Mounting LOR Controllers Next to the Displays In The Yard - Electrical Questions. Read Only. No more posting. - PlanetChristmas! Forums. Read Only. We've moved to http://talk.planetchristmas.com - The Forums of PlanetChristmas have moved to http://talk.PlanetChristmas.com
I know some of you mount your LOR Controllers in the garage and run massive quantities of extension cords everywhere; others mount their controllers in the yard next to the displays they control. I'm planning to fall in the second group. After reading several threads on GFCI tripping, I'm trying to figure out how best to mount my controllers to minimize GFCI problems. I'd like to mount them off the ground high enough so that the cables are off the ground at least six inches. Once mounted, I'd cover the controller and cables with a large black plastic garbage bag tied off at the bottom for rain protection. Before I spent any money on mounting materials however, I wanted a few opinions from the experts:
Questions:
-- What do mount your controllers on (wood or metal stakes)?
-- How high off the ground are your controllers?
-- Do you cover your controllers?
Pictures would be helpful if you have any. Thanks...
This is my setup for 2007. For 2008, I'm putting my new controllers in my yard near the lights that will be connected to them to help reduce the amount of extension cords I use.
One thing I do is stick 3 or 4 controllers into a wooden box that is painted to look like a present. Once the connections are complete, I put on the lid and staple some ribbon on to complete the "gift wrap."
ChuckHutchings wrote: One thing I do is stick 3 or 4 controllers into a wooden box that is painted to look like a present. Once the connections are complete, I put on the lid and staple some ribbon on to complete the "gift wrap."
Do you run the cords out the top? And do you have a problem with sealing the box to keep rain out?
I run power/signal IN at the top and cut one hole per controller near the bottom for the OUT wires.
I've NEVER had water get in one. Lizards, yes. Water, no. (Don't forget to put the lid on!)
Edit:
Note that the ventilation grill is really just to make it look awesome. I don't think it really has any functional value as I run all LED and generate little, if any, heat.
Last edited on Sunday April 13th, 2008 03:15 am by ChuckHutchings
I keep things really simple. Using Showtime controllers is a real boon, the boxes are fantastic. Obviously, I try to keep the controllers off the ground but have been known to cheat by way off bricks and the use of white garbage bags (we get a lot of snow..). One controller is usually behind a large Maple, attached to a piece of MDF and staked. Its not pretty or sophisticated..but it works every year with no problems.
Thanks Bill, good advice. You're so correct. I've been very careful to make sure the controllers can breath, that they are supported so that water cannot be trapped inside. The bags really just keep the snow off the controllers and any water that may get in also has a way to get out..
I actually had one controller and all of its cords laying on the ground last year. Not ideal obviously, but they are pretty tough, I had no problems with it at all.
If you heckout some behind the scenes at Richard Holdman's site, he uses what looks like metal fence stakes (like cattle fencing.) I saw them at Tractor Supply and they were less than $2 for a 3 ft stake. I am going to try that out.
As for the garbage bad thing. I used that last year and got nervous, so what I did is took a plastic container that was larger than the controller and set it over the controller. Once I did that it poured rain and no issues.
I think the controllers are the least of your GFCI worries. Keep the plugs off the ground if at all possible, and make sure the enclosures are weathertight (if the latter isn't true, you'll have far more trouble than GFCI trips...)
The key to minimizing or eliminating GFCI trips is to make sure you don't have any stray current pathways from your cords or lights to ground. I meg test my cords and light strings every year during the summer and replace anything that doesn't have a minimum resistance to ground of 1.2 Megohms. This equates to 10,000 ohms per volt which is the NEMA and UL minimum standard for insulation resistance.
To test my cords I place the cord, all but the ends, in a bucket of water for fifteen minutes and then meg each lead to a ground plate in the bottom of the bucket of water. If there are any breaks in the insulation the cord will show a very low resistance to ground.
Granted this method probably isn't for everybody, but in 30 years of doing outdoor decorating I can say I have never had GFCI problems.
I also mount all of my controllers out in my display and do make sure that I kepe my cord ends located or arranged to make sure they don't collect water.
For those of you coming to either the Chicago or Ohio mini's I will be demonstrating my cord testing method as well as teaching some tricks to help keep your cord ends dry.
Tony
____________________ Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
I built a stand out of 2x4s for two of my LOR controllers. It's about 4' tall and has a base about 3' wide. I mounted the two boxes back to back on it. I put it in my yard and locked it to a tree and covered it with a camo tarp. That gets it close to my megatree so I can use 12' extension cords to light the tree. I wish that I had taken a photo of it before I put it in the attic.
____________________ Officially designated one of "Those People". Cashier at Fremont CA Wal*Mart, 12/1/07.
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." Attributed to Dave Barry
-- What do mount your controllers on (wood or metal stakes)?
-- Do you cover your controllers?
Pictures would be helpful if you have any. Thanks...
billhartelectric wrote: Be careful with plastic bags. They keep water out but they also keep it in. Make sure they are sealed good.
I don't have any controllers but here are some suggestions for preventing GFCI trips. Metal stakes will conduct better than wood and are therefore more likely to cause a GFCI trip. As for covering connections or controllers you do NOT want a water tight seal! Even if it does not allow water in it will cause condensation on the inside which will then not be able to escape. You want to have the bottom open (at least partially) in order for water to be able to escape. It will also provide ventilation. The bucket idea sounds like a good plan to me. (Spray it with cheap flat black spray paint and it won't show up at night.) You could mount the controller's enclosure on a wood stake and then put a bucket over it for rain protection.
TED
Last edited on Monday April 14th, 2008 08:01 am by TED
