a
string because it was too short or didn't have a means of daisy-chaining
to the NEXT string, once I was 30 ft from the extension cord!

I've made a point of photographing the final result and prompting
them to LABEL the strings when I take them down -- "so it goes up
that much quicker, next year!"

>> When we string the citrus trees, we have to plan where the strands
>> will ultimately go so we don't end up with all the lights on one
>> side of the tree (adjacent to the power inlet) and have to run
>> a separate extension cord to the far side of the tree.  (better to
>> use a string of lights to get power over there!)
> 
> Ah yes the lights in the trees.
> Then I'm asked to connect the power and I find a socket on the ground.

We run an extension cord (heavy gauge, suitable for outdoor use) to each
tree.  Slap a cube tap on the end.  Then, a short, three-outlet extension
onto that.

Plug the first string into this extension and start off (low) in one
direction.  A second strand in the opposite direction.  And, a third
strand "headed up for the top".

Add another strand to the end of each and double-back towards the
cube tap -- only higher on the tree.  Finally, a third strand.

Return to the first cube tap and feed another three-outlet extension
to handle the floodlights under the tree.

And, a final split to handle the fans.  With a bit more forethought,
I would have wired a switch in series with the outdoor outlets to
make it easier to control the loads!  :<

I learned a lesson from the first generation plantings:  plant DWARF
varieties!  Much easier to cover them and less need for all of these
other protective measures!

[SWMBO ate her last orange from last year's crop two weeks ago.
Still have a few gallons of OJ in the freezer to last until harvest.
This year's fruit will be edible in a few weeks -- though not
harvested for a few more months (let them continue to get sweeter
on the trees).]