How to Make a Custom Christmas Light Extension Cord in Minutes

“How do I connect my lights when the outlet is 27 feet away and I don’t want 13 extra feet of cord coiled on the ground?” 

The answer is a 5 minute custom extension cord using slide plugs. Zero wire stripping, zero electrical tape, and it’s completely safe and waterproof when done. Here’s the exact process we use on every install.

What You Need

• Outdoor-rated flat SPT 1 18 AWG wire
• 1 male slide plug
• 1 female slide plug
• Utility scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start at the end that will plug into the wall/outlet
   Cut the cord at a slight angle (makes it easier to feed).
   Split the two wires about 1/4 inch down the center.
2. Install the Male Plug (power-source end)
   • Take the male slide plug. Notice it has an open end and a closed end with a small center divider.
   • Feed the split cord all the way into the closed end until it bottoms out.
   • Fold the cord over the center ridge so each wire lies directly over the two gold blades.
   • Slide the top cover firmly across. This will cause the blades to pierce the wire and feed it electricity
3. Move to the opposite end of the cord
   Repeat the angled cut and split.
4. Install the Female Plug 
   Same exact process: feed into closed end, fold over blades, slide the cover.
   You now have a female socket ready for your C9 string.
5. Connect & Test
   Plug your light string into the new female end.
   Walk the male end back to the outlet or timer.
   Plug it in for an instant perfect glow, zero excess cord.

Watch these videos to see the steps in action: 

Real-World Pro Tips

• Do this AFTER the lights are already hung and spaced. That way your cord is exactly the right length with no guesswork.
• Add a small weight (brick, sandbag, or a couple zip ties with a water bottle) where the male plugs into the female. The hanging cord weight can pull them apart over a long season.
• These plugs are 100% waterproof once closed and rated for outdoor use. Thousands of installers leave them up year-round with zero issues.

That’s it. Five minutes and you have a clean, professional, custom length power lead that looks like it was factory made. Now your outline is perfect, your spacing is perfect, and your cords disappear.
Enjoy the Glow!

 

Free Christmas Light Guide: Christmas Light Guide

More Christmas Light Tutorial Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5jkPU1FvW4waO4dXgCZdBzK2xIDBN6W