Power distribution in the yard

[scottmcl]

I've moved my boxes to the yard based on everyone's feedback. At the same time, that means at least 10 extension cords coming out of the garage to the yard for the show. Is it ok to run fewer extension cords to the yard and use one of the standard christmas lights power distribution boxes in the year to then plug the controllers into? I know that is pulling power from the same place and thus limits the number of lights I can put on a single outlet/breaker. But if I'm mostly LED this year, maybe only a few of those need to be on separate circuits. Or does this really all come down to that fact that I really need to fill out one of those dang spreadsheets to see how much power I'm pulling?

- signed, lazy guy who just wants it all to work...

[John]

Scott,

Try it! If a breaker trips, unplug something! The lazy man's way to power management.

Do you have a Kill-o-watt meter?

Since I'm almost all LED, I do what you originally suggested.

I would use 12 AWG out of the garage into one of those xmas power boxes, most of them have 3 outlets, both power leads from a controller will use two of the outlets, then daisy change another one from the third outlet, giving you 3 more outlets etc.

If you have a kill-o-watt, just watch your total power consumption on the 12 AWG extension cord. I try to use 11 amps or so as my upper limit.

[scottmcl]

Thanks for the KOW reminder! I had forgotten about it. I pulled out a controller and the computer, plugged in a bunch of lights, fired up the hardware utility, set them to all on and watched the KOW grow and grow and grow!!! On my biggest set of lights (that I have up and wired so far), it pulls a whopping 3 Amps!! I pulled up another that is all LEDs and it pulls a whopping .47 Amps. I don't think I'm going to have any problems with power. If it weren't for the Bethlehem star, I could probably do the entire show from a single breaker! I really like LEDs...

[John]

Welcome to the LED lovers club!

[scottmcl]

The really cool part was just seeing all the zones in action. Twinkle setting was FUN. I mean, it's just the hardware test, but to see them turn on/off in different zones instead of as one big string like they did in the past is REALLY cool... I'm getting excited to see my show! I need a few more days with some daylight so I can see what I'm walking on in my wife's plant beds!

[John]

Don't worry about no stinking plant beds, that's spring and summer stuff.

Now its Blinky Flashy time!



EDIT: William I couldn't find the twinkle setting. Where is it in vBulletin?