Christmas Light Tutorial

When Size Matters Mini Christmas lights have been popular for several years. These lights measure approximately 1/4 inch in diameter, with a height of 5/8 of an inch. Miniature Christmas lights resemble tiny candles; for years these mini lights were available with only incandescent bulbs, but an increasing number of mini LED Christmas lights are popping up on the market. C6, C7, and C9 Christmas lights are traditional strawberry-shaped bulbs. These C-series Christmas lights are common in incandescent lights, with an increasing amount being marketed with LED options. C6 bulbs are about 3/4 inch in diameter and 1 1/8 inches tall; C7 bulbs measure 1 inch in diameter and 1 1/2-inches tall; C9 Christmas lights measure 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/2 inches tall. G-Series Christmas lights come in a variety of sizes and are shaped like globes. G-series Christmas lights come with incandescent or LED lights; the number following the G, divided by 8, determines the size of the bulb. Lights marked G25 (rounded to the nearest inch) are approximately 3 inches in diameter. Energy-Saving Christmas Lights Incandescent lights consist of glass bulbs and metallic filaments. LED Christmas lights (Light-Emitting Diodes) have a sturdy plastic bulb, no filament, and glow when charged by current. LED lights are more expensive to purchase, but they last 10 times longer than incandescent lights, burning up to 200,000 hours, and cost 1/10th of what incandescent lights cost to operate. Incandescent lights burn hot and fast, and pose a risk of fire; LED lights are cool to the touch. LED Christmas lights shine brighter than incandescent lights, and the colors will not fade. LED wires are thicker and less prone to tangling.

Packed with Power
Commercial Christmas lights are made with a durable, heavier gauge wire than residential Christmas lights, allowing them to carry more power longer distances. Commercial LED Christmas lights are used with a power adapter. Adapters have a two-prong polarized Edison-style plug that goes into a regular outlet, and a coaxial-style connector that connects to the lights. For a safe commercial lighting display, connect no more than 125 25-bulb Christmas light strings, no more than 62 50-bulb strings, and a maximum of 31 100-bulb strings; total bulb count should not exceed 3,125.

Trees of Light
It takes about 100 lights per foot to light a slender Christmas tree, and 150 lights per foot to light Christmas trees that are thick with foliage. A 6-foot tree would require 600-900 lights; an 8-foot tree should have 800-1200 lights; a 10-foot tree needs 1000-1500 lights. Always test lights before placing them on the tree; look for loose or broken bulbs and defective wiring. Use a surge protector to protect from overloads, and connect no more than three sets of lights end-to-end. If you have light strings with different bulb counts, connect all 100-light sets together, all 50-light sets together, etc.

Power Review
Never overload extension cords. Separate light sets by bulb count; one receptacle can hold three 100-light sets, another can manage three 50-light sets. Watts and amps are important. Wattage of incandescent lights can vary by bulb size and the number of lights per string. A standard outlet will support 16 amps. To calculate the total amp load that will be drawn, calculate how many feet of lights you are plugging in, multiply that by the number of watts per bulb, and divide that total by 125 volts.

Christmas Light Troubleshooting
You've tested each string of incandescent Christmas tree lights, and they're not working. Now what? Make sure all circuits are on, and all plugs are plugged in. Incandescent lights have fuses that might need replacing. Plug prongs might not be making full contact with the circuit; gently pry prongs outward. An increase in brightness of incandescent lights could mean that multiple lights have burned out. A light tester allows you to plug lights into the tester, push a test button, and identify defective lights by the buzzing sound they will make. Slight movement of a defective bulb can cause the set to temporarily light up.

Surges of electrical current can burn out new replacement bulbs, so unplug the lights before changing bulbs. Never mix and match bulbs. A 35-light string uses different voltage than a 50-light string; interchanging bulbs can cause mechanical and safety problems. Likewise, different brands of light are designed differently. To ensure proper fit and performance, replacement bulbs and the original string of light should come from the same manufacturer.