Extending Cable on Vintage Christmas Lights

[Bushbaby]

Hi All,
I've just received my second set of vintage cone lights (12 bulbs) that are working well. However I need to extend the cable as its far too short and the plug will be halfway up our tree once these are put on it for decoration.
I ma aware that the most sensible option is an extension cable but this just isnt practicable.
I beleive I have two options either to use a cable connector or to solder and use heat shrink/insulation tape. Is the cable connector the best option.

Doh!!:s

Rob

[Joe]

We all have our own ideas about safety but I'd have the soldering iron out.

- Joe

[pwdrive]

If it were mine I would do what Joe suggests solder and heatshrink both wires seperately then larger diameter heatshrink over the whole cable joint say an inch or so either side of the joint.

Lawrence.

[Bushbaby]

Hi All,
I soldered the extension leads and used heatshrink. The lights look amazing and remind me so much of Christmas times from years ago.

Many thanks

Rob

[Ian E G7OLT]

6 sets of 12 on here, ranging from the 1930s at the top to the 1950s at the bottom. All running at 180V through an isolating transformer as the 1937 Disney Snow White set at top still has its original cotton covered flex.

[Ian E G7OLT]

A few more sets if anyone's interested.

[Bushbaby]

Hi Ian,
What a great set of lights and with there original boxes too. Very collectable and love them!

Rob

[Tedzed1]

Hi Ian, I second Rob's posting, a brilliant nostalgia trip, my parents uses to use some of these,
I can still picture the old house with the tree in it now.

[Bushbaby]

We had one set of lights (the low voltage LEDs I hasten to add) go out on us last night as our kitten decided to have a wee nibble on the cable!! She managed to cut through the lead better than my small cutters.

I never thought for a second that I might have to armour cable the Christmas lights

Rob

[singlepentode69]

I would go down the road of the heatshrink option and would try any find some with hot melt glue in side.I have used this stiff in the past when making up Somme sensors for a plant propergating unit.
Robin