There are two methods to power outdoor Christmas lights that brighten the outside of your home: either an outdoor light socket or through a basement power supply. You can supplement these energy sources with the use of non-electrical lighting. When running power outside your home, keep power loads in mind and make sure your home is weatherproof. In this article, We will discuss how to power outdoor Christmas lights?
Using an Exterior Light Socket
Step 1
Take out the light bulb from one of your porch lights. You must install a switch inside the home to enable control of the porch light. Also, ensure that the outlet is protected from the elements by a covering.
Step 2
You may extend the use of your light fixture by adding an outside light socket. An outdoor light socket outlet may be installed in the same way a regular light bulb would by simply screwing it into the fixture’s light socket. It’ll add two extra plug-ins to your setup. It’s available at any department or hardware shop. Invest in one that can withstand the elements by checking its ratings.
Step 3
Insert an outdoor-rated extension cable into the socket near the light fixture. Run the end to the location of your light show.
Step 4
When the exterior of your light fixture is damaged or missing parts, you may protect it from the weather by covering it with duct tape. To gain access to the outlet for the extension cable, you may need to remove a glass panel from the cover of your outdoor light fixture. If you want to keep the weather from damaging your extension cable, just wrap it with duct tape.
Step 5
Run the extension cable out of the way of high-traffic areas to avoid tripping over it and damaging the light fixture.
Step 6
Connect the extension cable to the exterior-rated power strip you’re using, and then connect your lights to the power strip.
Using Basement Power
Step 1
Find a window in the basement that looks out into your holiday lighting display, then plug your holiday lights onto that outlet. Plug a power strip with an on/off switch into the outlet if you cannot use a switch to manage the outlet’s power. In this way, you may turn your lights on and off without leaving the comfort of your home.
Step 2
If you’re in a basement, you should open the window that’s nearest the plug.
Step 3
Connect an outdoor-rated extension cable to an inside outlet, then run the other end outdoors to where you’ll be setting up your lights display.
Step 4
Put the extension cable safely out of sight and gently close the window. Don’t forget to give the rope some slack as it enters the home.
Step 5
Wrap the extension cable and the window aperture with pieces of foam board insulation. Duct tape the aperture of the window to keep everything in place. During the winter holidays, the snow and ice won’t be able to enter your basement thanks to the duct tape and insulation. Once a week, ensure sure the duct tape and insulation are in good condition and have not worn out.
Step 6
Connect an extension cord to an external-grade power strip, then connect your lights to the power strip.
Tip
Enhance your holiday display with solar-powered Christmas lights. They can function independently of any external power supply. If you don’t have access to either a basement socket or an outdoor light fixture, you may always use battery-powered Christmas lights instead.
Warning
Be sure to double-check the wattage rating of any outdoor light sockets you may use. You should not plug in more than what is recommended into a wall outlet. The low power consumption of LED lights makes them ideal for use in these settings.
