Christmas Lighting Installation and Automation
Proving Power
As Christmas lights are displayed for weeks on end in all weathers, it is important to use extensions leads which are suitable for the task. All of our leads are made from H07RN-F rubber cable, which is specifically manufactured for harsh environments. Its safety and performance under extreme conditions simply cannot be beaten. It is weatherproof and retains its flexibility and performance over a wide temperature range from -25 to 60°C.
Modern domestic Christmas lights have a power supply which converts the mains voltage of 230v to 12-48v. Whilst this is great for ensuring safe operation, it presents the challenge of how to connect the supply to a 13A socket.
Standard 13A Plug
Some lights have a standard 13A plug, with a length of cable going to the power supply enclosure.
These can be used with any standard extension lead below and also with the 4 gang solution where multiple light strings are installed.
Combined Power Supply and 13A Plug
The power supply has a 13A plug built into it. The extra size means that when connected to a standard socket or extension lead, the cover of the socket won't close.
A socket with an integral or separate larger enclosure is required. A four gang extension lead is the most common method, used in conjunction with a large weatherproof box. The weatherproof enclosure keeps the lead dry and provides space for multiple lighting power supplies.
IEC60309 (Commando) Plug
Commercial lights use a 230v 16A IEC60309, often referred to as a 'commando' plug. The most common connector colours are blue, white/blue or black. When the rating is not visible on the plug, if the diameter of the pin end of the connector is measured, 43mm confirms it as 16A. Be wary of lights with a yellow plug - these are usually used on construction sites and use 110v. They cannot be connected directly to the mains and require a step-down transformer.
Where a IEC60306 commando socket exists, a simple plug to socket lead (left) can be used to extend the length. If only a 13A domestic socket is available a 13A plug to 16A commando socket lead (right) can be used.
Automation
Domestic timers and Wi-Fi controls use a relay, which is a cheap, compact way of controlling resistive loads such as incandescent lights. However, LED lights experience a spike of power much higher than the specified output of the power supply, for a short period each time they are turned on. This is known as an 'inrush current'.
The inrush current from larger LED installation can damage standard relay based photocells. We supply a range of commercial heavy duty units, suitable for larger LED loads.
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Suitable for use with small domestic installations which are plugged into an indoor socket. |
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Weatherproof Wi-Fi Timer Extension Lead Ad-on When ordered at the same time as an extension lead, the Wi-Fi module is supplied wired inline with the cable. This provides both automation and a longer cable in one convenient unit. |
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Weatherproof Wi-Fi Timer - 13A Connectors Suitable for medium sized domestic installations which are connected to an outside socket. |
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Weatherproof Wi-Fi Timer - 16A Connectors Suitable for individual displays within commercial installations. |
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Heavy Duty Weatherproof Wi-Fi Timer - 16A Connectors Suitable for individual displays within commercial installations. |
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Heavy Duty Full Display Commercial Timer Heavy duty digital timer, using a contactor to switch large LED lighting loads. Available with a range of 230v, 415v, 16A and 32A connector options. |
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Heavy Duty Full Display Commercial Wi-Fi Timer Heavy duty Wi-Fi controller, using a contactor to switch large LED lighting loads. Available with a range of 230v, 415v, 16A and 32A connector options. |
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Heavy duty photocell switch, using a contactor to switch large LED lighting loads. Suitable for use where only damn/dust control is required. Available with 230v 16A and 32A connectors. |