Preventing ovetheating outlets from christmas lights

931 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by gregzoll, Dec 7, 2012

Dornier

Discussion Starter · Dec 7, 2012

I only have one 15amp receptacle out front. One half feeds 200W landscape lights but I don't have the bulbs maxed.

That leaves the other half to feed the two photosensitive timers (6-outlet types) for everything else.

It's under 15 amps and I kept the max strands in series within the safety card in the package.

I just noticed while everything was being arranged in the yard the plug is too hot.

So, now that the layout is done I need a way to keep this cool.

All outdoor cords, timers, lights as well.

Would splitting between both halves of the receptacle work?

Thanks in advance.

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TTW

· #2 · Dec 7, 2012

What is the gauge of the extension cord you are using and how long is it?

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Dornier

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 7, 2012

TTW said:
What is the gauge of the extension cord you are using and how long is it?

The cord in question that became hot was the lead to the first of the two 6-outlet hubs with the photosensitive timer.

These are the two hubs I have: http://www.amazon.com/Master-13547-6-Outlet-Sensor-6-Foot/dp/B001XCWLVK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hg_1

14/3 ga.

I mistyped earlier that it was the extension cord; I'm sorry.

The lengths vary from 10 to 25 ft to make things reach. The cords are the standard green outdoor types sold this time of year.

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redman88

· #4 · Dec 7, 2012

how long is the cord that is getting hot

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Dornier

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 7, 2012

redman88 said:
how long is the cord that is getting hot

6 ft according to the package although I didn't measure it exactly--seems accurate.

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TTW

· #6 · Dec 7, 2012

Try splitting things between both plugs in the receptacle and see if that helps.
Is it a GFCI receptacle?

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Dornier

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 7, 2012

TTW said:
Try splitting things between both plugs in the receptacle and see if that helps.
Is it a GFCI receptacle?

It's not a GFCI in itself, but it is downstream of one. I'll split them and see.

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AllanJ

· #8 · Dec 7, 2012

A plug that is hot usually means a loose connection. Either the plug does not fit tightly in the receptacle or the loose connection is inside the plug (shoddy manufacturing) or inside the outlet box.

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Dornier

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 7, 2012

AllanJ said:
A plug that is hot usually means a loose connection. Either the plug does not fit tightly in the receptacle or the loose connection is inside the plug (shoddy manufacturing) or inside the outlet box.

Well, normally this receptacle only has one side used for the landscape light timer. Never noticed a heat issue.

I'll try splitting the hubs on both sides and test that first before pulling the it and checking the outlet.

Should be easy to test.

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Dornier

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 7, 2012

Splitting the hubs and removing 2 strands worked fine. I guess I'll have to run two outdoor receptacles on their own circuit to keep the arrangement I have.

Thanks for the help.

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gregzoll

· #11 · Dec 7, 2012

If you do not have AFCI breakers, you can get an AFCI outlet now through http://www.onestopbuy.com/mm/electrical-products/receptacles/afci-receptacles-r1030.asp

Keep in mind that they are twice the cost as a GFCI outlet, but worth it if you cannot go through installing a AFCI breaker. As for overheating, the fuse inside the plug would blow.

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