Difference between indoor and outdoor lights

[toodle_pipsky]

What makes an outdoor string of lights ok to use outside? I thought I read something about it being a simple case of the plastics used are weather/UV tollerant, but I can't find where I read that. Is there more to it than just that 1 difference between indoor and outdoor?

And that leads to another question of what about when you start customising your lights, what tips are out there to ensure you don't electrify your gutter/roof/patio/fence? I've seen a lot of talk about mini-trees having weather related problems, so that got me to thinking "what about everywhere else?".

Sorry I ask all these stupid qestions all the time. I think of something to ask and if I don't post or write it down, I forget to ask. I worry I'll miss a key piece of info that could be REAL important!

[ErnieHorning]

Nothing special about the lights, the wire is different. I believe for outdoor use, the only difference is that the insulation haves a UV inhibitor. It’s not that the wire won’t work outside, just that the insulation won’t last nearly as long before it starts to breakdown and become a hazard. A lot of people over on this side of the pond will use indoor extension cords for 4 or more years. They’ll last less time in direct sun as they will in a more shady area.

The low voltage that you guys are using over there probably isn’t going to be much of a problem anyways unless you get a short or stick your tongue on it.