On Sat, 6 Dec 2008 20:53:34 -0700, "bob" wrote:

I have a strand(severeal really) of those outside icicle
Christmas lights, and the plug in has 2 3 amp fuses in
them. I have replaced both fuses, and still doesn't work.
Is there a real harm in just replacing the plug in with a
standard non-fused plug-in? Will it really heat up and
catch fire???? just wondering Thanks in advance


Go ahead and replace it (unless you'd rather just buy a new string,
which could be easier). Then never use it as the FIRST string. Plug
it into other strings so you still get the protection of the fuse in
that string. Note that you'll probably need to find (or make) a
NON-POLARIZED plug.

In most cases, miniature lights use series of 50. Each series uses
about 200mA, and an icicle strand usually has 3 series (uses 600mA).
The little fuses are rated 3A, although I find it more reliable to
limit current to 1A less than that. According to that rule, you can
connect 3 of those strings end-to-end, using a total of 1.8A.

A regular (15 AWG) extension cord could handle 9 strings (3 from each
or the outlets, 5.4A) or 15 strings (9A) using an additional 3-plug
adapter. Don't forget the GFCI.
--
18 days until the winter solstice celebration

Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"The government of the United States is not, in
any sense, founded on the Christian religion."