Sorting out my power

[magic8192]

Spent some time researching the bits and pieces and made a few phone calls etc. 

I am going to get a temporary 200 amp power pole hooked up in my yard.  All I have to do is get a permit from the planning commission, pay the $35 fee and sign a waiver that I won't be hooking up a trailer or anything of that sort for someone to live in. 

I hook up the pole, get it inspected, take that to the power company and they will hook up the service. 

I am going to put 20 20 amp breakers in the load center that will be on the temporary power pole.  I can run 12 ga outdoor wire from each 20 amp breaker to a LE power input (10 controllers 2 wires each). 

The problem is How do I do GFCI without spending a fortune.  The outdoor GFCI stuff is very expensive?  GFCI breakers or inline 12 Ga cable is in the $35 - $40 each.   I was thinking about building 10 outdoor boxes and putting 2 indoor GFCI receptacles in each box? 

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

-Dave

[jnealand]

I use 20amp GFCI breakers in outdoor covered enclosures in 5 different locations on my house so I would think you could easily put build a box or two or three that had multiple GFCI outlets in them for a reasonable cost.  If your temporary power pole can be put in central located to your display and an outlet box located next to that, your problem may be solved.  Now you have me thinking about what it would take to get a temporary power connection at my house.

[magic8192]

I was looking at outdoor PVC enclosures and weatherproof covers this afternoon at home depot.  I can build those for about $14 per LE. 

I can mount those on a piece of 3/4" plywood and use metal straps to attach it to a piece of rebar that I drive in the ground where I want an outlet.  I already have a bunch of rebar.   Problem solved. 

[wbuehler]

Here is what I did.  The power panel sits on the porch out of the weather.

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[magic8192]

Thanks for the pics.

After looking at the outdoor stuff, I can see why people put the stuff on their porch or in their garage or basement. 

[magic8192]

I use 20amp GFCI breakers in outdoor covered enclosures in 5 different locations on my house so I would think you could easily put build a box or two or three that had multiple GFCI outlets in them for a reasonable cost.  If your temporary power pole can be put in central located to your display and an outlet box located next to that, your problem may be solved.  Now you have me thinking about what it would take to get a temporary power connection at my house.

The power company said they would come out and look at where I wanted to put the pole and tell me if it could be done.  I think it is free, they didn't mention anything about price.  I am going to try and get it in a central location. 

[ThaiWay]

Just curious Dave... what are you powering that you need all that?

John

[rrowan]

Hi Guys,

I also have been working on powering my light show.

I have come up with a very cheap way to do it.

Of course its still in beta testing.

Cheers

Rick R.

[wbuehler]

Hi Guys,

I also have been working on powering my light show.

I have come up with a very cheap way to do it.

Of course its still in beta testing.

Cheers

Rick R.

LOL

[wjt3]

Dave...Coordination with the local utility is important. The service run and tap up may be free, but I'm sure they reserve the right to spot the location of the temporary pole. If your display is a long distance from the pole, you'll obviously pay more due to long cable runs...Bill

[Greg]

Hi Guys,

I also have been working on powering my light show.

I have come up with a very cheap way to do it.

Of course its still in beta testing.

Cheers

Rick R.

I don't know Rick.... Aren't those usually hibernating about that time of year? 

Greg

[rrowan]

Hi Guys,

I also have been working on powering my light show.

I have come up with a very cheap way to do it.

Of course its still in beta testing.

Cheers

Rick R.

I don't know Rick.... Aren't those usually hibernating about that time of year? 

Greg

That is JUST great.. Why am I always the last one to know.....

Well then I'll have to dig up a older project to make sure this one works

Robo Squirrel

Cheers

Rick R.

[kylec]

This is what I use for my GFIs.  It has 6  20amp GFI protected circuits.  You can pick these up on craigslist for about $150.

Kyle

[magic8192]

Just curious Dave... what are you powering that you need all that?

John

I am planning on 65,000 lights and 160 channels this year.  I don't think I will use all the power, but I don't see the show getting smaller

Lets see
1 mega tree - ~ 10,000  lights
8  - 7' christmas trees  - ~ 24,000 lights
8 - 3 color mini trees - ~ 8,000 lights
10 single color mini trees - ~3,000 lights
4 arches     -   ~8,000 lights
3 trees in my yard and border lights - ~10,000 (maybe more)
flood lights, candy canes and various lighted yard objects I have.

[ThaiWay]

That's a big WOW factor Dave... thanks for sharing!

John