How To Waterproof Extension Cords

[@Saved-qv2ow]

Saved our used hefty sandwich bags for that; wrap bags around plugs, put rubber bands or zip ties on ends, cheap fix. Been using that technique for 30 years, never had a problem!!!!!!!!!

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

You can't argue with 30 years of success, Saved. Well done, you.

[@lyzaiter]

I'll try it today thanks

[@charlesl7168]

I use a liberal amount of saran wrap tightly fitted. It worked through torrentials and can be used for many other projects

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Handy advice, Charles.

[@ashleyfox2109]

used a different method for keeping my cords waterproof, but thanks for providing info on how to safely test if the cords are truly waterproof.

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Hey there, Ashley. I'm happy to help! What method did you use? I'm always interested in different methods of problem solving.

[@9NOJM]

water + electricity + beer! Love it!

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Water + electricity + whiskey!

[@spectre3492]

the only other thing i can think of is wrapping each connection with seran wrap. especially for the 3-outlet to one plug type of cords but im going to try these too

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

I would be curious if the wrap traps in any moisture created from condensation. But, hey, we don't know until we try! Merry Christmas, Spectre!

[@spectre3492]

@@ChristmasOnCrestline Merry Christmas, I tried this on a couple of the outlets I had and it worked but was also kind of a pain to get it wrapped around there properly with the seran wrap since it kept sticking to itself. This could be a good alternative to people who don't want to buy the gaskets though

[@lawman5511]

Spread some silicone caulk on one end of the plug. When you plug it in, it seals the gap.

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Great idea, Lawman.

[@ChewbaccaSoloWookie]

Can't wait to get some of these and give them a try!

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

I used these just this weekend when I put out my Christmas Orbs (currently called Easter eggs since it's March) for the COVID-19 Christmas Challenge. It rained and tripped my GFCI breaker which caused me to remember to use them.

[@lsieu]

This is a REALLY great safety product!

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

I agree with you, L. They are really handy items.

[@whiskeynwings5788]

Interesting hack. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

You are most welcome!

[@pashencestamm1494]

These babies and Dielectric Grease are going to keep my lights nice and dry, so I can stay nice and dry lol. Thanks for the tips !!

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

You are most welcome, Pashence. Fixing lights in the snow, ice, and cold is never any fun!

[@pashencestamm1494]

You're telling me! I live in Washington and I just had GFCI outlets installed outside uggh lol

[@JustinSmith-oi9vd]

We use dielectric grease for this.

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

That's the way to do it, Justin! Excellent advice.

[@farladar]

Will the end thats connected to the light not trip it? I have mine in the gutter connected to the power cord and thats where I thought my lights were tripping.

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

I use these on all my cords in the gutters and I've never had a trip. In the past, those lights would never dim correctly during the light show.

[@farladar]

@@ChristmasOnCrestline sorry I'm not very electrically savvy the end of my light is 2 prong and the extension cord is 3 prong will it still work?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

@@farladar Yes, you'll be good to go. You can plug the two-prong into the three-prong cord just fine. There are no ill effects of doing so. If the situation was reversed and you had three prongs plugging into the two-prong cord, you would simply need a three-prong adaptor..

[@farladar]

@@ChristmasOnCrestline thanks for the reply!

[@Alislooking]

Will a female end with nothing connected be affected by rain? Thanks.

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

It can, Al. It all depends on what its IP rating is. While all outdoor strings are made to battle the cold temps and moisture they are still bothered buy the rain. Most Christmas light shows won't even turn their show on when it is rainy or the ground is wet. The majority of lights don't fade, dim, shimmer, and perform all of the neat tricks we need them too as the moisture is interfering with the way the eclectic signal is carried through all the cords. So, to eliminate that issue I use the gaskets or, when I'm out of them, I tape the exposed female ends up. My logic is I spend the entire year planning my show and 15 weeks hanging lights so I don't want my show to be done for a single night during the Christmas season.

[@Alislooking]

There seem to be two schools of thought. Some say taping up your lights causes them to retain moisture that is bound to get in. Thanks fo the quick response.

[@donnaphillips8065]

Can you purchase these gaskets at a hardware store?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

I've never seen them in a hardware store berore, Donna. That would be rather convenient if they were though.

[@scarlettfascetti9989]

What about the extension cord plug with the light string how do you protect that connection

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

You can use these gaskets for that as well.

[@charleslacey1627]

You can get these at www.rainblock.net directly from the manufacturer. They have end plugs as well that are designed to close up all the open ends of the light strings.

[@dereksans2470]

can I use a 100 ft 16 guage extension cord to power led christmas lights without catching fire?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Sure, Derek outdoor rated cords are great for this. LEDs put out very low AMPS. As long as the cord is free from tears and exposed wires, you should be good to go. 95% of my cords were once strings of our Christmas lights.

[@dereksans2470]

@@ChristmasOnCrestline thanks. I was going to run the extension cord out from the garage to the front of the house and plug in 3 strands of led christmas ights and a small inflatable decoration that has a small fan and an led light.

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Ah, gotcha. I do the same. You're good!

[@dereksans2470]

@@ChristmasOnCrestline just one more quick question. I bought an adapter you screw into the light socket that has outlets. Would it be safe to plug the lights into this or no?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Absolutely. Here's something I did along that line : kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5-toKN-hLSkeJI

[@epiclife2225]

thanks for this helpful video. Do do I purchase this waterproofing gasket?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Hey there, Epic. I get mine here: www.creativedisplays.com/?post_type=product&s=gasket

[@argemyjennings6513]

Where can we buy that waterproofing gasket that you showed?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

At creativedisplays.com.

[@samueltheledfixersellers3480]

How do you make so many extension cords whenever I can't even make them

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Hey there, Sam. We've simply done so many that Jean and I can both do a cord in about 7 mins or so. It's simply just repetition. What is the issue you are having with making them? Perhaps I can help.

[@samueltheledfixersellers3480]

Ok

[@shawnmcculley2995]

If you can't find black rubber gaskets for your c7 or c9 bulbs, slice up a black olive. It's not rubber but at least it looks like a rubber gasket.

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

I'm certain it does, Shawn!

[@jackieramos9299]

Where can I find these

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Here ya go, Jackie. www.creativedisplays.com/products/pro-grade-moisture-blocking-gaskets/

[@bsfatboy]

You have to try it without it as a control for a real experiment.

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

We'll have to try that! Thanks, Bs

[@mitchjohnson4714]

Can you just use any extension cord?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

To power Christmas lights? Sure. We use 100's of extension cords so we make our own just to save money.

[@mitchjohnson4714]

@@ChristmasOnCrestline Yeah, I'm alluding to the water. Do they need to be special water-proof extension cords or do you just get those gaskets and you're good?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Ah, gotcha. As long as the core's plastic casing is in tact and free of tears or punctures, you should be good with the gaskets.

[@mitchjohnson4714]

@@ChristmasOnCrestline Thanks so much.

[@W44F]

I can see Homer Simpson unplugging it while it is still in the water

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Lol, well played.

[@whome1380]

Where to buy it?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

I buy these at Creative Displays Inc: www.creativedisplays.com/?post_type=product&s=weatherproof

[@CodenameHawk1225]

Has anyone made anything like this for house hold extension cords?

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

I have a video coming out about that in July. I don't use string cords for that but I do have a way to make custom extension cords using another Christmas item. I use WeatherX to make them.

[@CodenameHawk1225]

@@ChristmasOnCrestline this year, I'm gonna make my own cords. I'm hoping it.will cut down on the number I use. I want to avoid using the household kind. I've seen lot of video with people making their own from electrical cable and male/female ends. I think being able to tap into the anywhere in the middle will help a lot.

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

I agreed with you, Alex. They are incredibly handy.

[@kalijasin]

“Or if I goto the emergency room” 😳

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Luckily, I've yet to pull a Clark and fall off the ladder.

[@samueltheledfixersellers3480]

🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Hahahaha

[@mr.p9574]

IP 1,000 😉😄

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Lol

[@lapehouse6453]

Black video can’t see

[@ChristmasOnCrestline]

Odd...I checked and the video is broadcasting normally, Lape.