The North Pole Lights are what I use to line my drive way during the Christmas show. These were very easy to make and storage is no problem.
The materials that are needed for this project (1 light) are:
- 4 inch PVC closet flange
- 4 inch PVC coupler
- 2 1/2 foot section of 4 inch PVC pipe
- White Plastic globe
- Light socket
- Red Duct Tape
- 16/2 SPT-2 extension cord
- 40 watt appliance light bulb
The first step is to assemble the pipe, insert the pipe into the closet flange and then insert the other end of the pipe into the coupler. Note: to clean the lettering off the pipe acetone and/or white paint can be used, I was lazy and made the lettering face the back.
Decoration is next. Take the red duct tape completely cover the colar on the flange and the entire coupler. Once finished start working the tape on the pipe to make it look like a candy cane.
Now that the pipe is assembled drill a small hole in the bottom of the pipe just over the flange. This will be used for the extension cord. Cut the female end off the extension cord to run through the hole and up to the top of the coupler. The female end is essentially garbage because the extension cord is going to be hard wired to the light socket.
Wiring the light socket in is really easy to do. Seperate with wires and strip about a half inch of insulation from each wire. Connect the wire from the extension cord to the proper post or wire on the light socket. By the way, make sure the extension cable is not plugged in during any of this. If the connection between the cable and socket is wire to wire make sure to use wire nuts to connect the wire and then tape over the connection to make it safe. If the connection was a screw or post on the socket make sure the cardboard tube is back in place.
A scap peice of wood may be needed to secure the light socket at the top of the light. I made a piece big enough that sat on the inside lip of the coupler. For another bit of safety tie a knot in the wire just before it exits the pipe leaving some slack in the wire inside the pipe. This will help to make sure the wire is not ripped from the socket.
Now that we are all wired up, test out the light and bask in it's glow. Place the globe over the bulb to make sure it you like the way it looks and is bright enough for your needs. Once that is done use some silicon or other adhesive sealant to secure the globe to the pole.
When I put the lights out I use four large nails or tent stakes to secure them to the ground so they do not tip over. That is why I use a plastic globe instead of a glass globe.
To make the North Pole Lights really stand out, a strand of clear and red mini lights can be wrapped around to really show off the red and white. I plan on doing this at some point in time.
Here is a picture of the finished product in the display and a row of them lit up at night.
