Andy Wallman Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 I'm officially addicted! 2008 was my first year and I had 48 channels. I expanded to 80 for 2009. Now, I'm already thinking about next year and will go to at least 96 channels, quite possibly 112.The most expensive part of my display would have to be all of the electrical wiring. I've used 5-wire multi-conductor cable with a 4-outlet box in a semi-weather-proof box. All LED lights, so I used a shared neutral coming back due to the low amperage.In thinking about expanding, I'm wondering if I truly need that kind of wiring. The advantage is one length powers 4 different channels. And it is in a nice thick insullation protecting it from the weather. I live in Indianapolis, so our December consists of rain and snow with temperatures ranging from 10 or 15 overnight to upper 30's during the day.For those of you in similar, or harsher climates - what do you use to run your power from the controllers? Would just some lamp cord be sufficient, or is that too high of a risk due to weather?Thanks in advance for anyone's help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank A. Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 Good morningAndyI do what you describe sort ofmy controllers are fix mounted inside with noenclosure I wire to a terminal stripfrom the strip I wire to trailer plugsuse a long cable to outside in proximity of lightsI am trying to get to a plug and play stateFrank A. Attached files Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank A. Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 HiI don not show it in the sketch but I also run the power to terminalsFrank A. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max-Paul Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 Frank,How is that trailer plug and socket working out? I am just wondering one thing. Is that connector rated for 120VAC? Just concerned that no one get hurt using that device. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank A. Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 Good morningspecs on trailer plug not on paperworkthe physical gap between conductors is greaterthan on an industrial harting connectorthe actual size of the trailer connectors (power conductors) arethe same size as harting used for 600 voltwhat I don't know is the quality of the 'for lack of a better term'bakelite insulationunits mounted indoor out of the way of people trafficfour receptacles mounted on metal plate -- grounded/bonded --to electrical ground and to duplex receptacle outdoor boxeshave had no issue with gfi tripping or breaker trippingsince light show turn on at ThanksgivingI did have gfi tripping before launch during testing -- poor wiringtechnique on my part -- not wiring outlets in shop but in front of ID 10 Ttube -- just poor practiceFrank A.worked well but not cheap molex is probably better way to go for biggerdisplays Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts