brian.t.lowery Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 Just wanted to share and idea I had for dealing with extension chords in extreme climate since I haven't seen it here yet:If you live in very cold and snowy places, instead of just running your chords in the snow, get some pvc (about 1/2" at minimum) and run your chords through that. That way when you need to dig them up at the end of the season, you'll strike against the pipe instead of the chord, keeping from running the risk of cutting it. Plus, you can just carry the pipe inside to let the cord thaw to be coiled, which will help protect from internal damage as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 I've solved that problem entirely by not even thinking about hauling cords in until Mother Nature is through with them and they thaw. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arnoldc Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 Me too.. I moved south.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.t.lowery Posted September 14, 2011 Author Share Posted September 14, 2011 Well, for those of us in the military who can't help where we go......Or those that like the snow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.t.lowery Posted September 14, 2011 Author Share Posted September 14, 2011 or leave stuff in our yard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.t.lowery Posted September 14, 2011 Author Share Posted September 14, 2011 or have a chord chewing dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericnagel Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Good idea... there are a few places in my yard I may try this out with Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Batzdorf Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 George Simmons wrote: I've solved that problem entirely by not even thinking about hauling cords in until Mother Nature is through with them and they thaw. :D:DSame here in NH. They'll still be there. What you don't see you don't steal! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LORi P Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 And maybe where snow is not a problem... ppl who use SPT1 would benefit from protection from UV damage.I don't use SPT, so I am not sure just how much havoc the sun causes on SPT insulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJ Hvasta Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Brian, how are you doing this? Ripping a groove in the pipe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arnoldc Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 With what TJ just mentioned.. I would try something like this:http://www.cabletiesandmore.com/wireloom.phpPlus it is a lot easier to store.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.t.lowery Posted September 15, 2011 Author Share Posted September 15, 2011 TJ Hvasta wrote: Brian, how are you doing this? Ripping a groove in the pipe?Nope. Just using a pipe big enough to pull the chord through. But that could work as well. Either way, just remember to save yourself hours of guessing by labeling you chords first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.t.lowery Posted September 15, 2011 Author Share Posted September 15, 2011 Arnold, That would help keep them neat and protect them slightly. If you live in an area with a little snow, or is rainy, or you just don't want a bunch of loose chords, it would be perfect. I'm more or less making a suggestion for those who live in deep snow areas like alaska and the great lakes and such where the snow tends to turn to ice around chords and you have to use and ice chipper and get them out.Nice find though I might have to use that indoors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Saul Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 George Simmons wrote:I've solved that problem entirely by not even thinking about hauling cords in until Mother Nature is through with them and they thaw. :DSame here. My cords are usually buried from Thanksgiving till Easter.Back in the static days, the main power cords would actually melt the snow away and I could take them in in January, but now with the varying loads, the wires do not get hot long enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 brian.t.lowery wrote: Just wanted to share and idea I had for dealing with extension chords in extreme climate since I haven't seen it here yet:If you live in very cold and snowy places, instead of just running your chords in the snow, get some pvc (about 1/2" at minimum) and run your chords through that. That way when you need to dig them up at the end of the season, you'll strike against the pipe instead of the chord, keeping from running the risk of cutting it. Plus, you can just carry the pipe inside to let the cord thaw to be coiled, which will help protect from internal damage as well.What I want to know is how do I keep the extension chords from melting?? Been really hot down here..Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.t.lowery Posted September 15, 2011 Author Share Posted September 15, 2011 Bernie wrote:brian.t.lowery wrote: Just wanted to share and idea I had for dealing with extension chords in extreme climate since I haven't seen it here yet:If you live in very cold and snowy places, instead of just running your chords in the snow, get some pvc (about 1/2" at minimum) and run your chords through that. That way when you need to dig them up at the end of the season, you'll strike against the pipe instead of the chord, keeping from running the risk of cutting it. Plus, you can just carry the pipe inside to let the cord thaw to be coiled, which will help protect from internal damage as well.What I want to know is how do I keep the extension chords from melting?? Been really hot down here.. Berniewell, if you're serious, you could do the same thing. the lack of direct sunlight will help keep the heat from building up. If it's 'living on the sun' hot, you could seal the pipes with the ends of the chord sticking out and fill them with water. the h2o will help disipate the heat. just don't forget to add on a pressure releif valve so if the heat get to be too much, your pipe doesn't burst. or you could install them in the ground like i've seen some members do. about 1' down will be cool enough to keep your chords from melting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Saul Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 By the way Brian, Army or Air Force?Thanks for serving!And thanks for bringing Christmas lights to so many that are stationed far from their homes.My Friend's son (Air Force) is driving from Texas to you next week. Next time I talk to his parents I'll make sure to tell him to look for your lights Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.t.lowery Posted September 16, 2011 Author Share Posted September 16, 2011 Army Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Saul Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Go Army! Attached files Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian.t.lowery Posted September 16, 2011 Author Share Posted September 16, 2011 Jim Saul wrote: Go Army!HOOAH!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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