How to Modify a NOMA Controller and a Standard Power Bar to Switch 15 Amps

Here's a standard 8 plug power bar and a NOMA control which come on one of those twinkling light sets you buy.  The problem is that the control can only switch about 125 watts.  Here's a simple design to allow it to switch the full 15 amps.

*** Please do not attempt this if you do not have a basic understanding of simple electronics ***

We're planning on using this to control 2 small forests of home made trees that will be added to this years display.   Each will have up to 20 trees of 300 mini's each. (6,000 lights total).  This is possible because the only setting on the control we will use is the 'fade on/fade off' one.  Only 25% of the lights will be on at any given time.  That's what the 'Do Not Adjust' sticker is all about.  I purchased an amp probe this year so I can determine the exact amount of trees that I can safely add.

Click here for schematic and close up photo

  If you want to enclose all the electronics, you will have to select a power bar that has the room inside.  I bought one with a bunch of surge protection, removed that, and I had just enough room.  You can use the smaller power bars, but the circuitry will have to be external.

I won't get into detailed instructions on how to do this.  Here's a schematic of the bar.  It's as simple as building it, and cramming it in the bar.  The NOMA control opens on the back, so making those connections is quite easy.  Please Email me if you have any questions or comments.

Because of the components that you probably had to remove, please use a GFCI outlet.