Pifco Fairy Lights

[liberatordeluxe]

Currently looking on Ebay at Vintage items and noticed a lot of Pifco fairy lights for sale. Just wondered if the old style single insulated cable was still allowed to be used as i have seen some light sets that have been officially PAT tested with date stamp etc. Was there a particular reason why mains lights from the mid 80s had thicker cable when the transparent green one sufficed?

 

[artcurus]

Yes it's fine. I wouldn't use them outside, but that goes without saying. Just make sure the insulation isn't cracked or damaged.

The BIGGER problem on these is the sockets, they are an unbelievable maintenance headache at least for Crystal and Noma.

As for the size of wire, it just depends on the brand, the cheaper ones used the thinner wire.

What you do have to be careful about is overheating, and it's recommended to run these on a dimmer to reduce the voltage some. Also, as replacements might be hard to find, buy another set for replacement bulbs.

 

[liberatordeluxe]

These are indoor only so obviously one would not use them outside. They don't half go for silly prices on Ebay. Some i have seen are over £200!

 

[artcurus]

I just noticed this was UK but anyway.

I have over 70 35 two way flasher sets from the late 60's, early 70's. While I love these sets, they are an unbelievable pain in the lower regions to maintain. I also collect to some extent, 1950's christmas lights. Though some of these sets get repurposed.

 

[artcurus]

wont let me edit,

I also wanted to say that collectors are driving the prices up here also, a relatively common 35 double flasher set is currently up in the $35-$40 range.

And don't get me started on 1950's pink c7 replacement bulbs, we are talking almost "sell me your first born" ranges.

 

[liberatordeluxe]

Id love to be able to find some of those Pifco Cinderella Lights although not my thing i know they go for a lot on Ebay. If only i could come across some. There must still be alot of these style of lights going about which says alot how well they must of been made.

 

[tomturbomatic]

The Sum of Us

This movie is on the telly now and they showed little colorful lights on the Christmas tree. Are those Fairy lights?

 

[liberatordeluxe]

They are indeed!