Sub blowing Christmas lights?

Jim, the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes once remarked something to the effect that when you've ruled out everything else, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the explanation :)

In this case the only explanations that seem to present themselves are the ones you and others have offered, the voltage spike possibility (which of course would result in a proportional current spike), and the possibility that it is all coincidence (meaning that the fuses will eventually blow on other outlets as well).

Sprink's words that "the lights have blown twice WHILE plugging in to this outlet" would seem to give credence to the spike theory, because the spike would be adding to the already large current surge that occurs during the first second or two after the lights are connected (due to their low resistance when cold). You appear to be saying that the spike would be either too brief or too small to blow the fuse, but given all the foregoing my feeling is that it is a close call as to whether that possibility or coincidence is the least unlikely possibility.

Sprink -- When you respond, it would also be helpful to know the ratings of the fuse (amperage, fast blow/slow blow, etc.), and how many lights are in series with it, and what their voltage and wattage ratings are.

Regards,
-- Al

Being he didn't complain about other things blowing around the house sounds to me that a poor neutral connection in the service opening intermittently somewhere causing a voltage problem could be ruled out.One rare exception would be if that outlet is split,and running off of two separate phase legs.

Thanks for all the informative info. The sub is off and not playing. However, I found a short in the Christmas lights. BOTH sets. I took the second set, put new fuses in them and plugged them in another outlet, and they came on. When I sat them down, they came back on. I did the same thing with the second set. I plug a third set into the outlet and they worked just fine.

Hello,
It is not the sub doing it most likely as it is simply the amount of load (in Amperes of current) on that particular circuit. Plug less stuff, whatever it may be, into that circuit and use others that are less loaded down already if possible.
Hope this helps,
Tom

So forget Christmas and enjoy your sub. Man, you gotta get your priorities straight.