As your display gets larger, you will have to figure out better ways to control the massive amount of electrical power running through it. This is the first year we will have to use 3 different modes of control to make sure everything runs smoothly. The first mode is "always on", being that the power is not switched off after the display is used for the night. This will include the inflatable motors and a few other things. The second mode is controlled by rotary timing units. Our light show schedule is from 6 PM to 10 Pm so some things like signs and background lighting will be turned off and on at those times. Thirdly, Blitzen the Christmas Computer will run the main show according to his programming. Using the 3 modes will greatly improve the control of the power usage and keep problems like turning things off and on to a minimum.
Also, when a number of controllers and elements are on the same GFI and the power gets shut off due to a problem like water intrusion, that branch of the system will all go off at the same time. The more GFIs you have, the more you can keep the rest of it working during that shutdown. Our springtime project is the GFI Branch Stake. An extension cord is ran out to the general area of where the branch will be and the GFI Branch Stake is plugged into it. Power needed for controllers or other light elements will be plugged into the Stake. Items plugged into the Stake will be protected and only those items on that particular GFI will be shut down in the event of a problem with the remaining others staying on. This project will protect 2 branch lines and is also plugged into a primary GFI for double protection. Check out our Projects Page for some pics.
