running a long x-cord for outdoor decorations

[FTWingRiders]

Hello all,
I'm putting together a fairly large halloween display on my yard. Mostly LED and inflatables. I'm running 5 different circuits off the house, barn, and shed with timers. My longest run is about 100 ft, and everything works well. The kicker is, is that no one can see it form the road..lol.. but my wife and 11 year old LOVE it, so its worth it.

I'd like to do something down by the road, in the woods. I'm thinking a large hanging creature, with 2 LED spotlights on it. I figure I need about 650-700 feet from my closest outlet. The longest I've found reasonable is a 120' 16/2.. I'll need at least 5 or 6 lengths to reach it. Will I drop too much amps for the distance, or should I run 14, or even 12 gauge for that kind of run. I might add an inflatable too, if theres enough current. I know I could bury a line, but as this will only be for a couple weeks, I can't justify the cost or time..

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

U dont drop amperage over distance U drop voltage.

At that distance, u should probably use AT LEAST #12. Without knowing your total draw thpugh, no one can say.

 

[The Cobbler]

if you know your load amps, you can check voltage drop here http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html

 

[Stuart in MN]

For the limited amount of use, I'd think about getting a couple of those cheap battery powered LED lights from Harbor Freight or similar. Something like this rechargeable model:

 

[FTWingRiders]

U dont drop ampa over lengths. U drop voltage.

At that distance, u should probably use AT LEAST #12. Without knowing your total draw thpugh, no one can say.

Damn... I knew I had that backwards...LOL!! Once I get the lights, I'll see what the draw is and then I'll try the voltage calculator that The Cobbler was kind enough to post..

Thought about the battery operated kind, but I'd like to set it up to a timer from the shed, and just let it go for the season..

Thanks for all the input!!

 

[theoldwizard1]

It might be cheaper to buy/make your own extension cord, but hold on to your wallet. 500' of 12/3 SJOOW (water resistant extension cord cable) is about $360; 1000' $675.

At that price, you might consider a couple of marine deep discharge batteries and a cheap inverter. Just make sure that they are out of sight and locked down.

 

[MushCreek]

Deep cycle battery and solar panel.

 

[ricepudding]

Deep cycle battery and solar panel.

this, plus led fountain lights: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E0IYESW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Rina]

Led fountain lights look great, I used these signaling lights aroud the house: https://www.mrosupply.com/electrical/signaling-visual-audio/2488729_28250068060_pfannenberg-inc/

 

[mike93lx]

It might be cheaper to buy/make your own extension cord, but hold on to your wallet. 500' of 12/3 SJOOW (water resistant extension cord cable) is about $360; 1000' $675.

Besides the cost, 12/3 SOOW weighs almost a 1/4lb a foot. That would be a heavy spool of wire.

If it really is just a couple led lights, you should be able to use much thinner wire. At ~$15-20/100ft lengths, I'd probably just buy a bunch of 16/3 extension cords and call it a day.

$17 @ the Depot
http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-100-ft-16-3-Extension-Cord-HD-277-525/100650619

 

[FTWingRiders]

Besides the cost, 12/3 SOOW weighs almost a 1/4lb a foot. That would be a heavy spool of wire.

If it really is just a couple led lights, you should be able to use much thinner wire. At ~$15-20/100ft lengths, I'd probably just buy a bunch of 16/3 extension cords and call it a day.

$17 @ the Depot
http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-100-ft-16-3-Extension-Cord-HD-277-525/100650619

Thanks for all the suggestions.. It truly will be only 2 of these..

https://www.spirithalloween.com/product/fire-and-ice-led-red-spot-light/80379.uts

I have a couple up by the house, and they look great! Not looking to spend a bunch more, but if a few of the 16/3 cords would work, it would be fun to have something down by the road for halloween.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thanks for all the suggestions.. It truly will be only 2 of these..

https://www.spirithalloween.com/product/fire-and-ice-led-red-spot-light/80379.uts

I have a couple up by the house, and they look great! ...

Description says "comes with an AC adapter". So what DC voltage and current does it need ?

There are dozens (hundreds) of adjustable DC power supply boards available on eBay CHEAP ! Look for "adjustable dc supply boost". Add a deep discharge marine battery (charge every morning) and a weatherproof box and you are done !

 

[SLYDIT]

buy a generator and just put enough gas in to last however long you need.