How to make custom extension cords for Christmas displays

[@ToddDolce]

This IS AN AMAZING video! It's clearly demonstrated and no fancy video effects and obnoxious music in the background to distract you. It's also a great lesson in electricity for a newbie like me. THIS is the way all video lessons should be created. THANK YOU!

[@flyer55jrt]

Thanks for a great video. My question is how 'weather resistant' are these vampire plugs? They don't look like they would inherently be waterproof without additional modification.

[@mcoguyaj]

I have been putting up lights since i got my first house in 1996 and at one time would put up around 10,000 have won first, second, third and honorable mention. Now I only put up around 2,000 and have blow ups moved to a smaller house and I wish I learned this a long time ago. It just like putting in the landscape lighting will be much easier with the plugs in the middle of the cords.

[@jackieokeefe1898]

This is the best video explaining this. So many videos don’t even mention all this very important stuff. And teaching so much had no clue about. Much appreciated. Great video

[@MrArdytube]

Great video! FWIW, the cutter is a diagonal cutter, commonly abbreviated as “dikes”

[@ProleDaddy]

I shit you not, I would be written up by my employer and possibly fired just for using that term and that's only because I am knowledgeable on my labor rights and try to exercise them regularly.

[@pababyblue225]

Wow, I have to say that you are an excellent teacher of electricity, and thank you for your great instructions. I have learned so much from your tutorials with regard to fixing Christmas lights, fixing LED Christmas Lights...and now making my own customized extension cords. My husband will be so jealous...hahaha! J/k 😂 Actually he will be proud that I was interested in learning and will be able to do everything I learned, when we put up our Christmas lights this year. Thank you so very much 😊

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Thanks for helping out all us Crazy Christmas decorators. 🎅❤🤶

[@danielklem8727]

Great tutorial, we have 35 christmas village houses with various lengths on their cords. I have 2, 8 feet styrofoam blocks carved into 3 levels where the entire village sits with the top level being about 4 ft off the ground. Using this tutorial I am going to take out the 5 volt C7 bulbs and replace them with LED bulbs make a custom extension cords with enough inlines for each little building. Ill somehow attach the ext cord to the back of the styrofoam blocks instead of them being down on the ground. Its kind of a crazy mess underneath where all the cords are plugged in.

[@whitetigerzord]

Daniel, can you share a photo of this? It sounds awesome!

[@bobvecchi7981]

Great video done nicely. The only problem is how quickly these assemblies will become overloaded. The c7 and c9 lamps draw a significant load considering the capacity of the cable. A much better scenario would be to use the miniature light sets and the led sets draw even less load.

[@bsanchez3563]

Night light c7 based led bulbs are also sold in at least a package of 2 bulbs fwiw so that they may be able also to be used for that or this type of scenerio btw also a fused plug is or maybe available if so that of which I imho personally recomend for just as a way for making sure that it is bettor form ore added safety

[@NutmegThumper]

This was fantastic - other than the focus issues - I sent on to my son as a primer on lamp wire, polarity, plug blades, ribbing, importance of amp counting, voltage loss etc! Love it and learned how to make custom extension cords in the process!

[@christinadavison2783]

(Hits forehead) NOW I get it! Thanks for a great explanation. Even though people were trying to explain things, seeing it in video with your demonstration made it easier to understand. Thanks!

[@eddieh1985]

Just started making my own cords. First year using LOR, and decided to make my own cords instead of spending $300 on cords at Lowe’s. Thank you!

[@malcolmsharp7068]

Excellent! Lighting things differently this year and this is so helpful for making my own cord with inline connectors. THANKS.

[@KenYoungIII]

This should be KZbin's default "How to Christmas Light like a badass" video.

[@mikegarza2715]

hey paxton great vid, just blew my mind, i never knew these existed. question is, how do u water proof all the connections and plug points?

[@allthingssilver7635]

Awesome. Never knew about these vampire plugs. Here's an idea: ( might work) - if you want to use the male plug with the fuse in it. Instead of cutting it off you could go about 2" down from end and add a female vampire plug. Snip the end of female vampire plug so wire passes all the way through. Then just put on of those clear plastic child proof outlet covers in it to cap it off or instead of capping it off you could run another strand of light off it so that the fused male end becomes a ' Y ' for light strands like your example if you had a outlet btwn 2 bushes. Also another question... whenever you throw out a electronic object like a lamp or tv could you cut and save wires? Or would speaker wire work? I have a whole roll, about 100ft of speaker wire. Or does it have to be lamp wire?

[@jakemorgan5477]

I do like your Idea of keeping a fused plug, with this size wire it is easy to melt and burn stuff up if you dont watch it. As far as speaker wire, NO. the good speaker wire(that looks like lamp cord and is marked " in Wall ") is usually only a class 2, that means that is is excepted for use in in circuits up to 150v AND are power limited, IE a small fuse or a amp that is not capable of supplying enough power to burn the wire. Typical clear speaker wire that does not have the in wall rating has a very soft insulation that is not suitable for out doors nor is abrasion resistant, and tends to corrode easily. a spool of lamp wire is quite economic compared to the potential damage from failure

[@anthony1113]

Great tutorial…do you suggest sealing the plugs up at? Maybe some hot glue or something to try and waterproof it. Especially in the online plugs. I live in NY and there’s a good Chance these wires would get covered in wet snow.

[@JasonW.]

If not already mentioned: A person doing this might consider using a dab of dielectric grease on the vampire tips and cut ends. This will help make the connection a little more water resistant and keep the copper from becoming corroded as fast.

[@Shakes_The_Clone]

Was wondering about that. Thanks!

[@jd3497]

Quick-on(s), Add-a-tap, not "Vampire"........ Ask for a box of Vamp plugs at your Commercial Electrical supply,.....get thrown out.

[@TheBinfordMan]

Outstanding! Right now we have our lights (almost exclusively LED's) operating off of five heavy duty shop rated extension cords. The lights are daisy chained together along the roof line and gutters and down the corners of the house. Others run to the trees and bushes in the yard. I am tripping a GFCI regularly, inside the house. I have no idea how many AMP's are daisy chained together but will calculate that tomorrow. Are the maximum AMP's going to be based on the rating of each extension cord and or the fuse panel to the outlets or both? I don't trip anything in the service panel, so I am confused as to what's really going on. A neighbor down the street has more lights on his house than we do, but he doesn't have any issues. I want to eliminate as many of my shop extension cords as possible and replace them with custom cords as you demonstrated; especially where we are challenged with putting shrub lights together. We are powering from two exterior outlets and three interior shop outlets. I am thinking of using a power strip in the shop, with a built in surge protector and rated for a considerable amount of AMP's. My question: When we build the custom cords, using SPT 1, once we max out the AMP's (whatever that number is) I assume we continue building cords until we are finished. . . ultimately ending up with (X) number of cords that need to be plugged into (X) number of outlets. What is the best practices methodology of powering the cord(s) and not tripping the GFCI circuit? I was told the GFCI is only tripping because of moisture, but I am not convinced that's the total issue. The house is not large (1300 SQ FT max) and only the front is lit. . . not the sides or back.

[@osco4311]

So... what did you find out? :)

[@Dryxel]

I'm so sick of big box store lights.... this video was amazing.. ty for explaining everything.

[@dank_fx]

This is a great video. Would you happen to know how to make custom length Mini light cords? I have some smaller items Id like to use mini lights on but I don't need 100 bulbs. Some times I just need 5 or 10 Thanks.

[@karenhelser2834]

Thanks for the tips and tricks. You are very knowledgeable...you can tell you know your stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@mannylanzavega6456]

Great video but it should go straight to what I need to make it work and straight to the point. To much , information ( Wich is good) but we don't need to know your preference, where you buy it, if grandma or grandpa have it . ........

[@matthewfowers1908]

I like this video however I'm trying to figure out how to connect 2 sets of lights together. They need to connect across my stairs so the connecting cord won't have lights. The problem is that the lights I'm connecting together are non polarized but every extension chord is polarized so the male end of the extension cord will never fit in the female end of the lights. I've checked the internet and I can't find a polarized to non polarized extension cord, or an adapter. Any suggestions?

[@travisandtracyjacobs6198]

I wanted to comment about how smooth your video is. The content is detailed but the way you explain things is priceless. I stumbled on your channel by searching for how to install an outside electrical outlet under my soffits for Christmas lights. And this year I just bought custom wire and and sockets plus lights. I am also waiting to be accepted into an electrical apprenticeship and hope get a better understanding of electrical and scale up my attempts. I realized I made a mistake by having two males and females in line for my trees and wondering why I couldn’t light any of them up. So I went out and spent $150 in extension cords because I just thought that they couldn’t handle the power but I just realized after your video that I just did things wrong. In ending, it means a lot that you put this out in the world for us. Thank you for your time. I am watching your other video on how you wire your Christmas lights display and I am in shock. That is a lot of work. Have a good Thanksgiving.

[@williamoxendine6121]

Great but any electrical device not approved by UL your house burns down the insurance company don’t have to pay if they fine it’s something you did

[@thomasbrown6970]

Great stuff. You’ve gotten me excited to customize my exterior Christmas lights this year.

[@justin_watson1]

Is the only risk of having two male ends on a line is that you could get shocked if one end is left open? I’ve put a female plug in the middle of a line before and used it as my main power inlet, meaning I need a double male extension cord from the outlet to my main strand.

[@paulalbright1079]

that was very cool. But if you didnt talk so much and repeat repeat yourself, this could have been a 8 minute video.

[@paradoxdea]

Excellently explained sir. I like the layman terms you used. Very easy to understand. Superlative video!😊

[@MrJestinvarghese]

wait can I just buy a 50ft regular extension cord and add vampire plugs to it in the middle?

[@markb8954]

Excellent tutorial. I was just looking at our mish mash of extension cords thinking there must be a better custom way to provide electricity. Never knew the smooth vs ribbed edge. Thanks

[@emadatalla6992]

if my power source far away from the beginning point of string can I put in line female in the middle and feed the line?

[@thebustedbolt3044]

Well, that lawn and light place charged me 60 bucks for 50 ft

[@peterschanz7681]

You literally are going to save me $$$$$

[@williamkoehler9452]

Is zip cord or lamp wire... same as low voltage lighting cable?

[@byrdvt]

This is an awesome tutorial!! Thank you!! Question - I'm a beginner... do you do anything to waterproof your connections when you connect two strings together?

[@LightingUpPaxton]

Some notoriously problematic extension cord connections can have dielectric grease applied to them, but otherwise no steps are really needed. There are hundreds of potential water entry points on standard Christmas light strings ...namely each light socket where the wires enter... that the best scenario is just to allow the lights the opportunity to dry out on their own and not risk trapping moisture in any connections.

[@martywislinski3924]

Lighting Up Paxton I’m interested in how you waterproof your connections. My lights are in a GFI circuit and moisture is my enemy. How about a tutorial on waterproofing. The vampire plugs for me would have to be protected. What do the pros do? Thanks.

[@LightingUpPaxton]

Thanks for the question, Marty. That's a great topic idea for another video I'll try to create this year if I can. I will share now that the primary method of waterproofing is to get all connections off the ground or away from surfaces that will hold moisture... about impossible I realize. There is also the problem that it's just not the connections that are vulnerable, but every single removable bulb socket as well. There are hundreds of tiny holes on a single strand of lights where the wires connect to a socket. Keep lights from touching the ground and never try to tape connections... that will just trap moisture and not allow it to escape later. I'll share more tips in an upcoming video.

[@WarringHostMakinSatanToast]

Great details, brother! Thank you!

[@charlesost7497]

I know this is an older video..but how would I end a run of C7 sockets. Like if I wanted to rewire a blowmold that has 3-C7 bulbs in it with a male plug on the one end and the socket on the other end? Great video!!

[@jippedo]

i have this same question! i wish this was answered

[@charlesost7497]

@@jippedo I asked this question to a Christmas light supplier that sold the spt wire and vampire plugs...said to finish the wire whatever way your comfortable with. Can add a female vampire plug on the end or wire nuts. As long as the ends are secured and covered to prevent arcing.

[@LightingUpPaxton]

Sorry I missed this question 11 months ago. Glad we got you some answers now. Posting again for reference. Use a female plug, or you can also buy silicone or plastic wire caps and silicone them over the end, after making sure the two conductors are cut to different lengths to prevent arcing. Liquid electric tape could also be a quick fix solution but I have not attempted it.

[@charlesost7497]

@@LightingUpPaxton No sweat! Thanks again for the great vids and awesome content. Hope this year is coming along as well...we can sure use it!

[@mychannel9964]

Thank you for the video, question: how long can I make my lights and how many can I plug together and be safe, also how long can I make the extension cords? Don’t want to start a fire 😁, thank you.

[@LightingUpPaxton]

The length of a custom light string depends entirely on the number and type of bulbs you are using. This also determines how long you can make the extension cord leading to the light string. A higher wattage bulb and a longer distance the extension cord must travel will both reduce the total number of bulbs you can have on one strand.

[@jeffreyreeve65]

Great instructional now, what do i do with all the extra extension cords that I've accrued over the years?...lol

[@darrellblair5818]

Very informative video. Thanks

[@Around_The_Home]

I purchase Gilbert plugs from a couple of different US based vendors (haven't found one vendor that carries all types and colors). I have noticed that some of the plugs do not have the UL Mark on them. Have you seen this also? Is this something I need to worry about? Thank you.

[@johnmcclure4983]

Too much time spent on spool sizes and where to get them. Get on with it!

[@melodicapex860]

"how everyone makes those big elaborate Christmas displays, goes about it" However, this doesnt really help those people that have "big, elaborate displays" when the zip wire only allows so many amps. I am curious why modifying the plug is a good idea, if it was then there would be an approved version already - maybe because of the amps issue? Other than that, like the tutorial.

[@joshuahenry9135]

Thanks you so much! First time leaning this

[@bsanchez3563]

Will a 10 gauge extension cord despite if its only available in yellow grounded cord but regardless of whether the cord is grounded or not - post having the ends cut off or at least the outlet/female end... in the north america regions that is... work with putting c7 sockets onto said cordage etc fwiw and using led bulbs which have the correct (in this case or tbh scenario actually [sorry if this is something that takes up time for what it is] "C7" size/candelabra? Base screw in type... for the pruposes of being easier to swap from incandescent type to led "retro fit" packages of 2 each led light bulbs sold in the night light or light bulb aisle) for making custom led light strings?

[@golgothingaming4719]

is zip cord safe to be outside in the weather and snow?

[@earljurgeluks3387]

Yes, yes, yes, I have 10 extension cords run everywhere. I am doing this tomorrow. Repeat question, do you have a way to water proof plug sections?

[@alhitt7847]

Great video for a beginner. Thank you

[@whitetigerzord]

I made a strand of about 15 C7 bulbs, terminated with a female outlet. When I plug the male end in to a power source, none of the bulbs illuminate. Any idea why? Do I have to have bulbs in all the sockets (some are empty)? If all the bulbs are installed but one is burnt, will the whole strand fail? Or, is it likely that either I installed one of the sockets with reverse polarity, or one of the socket's vampire tap didn't make contact with the wire? Any ideas on how I should troubleshoot this?

[@tiffanykeyser7587]

Does this work for led christmas lights?

[@LightingUpPaxton]

Only if you are using standard C9 or C7 socket strings as shown in the video with screw-in LED bulbs.

[@bandd1952]

I'm making apiece of yard art with a 6 ft long cord with a male end and a C7 at the other end. This video was extremely helpful. My only question is if I use a c7 vampire on the end of the wire won't it leave the wire exposed? How would you remedy this?

[@MrJestinvarghese]

Hey Paxton, so can I make a custom extension cord with SPT1/SPT2 cord and vampire plugs - one end is female, 1 female connector in the middle and towards the end, then end with a male connector. so i can lay that on the flowerbed and connect my regular retail christmas lights to it.???

[@TheaterGeek2007]

I know I'm not there to thoroughly inspect the one you made with the inline female plug, but shouldn't both females be pointed the same direction on the wire as the polarity is identical?

[@jippedo]

first off, great vid... but, i have a question... how would you use one of those c7 sockets to END a strand? would you just run wire out, split it and cover it to keep it from arching?

[@charlesost7497]

End it with either a female plug or wire nuts. As long as they don't arc. Worse case the strand runs an extra few inches and you have to use a female plug. Safe and secure ending at least.

[@jippedo]

awesome, thanks @@charlesost7497

[@LightingUpPaxton]

Good suggestions already, but you can also buy silicone or plastic wire caps and silicone them over the end, after making sure the two conductors are cut to different lengths to prevent arcing. Liquid electric tape could also be a quick fix solution but I have not attempted it.

[@tsramkumar]

Perfect timing for me to come across this Video. Thanks for the detailed instructions. How can i make a custom cord with a socket at one end and a male plug at the other end? I am trying to make a string of lights with 1 or 2 feet wire drops that have a c9 socket at end of the drop with the drops spaced at custom spots. In other words, it is for lighting a series of paper lanterns that will hang from a track in the ceiling dropping of about 1 or 2 feet. any suggestions to go about it?

[@LightingUpPaxton]

I am not aware of any C9 sockets that can properly terminate a spt wire. What you can do is place a c9 socket on the wire and an inch or two beyond it use a heat-shrink wire end cap to protect the end of the wire. Those caps are available at all hardware stores or online. Just be sure to leave one of the two conductors 1/4" longer than the other to prevent electrical arcing inside the cap.

[@whitetigerzord]

This is a fantastic tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

[@danhibbs8675]

I'm decorating a tree outside, could I use SPT 1 to make a 1 (male) to 4 (female) splitter? That is have it come off of one cord and then feed 4 separate xmas lights strand?

[@BlazinNSoul]

Could have used this video a long time ago lol. I'm certainly no professional but I'm probably pushing Griswold country here pretty soon. I'm already running about 60 extensions. Along with multiple timers which in some cases. Are connected to multiple extension cords. Which are then connected to more power connectors connected to more extensions lol. Now of course I am conscious enough to use higher gauge cord from my outlet which are all 12 gauge. Along with having a custom breaker box each with its own breaker running 20 amps. But running all those extensions probably is not the best method. Making my own certainly would be a better option I think. :)

[@davidboland8879]

This is a GREAT Video!! Very Practical, Extremely Easy to Understand. Thank You Very Much!!! 😀

[@ericartman7569]

In making my own extension cord how many lights or like the blow molds can I have plugged into one made cord. Thanks

[@deecovey2461]

I would like to run one very long wire with numerous vampire plugs for my blow molds. Can i do this?

[@MarkSmith-rc8bx]

Great video... I am forever fighting with blown fuses on the cheap Christmas tree lights... Next year it will be done RIGHT... Thanks to you.

[@frankhomen2632]

Great video can you tell me the model # of the meter or name. And by any chance do u have a chart on figuring out amperage or how many strings can u connect to getter using so 1 wire.

[@michaelt.3805]

Are these all waterproof? This would make my life alot easier, great video, well done, and thanks for your time.

[@johnstover1979]

Did you make your own socket strands yourself with all the supplies, or can you buy pre-made socket strands with this setup?

[@LightingUpPaxton]

All of the vendor links in the description also sell pre-made socket strings with sockets at various spacing. If consistent spacing is something you want, I'd suggest going that route instead of installing your own sockets.

[@StevenVillman]

@@LightingUpPaxton Is it safe to use *_both_* C7 *_*and*_* C9 Christmas/Halloween/patio/garden light sockets on the *_very_* same custom-made Christmas/Halloween/patio/garden light string??? I have an idea for a Christmas/Halloween/patio/garden light string in where I use both C7 and C9 light sockets on the same Christmas/Halloween/patio/garden light string in alternating fashion (i.e. every odd numbered light socket on the light string is a C7 one, and every even numbered socket on the light string is a C9 one).

[@aaronw9776]

Great info. Thanks!

[@vitomolle4850]

Thank you so much for that. I'm a contractor and that's something I never knew . An I tell you I'm gonna use that to my advantage. Can I do that with thicker cord wire also ?

[@timdyesr]

Vito Molle they only make those kinds plugs for the SP1 and SP2 wire.

[@casycasy5199]

great information nice video

[@Fordgroup00]

This would work for decorative yard lights as well hmmmmm 👍thanks

[@tryingtobarefruitinoldage9878]

Well there you go, you have answered questions I did not know I needed to ask so as so as i can I'm going to try to put up my lights. I don't have a big beautiful house like yours but I have in my mind for my double wide mobil home a modest version with the Little Drummer Boy song. Im getting ready to go Google you. To see if your saleing what im thinking about. Do these have to be incandescent lights? I shared my with these neighbors who moved with most of mine. My brother got the new LEDS and gave me all his mini lights. I found you looking to fix them. Thank you for all the free tips. Yeah. Merry Christmas

[@LightingUpPaxton]

LEDs and incandescent can both use the same control systems to synchronize lights to music. If you do more online research for light-o-rama you will learn how it is done. I also have my own video on this channel where I give a full tour of my display. Thanks for watching.

[@drummer12980]

THANK YOU! I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT THIS.

[@johnchaudhry7434]

yapped on to long got bored

[@turboflush]

So.. When a pro sets up a house.. Is that set of lights owned and stored by the house thereafter? Because the strands are essentially built to that house.

[@LOLWTFHBBQ]

I love this video. So much explanation and it’s all essential. Big thanks.

[@georgefoster9629]

What a great video, I learned so much. Thank you for your professionalism.

[@oxservicesllc5441]

Very good video. I just posted one similar on commercial grade lights. Check it out when you get a chance Thanks

[@wayneguy6043]

Omg, get to the point

[@jasonkrizek6086]

Can you use this extension cord for Christmas village houses?

[@Thackula]

Excellent video! I just bought a new house and I'm going to have a Griswold Christmas... this will save me a ton of money on extension cords! Thanks

[@brianlaffey3672]

yes very well taught...I actually think I can do this....thank u

[@turboflush]

Good point on light socket polarity. Another video said only the plugs mattered

[@georgewilson2065]

One of the best educational KZbin videos I ever seen good job man thank you

[@mharri333]

Excellent walk through. Thank you! Very detailed.

[@kerijackson535]

Thank you- I learned a lot. Can we use speaker wire instead of SPT 1 to make extension cords?

[@giovannidigitalart]

Menards ! :)

[@farmingsimulatortv3184]

What do you think would be considered a professional light show of considering how many lights you have

[@jb.8992]

Is this waterproof and/or would it be okay for outdoor use ?

[@wayneguy6043]

Sphinkster Johnston?

[@imsowright90]

Good video.

[@anrod185]

Great video. There is a lot of copper in that cord to end up in a land fill

[@KevinTaddeo]

I feel like I'm now an electrician. What a fantastic explanation. Thank you.

[@oviedo2912]

I’ve watched this video several times. Not because I didn’t understand but because it’s so impressive.

[@johnstover1979]

You said you run incandescent in your socket strings. Can I buy LED cool whites to go into a socket string to match my gutter line? I’ve already got my gutters places with store bought spools of cool white LED, and I’m wanting to get up on the roof and gingerbread. This process seems like the way to go.

[@LightingUpPaxton]

yes, LED bulbs with the screw bases designed for c7 or c9 sockets will work great for making your own custom LED strings.

[@lateralpathways1]

Weezer

[@anfielddragon5320]

excellent video, very useful. Thank you.

[@robc3887]

Would you be able to answer a question- troubleshooting related for custom lights?

[@durtydeedsREI]

Still the best video on the internet for how to on these plugs.