Protecting outdoor string light in the rain

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Hello - I have looked and can't find a product or hack to solve this problem. I have outdoor electrical string lights hanging on my pergola. They connect to power via an outdoor rated extension cord. I only use the extension cord when I want the lights on. The rest of the time (during the day, when lights are not in use) the male end of the string lights is exposed to the elements. Right now I have the male end wrapped in plastic and water is not seeping in, but every time I want to turn on the lights I have to take off the plastic and then reattach when I am finished. Is there any kind of device or easy hack anyone recommends for waterproofing the male end of the string lights when not in use? Thank you!

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Comments (9)

vinmarks
4 years ago
Have you thought about a smart plug? You can plug the smart plug into the electric outlet and the string lights into the smart plug. You can then leave the lights plugged in all the time and turn them on and off with your phone. We have this set up for our screened in porch and the area over our hot tub.
Suzy Q
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like a nice set up - but I don't want them plugged in all the time. I just need to figure out a way to protect the exposed male end of the string lights when not plugged in.
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NagyMama
4 years ago
“I just need to figure out a way to protect the exposed male end” - Check the contraception aisle in the drug store. 😬😊
kudzu9
4 years ago
Why are you worried about the male end of the string lights being exposed to rain? Without the male end plugged in, there's no electricity involved.
Suzy Q
Original Author
4 years ago
Rust?
kudzu9
4 years ago
The prongs are typically made of brass or nickel-plated brass. Brass is used in bathroom plumbing and in marine applications because it doesn't rust...it has little or no iron in it. Over time brass can tarnish a bit, but that shouldn't be an issue. I suggest you just let it be, and see if anything happens that looks concerning. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it.

My main concern would be if it was plugged in to power in an exposed location and a rainstorm happened: water could short out the connection where it was plugged in to the extension cord.
Suzy Q thanked kudzu9
theotherjaye
4 years ago
You can get an outdoor rated smart plug
Candace
4 years ago
There are little plastic “enclosures” for just this thing - they snap open/closed. I can’t remember where I saw them - HD or Ace…
Suzy Q thanked Candace
swrite
4 years ago
Our winter birdbath came with a plastic case that encloses and protects the plug portion. Search something like "outdoor electric cord covers waterproof" or "extension cord safety plug cover waterproof" or the like on Amazon. Here's a sample case if the link will go through: https://smile.amazon.com/CordSafe-Extension-Safety-Water-Resistant-Management/dp/B078HFXCRK/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1AMT06LSIQAL0&keywords=outdoor+electric+cord+covers+waterproof&qid=1655921369&sprefix=outdoor+electric+cord+cover%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-6