Extending a Christmas LED lighting cable.

[Merton69]

Hello All.

I have just bought a typical two core 50 led Christmas string fairy lights. But unfortunately the cable from the plug to the first led isn't long enough.

Please can somebody tell me (I know nothing about cabling etc) what is the best 2 core cable to buy to extend the plug away from the first LED?

I already have the outside waterproof connector ready to fit.

Kind regards,

 

[Bluejets]

Show photos.
Some are mains supply and should not be modified.

 

[Merton69]

Many thanks for your swift reply Bluejets!

As requested I have added two images of the lights that need extending.

Just need the correct type of cable to extend it.

Thank you for your help.

 

[bertus]

Hello,

In holland we have a shop that sells the cables:
https://www.onlinekabelshop.nl/stroom-energie/verlengkabels?geslacht=9754&soort=9241
The ones you are looking for are called : Euro CEE 7/16 (m) - Euro CEE 7/16 (v)
The ends will look like this:


Bertus

 

[Merton69]

Thank you Bertus.

But I am after just the simple cable and not an extension lead as I will be cutting off the 2 pin plug and wiring a UK three pin plug.

Many thanks though.

 

[bertus]

Hello,

You could use the extention cable with this adapter:
https://www.reichelt.com/de/en/cee7-16-europlug-to-uk-converter-fcp-white-conv-fcp-wh-p163716.html

Bertus

 

[Bluejets]

As pointed out earlier, this cabling is main level (rather dangerous LED string actually and banned in Australia) and cannot be cut and joined.
Only way to extend is through an extension as already shown by Bertus.
Although, even then, if the extension is used outside , it is not waterproof .
A much better system is the low voltage LED strings with an approved power supply unit which cuts down the mains level to some 30v through an isolating supply transformer.

 

[Martaine2005]

Those LED strings are cheap Chinese triac controlled and dangerous.
Despite the sales description, are 100% NOT waterproof, showerproof or weatherproof.
Check for yourself. Go along the string and check the heat shrink. You can insert a jumbo jet (747) between the LED and heat shrink.
Each 1/8th watt resistor will get extremely hot and discolour the heat shrink in no time, possibly burning through.
You can lengthen the wire by cutting the two pin plug off and using a similar gauge wire (18 gauge) is probably what’s used by the factory.
Placing your cable joint in a UK spec waterproof box is undoubtedly the safest part of the whole LED string.
Do yourself a favour and buy low voltage strings from B&Q after Xmas.
The £20 sets will be £5 and very safe. Just think how nice the house and garden will look next Christmas.

Martin

 

[Harald Kapp]

Just think how nice the house and garden will look next Christmas.

Much better than it would look like if it were in ashes due to a fault of the cheap lights

 

[Merton69]

Hello All.

Wow! Thank you so much for all your insights.

I will be looking into all your points and experience before making a much better decision.

Kind regards to you all.