Re: electrical deaths

On 11/28/2024 7:51 PM, Edward Rawde wrote:

Chainable light strings are common in North America so there is usually a
socket on the other end to allow connection of another string of lights. I
don't remember seeing that in Europe.

>
Yes, and often the plug has an in-built (replaceable) fuse.  I think
three strands (of C9's) are the limit (~5A?) -- likely a consequence
of the flimsy wire interconnecting them.

 Yes I've had to replace the fuse a few times.
Parallel rather than serial topology is rocket science to some people.

"Parallel" doesn't work when the spot to start the next string is
far from where you started the previous.
I help many of the (olde) neighbors decorate their homes for the holidays.
PLANNING is the first step.  I sure don't want to have to take down a
string because it was too short or didn't have a means of daisy-chaining
to the NEXT string, once I was 30 ft from the extension cord!
I've made a point of photographing the final result and prompting
them to LABEL the strings when I take them down -- "so it goes up
that much quicker, next year!"

When we string the citrus trees, we have to plan where the strands
will ultimately go so we don't end up with all the lights on one
side of the tree (adjacent to the power inlet) and have to run
a separate extension cord to the far side of the tree.  (better to
use a string of lights to get power over there!)

 Ah yes the lights in the trees.
Then I'm asked to connect the power and I find a socket on the ground.

We run an extension cord (heavy gauge, suitable for outdoor use) to each
tree.  Slap a cube tap on the end.  Then, a short, three-outlet extension
onto that.
Plug the first string into this extension and start off (low) in one
direction.  A second strand in the opposite direction.  And, a third
strand "headed up for the top".
Add another strand to the end of each and double-back towards the
cube tap -- only higher on the tree.  Finally, a third strand.
Return to the first cube tap and feed another three-outlet extension
to handle the floodlights under the tree.
And, a final split to handle the fans.  With a bit more forethought,
I would have wired a switch in series with the outdoor outlets to
make it easier to control the loads!  :<
I learned a lesson from the first generation plantings:  plant DWARF
varieties!  Much easier to cover them and less need for all of these
other protective measures!
[SWMBO ate her last orange from last year's crop two weeks ago.
Still have a few gallons of OJ in the freezer to last until harvest.
This year's fruit will be edible in a few weeks -- though not
harvested for a few more months (let them continue to get sweeter
on the trees).]