Step 4: Insert your string light cords into the raceways. Using a conduit and a c-clamp, you can run your cord around the outside walls and siding of your house. 15 Best Tips for How to Hide Cords In Your Home - Country Living How can I get outdoor lighting with no power? - Offbeat Home & Life Imagine buying a , Many people wonder, How many watts can a 14 gauge extension cord handle? when sizing their cables. Heres how: This option is incredibly easy and doesnt require any work. Covering your extension cords is one of the better ways to prevent them from getting tangled over time. Make sure nothing is plugged in while you're cutting and repairing the lights, and don't plug them . Aged copper pipes look beautiful when they are mounted on the outside of the building and used as a conduit for wires. You just need to cut it to your needed length, fix it to the ground, and put your cord into it. However, as handy as they may be, they can also be a tripping hazard or an eyesore if not properly stored. We may earn a commission from your purchases. If the container insulates the heat produced by the cord, this can also be a fire hazard. It is ideal for many of us to hide our electrical connections for Christmas lighting or other appliances to have a safe environment. 7 Steps. 5. New! The following three tips will help you to hide those pesky cords from view. Generally, you should hide your extension cords by installing them inside of some sort of barrier this could be a conduit, a cord box, electrical tape, or even a pool noodle. Generally, you should hide your extension cords by installing them inside of some sort of barrier this could be a conduit, a cord box, electrical tape, or even a pool noodle. Joomer Solar String Lights Outdoor,39 Ft S14 Globe Patio - Amazon We just recommend making sure this is a temporary measure, or that you dont leave the extension cord out full time if you choose this option. Step 3: Install the raceways according to the manufacturers instructions. Use an old bread box you already own, pick one up from a thrift store or buy a new one just make sure its made of wood. Then drill a hole in the back to insert a charging strip cord. CaptainPatio.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The Best Soldering Mats for Better Practical Operations, The Best Magnifying Glasses for Soldering Applications Reviewed, The Best Soldering Irons for Stained Glass, How to Connect PVC Conduit to an Electrical Box? Aim for uniform spacing to make the finished project look its best. All you need to do is roll out your cord along the ground, then tape it up against a floor or other vertical surface using masking, duct, electrical, plumbing, or even painters tape. How to Hang String Lights - Tips for a Backyard String Lights For a more affordable option, purchase a regular nightstand with a drawer (buy one secondhand if you really want to save money!) To improve uniformity, cord boxes can be easily painted to blend in with your outdoors dcor. There are a lot of ideas for hiding cords outside your house. Usually, a piece of rubber material is used to hide all the cords outside. Hiding cords behind furniture | Thrifty Decor Chick | Thrifty DIY If there are any openings in between where it can be seen, you should cover these up with rocks or other decorative items to keep everything looking nice! However, if the extension cord is more of a permanent fixture in your yard, you should take steps to conceal and protect it. Done! Lanterns. Cord boxes FAQ's on Hiding Extension Cords 1. On the other side of the conduit, you can tape the vacuum nozzle and turn the vacuum on. And I'll have you know I removed just a few dust bunnies from back here. Hiding the cords! (Ick) - Thrifty DIY, Decor and Organizing 5. Im going to dive into why you should hide extension cords, what cord covers are available, and how you can keep your outdoor space looking fantastic and safe. FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL US ON ORDERS OF $50 OR MORE*** Dismiss. However, getting the placement just right can be more time-consuming and may require some trial and error. PVC pipes are another option for hiding string light cords, offering a more durable and long-lasting solution. Battery-powered lights are often easier to hide than traditional string lights because they dont require an electrical outlet. You could disguise it further by painting the whole kit'n'kaboodle with some concrete paint, including the cord and any tape you use, so it looks like it's supposed to be there. Lets check them out! This is another option that doesnt require much work at all. You'll start by bending the first pipe and threading an LB onto the end. Use adhesive-backed cable hooks so you don't damage your ceiling while hanging your lights. Keep adding hooks around your room at 2 ft (24 in) intervals. Do you want to save , How many amps does a 1000 watt ballast use? CaptainPatio.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Begin wrapping the lights around the tree's trunk, moving upward with each winding. Hi, Im Ricky. One of the benefits of using cable raceways is that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Lawn Lime Calculator How Much to Add to soil? here is a waterproof outlet cover to check out, here is a highly acclaimed cord connection protector. The best part is, you probably own a vase that will do the trick! Utilize a Cable Ramp 4. The Best Way to Cover Extension Cords Outside (And Keep Them Dry) This is because anyone can trip over these cords and compromise safety. Super Easy Steps to Follow. With a square shovel, lift the sod at a 45 degree angle to make a trench for the wire. The container might trap heat inside, creating a fire hazard. Properly concealing these lighting elements will give your landscape lighting a much neater, more attractive appearance. However, you have a receptacle just above the bench that you can get your power source from. Difficulty Beginner. These covers often resemble siding or the molding along your baseboard, but theyre designed to be as flat as possible while still protecting an extension cord underneath. The UT Wire Cord Protector and Concealer are ideal for use in high-traffic areas to hide cords and prevent tripping accidents. Incorporating plants and decor is a great option if youre looking for a more natural and decorative way to hide your string light cords. How To Hide An Outdoor Extension Cord - Outdoor Lighting Ideas Some people might like having their cords hidden entirely inside plant pots, while others may not have any plans to do that with, so they would just opt for either taping them up or perhaps burying them underground instead. This blog post will give you some great ideas on making the best of your situation and still having a lovely-looking patio while hiding those pesky extension cords! If the cord is shorter, it will look natural and may be difficult to hide. One of the benefits of using PVC pipes is that they are more durable than cable raceways and can withstand the elements if youre using your string lights outdoors. These are not the only options for covering extension cords and professional consultants can be hired for a few pointers to make your outside interesting. It is determined by the length of the cord. Thats the idea behind this solution from @stefanasilber, using a store-bought nightstand with a power strip inside the drawer. It is easy as you just have to roll out the extension cord along the ground, and then tape them against in vertical surface using a good type of tape. How Can I Disguise the Wiring for My Wall and Patio Lights? 20" between bulbs, 6' from solar panel to the first bulb. try to pry one up with a shovel or other tool. Step 2: Cut the PVC pipe to the desired length using a saw or PVC cutter. Cables for interior use are not approved to be buried. Coil them up and hide them under a rug or in a basket. To run a cord along the outside of your house you might have the advantage of siding that gives you a small space underneath it to tuck away your electrical cords. In this case, you first need to make a bridge connection between the two. When you choose the correct mounting base for your lights, you can more easily conceal wires or cords directly behind the mounted light. Amazon.com: String Light Extension Cord They completely hide that there is an electrical cable underneath, and can be purchased in almost any length, or cut to the length you need. Alternatively, you can also put your electrical connections inside buckets and plastic bottles to prevent them from getting wet. Further, extension damage is minimal as there is no major exposure to harsh factors of the environment. This is a bit expensive but it is the most effective method. Choose the best extension cord powering your appliances and devices indoors and out. Electrical tape is also easier to replace than the protective covering on the cord, so its also more repairable than the cord alone would be. Duct tape and other alternatives arent safe and will degrade must faster outside than electrical tape will. Is It Safe? These methods all use the pressure created by wedging the tapered shims into place. Pros and Cons of Acacia Wood Outdoor Furniture. Step 2: Clean the surface where youll be mounting the raceways. Remember, this only works with electrical tape. "However, if you don't want to cut into the wall, you can zip tie the cable together and hide them behind decorative items and books," Newman notes. Your email address will not be published. What would you rather have on display, a row of beautiful vintage books or an electronic eyesore? How do you clean concrete and not kill grass. One of the benefits of using plants and decor to hide your string light cords is that it allows you to be creative and add your personal touch to your decor. In simple words, different methods require different tools and different price points. Home Patio How to Hide Extension Cords on Patio- 5 Awesome Ways. Make sure you totally remove any stickers and residual goo before painting so your finish looks good. If you want an easy method for hiding your extension cords without any laborious efforts, pick this one. How to Clean Bird Poop From Your Patio Leave no trace. Step 5: Insert your string light cords into the PVC pipe. This is a good option in paved areas since it is easier and less costly than removing concrete. This method works best if you have a large potted plant because no one will ever see whats underneath. Its up to you to be vigilant after concealing your cord to make sure that it has appropriate ventilation. How can you tell the difference? This allows you to get the wires much closer to the area where the lighting is installed without detracting from the appearance of your home. This is the safest way to cut string lights | HappySprout Facts, How to Measure Amps With a Clamp Meter? Feed the cord of a surge protector or power strip through the hole and use double-sided adhesive to attach the power strip to the back of the drawer, with the outlet openings facing forward. 3. Step One: Using an awl, puncture the conduit about 3 inches from the top to make drilling easier. Not only will that eventually destroy your extension cord, but it has also caused electrical fires and other hazards (especially when the cord is plugged in). One clever hack is to use a staple gun to discreetly conceal them under the desk and along the leg. 2. 3 Steps. One easy way to conceal certain types of outdoor lights such as well lights is by placing them in planters. Conduits can be expensive to get, but theyre also one of the most permanent and protective options, which makes them a good investment if youre planning on staying in the same place for a long time. The plastic cord covers arent nearly enough to protect your extension cords from a determined squirrel. OilLampMan.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon(.com, .co.uk, .ca etc) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Make sure that the mounting base has the right amount of space for you to easily wrap a wire into a neat coil. The area with the least traffic has the extension cords plugged into it. Wire Concealing Wood Trim by Acorn Deck Products - DecksDirect The covering also minimizes exposure of these extension cords to the sun, preventing shrinkage problems. Hiding an outdoor extension cord does not only improve the appearance of your surroundings. Rope lighting is an elegant way to add drama and highlight specific areas of your home without dealing with strings or cables. Can I run my 1000 watt ballast in a standard outlet? Use Plants or Grass to Hide Extension Cords. Additionally, if your project requires a long run of bulbs, going LED means less time configuring power supply needs, calculating max wattage and worrying about blowing fuses. Place a decorative basket next to a table and insert the bound cords into the basket and out of sight. How to Hide Electrical Cords | DoItYourself.com When installing outdoor holiday decorations and lighting it can often feel like youre drowning in electrical cords and tripping over them left and right. Visitors are less likely to trip or fall when pathways are well-lit. 0. 99 $9.99 $9.99. Like this: A little bit of cord cover down the back of the table leg and a long cord cover down the wall to the outlet. $7.99 $ 7. To ensure even spacing, check the distance between windings with your hand. After building your outlet, you can place it in the location of your choice. Pool noodles are surprisingly adaptable tools for yard decorations, and they can be a good option to protect ground cords if you cant get other covers. Some examples include hanging plants, wall hangings, or tapestries. Received 695 Upvotes on 588 Posts. Hiding them is the only real solution, but this isnt always possible when the wires are long or they need to traverse one side of a room to the other side.