WaterProofing Christmas light transformers
#1
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WaterProofing Christmas light transformers
So I'm getting everything ready for putting up my Christmas lights. At the end of the year sales last year I picked up a few of those laser light projectors. I see they have a transformer plug. Like the ones that are on computer external hard drives. Because they will be out in the yard and exposed to the rain and weather I was thinking of waterproofing them. I see you can order water proof boxes at the Home Depot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/11-in-We...Fcp8YgodXg8P_A
But because I am cheap I am wondering If I can achieve the same waterproofing with a Tupperware container. Also I have never used this type of light before so do I need to worry about the little transformers heating up. So any advice or ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
https://www.homedepot.com/p/11-in-We...Fcp8YgodXg8P_A
But because I am cheap I am wondering If I can achieve the same waterproofing with a Tupperware container. Also I have never used this type of light before so do I need to worry about the little transformers heating up. So any advice or ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
#2
You don't have your location so we are not sure if you will be dealing with snow or rain. IMO using a plastic container or a plastic bag (or two) would be just fine. Just be sure to plug them into a GFCI protected receptacle.
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Thanks for the advice. I live in Northern California, No snow but we get rain this time of year. My outlet in the garage where I plug in the lights is not a GFCI outlet. Can I just replace the existing out with a GFCI outlet or does it need a special breaker also? There are other outlets and outdoor lighting on the same circuit.
#4
Replacing the existing receptacle with a GFI type is fine for your application.
It's good and now code to have GFI garage receptacles or a GFI circuit due to the wet location.
It's good and now code to have GFI garage receptacles or a GFI circuit due to the wet location.
#5
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For the waterproof box, you can probably use lock and lock or similar food storage containers. Just drill some holes on the side of the container and pull wires through, seal the hole with duct seal. Keep container off the ground (maybe a brick or two).
If your projector was really meant to be used outdoors, it should have waterproof power supply and if they are it should say so on the power supply. It might say waterproof or have IP rating.
Another idea would be keep the power supply in door and just extend low voltage side of the wire.
If your projector was really meant to be used outdoors, it should have waterproof power supply and if they are it should say so on the power supply. It might say waterproof or have IP rating.
Another idea would be keep the power supply in door and just extend low voltage side of the wire.
#7
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If you don't want to replace your outlet, you can get a GFCI adapter that plugs into a normal outlet and provides a GFCI outlet.