There's nothing like a beautiful Christmas light display accented with zip tied clumps of electrical wire and mangled extension cords. That way, they'll be tangle-free and ready to put up next year. If all the lights remain on then most likely the strand is wired in parallel. Enjoy your new shortened LED Christmas lights. Thank you. What if I only want to remove a few bulbs, not a whole section? Step 2: If you need extension cords, buy cords that are safe for outdoor use. Note that both the socket and the backing have a matching "hump" on one side. One of them is connected (through the plug) to the wide blade or receptacle; the other to the narrow. How to make sure youre not wasting your money, The 5 best outdoor floodlights for your yard, 3 of the best solar garden lights for a bright and eco-friendly yard, 5 outdoor lighting tips we learned from experience so you didnt have to, How to soundproof windows so you can finally get a good nights sleep, 10 bad ideas for your front yard that will kill your curb appeal, How to level a yard (and 3 reasons why you really should), These are the best zone 8 plants for your warm, bright climate, How to harvest romaine lettuce you can eat fresh from the garden, The 5 best places to buy succulents online to start your plant collection, What you need for a gorgeous indoor rose plant, Everything you need to know about growing healthy ferns indoors, How to grow tomatoes from seed for the biggest, most delicious haul. In theory, you can cut any type of outdoor hanging lights as long as you know how to do so safely; however, there are companies that sell string lights specifically designed for being cut to a desired length. When you only take away a few lights instead of a whole section, the voltage thats sent to the remaining bulbs increases and will prematurely blow out the strand. All rights reserved. Not only is it unsafe to use indoor lights outside in general, but it will be even more unsafe after you cut them. Each light that is removed increases the voltage to all the remaining bulbs. The reason why removing a whole section is the best way is because outdoor hanging lights that are wired in sections spread 120 volts throughout the whole strand. Unplug anything you are going to be working with. LED Christmas lights wired as a series will consist of 3 wires then slowly taper off to 2 wires then back to 3 as it starts a new section. So, what do you do? strand where there are only two wires and cap each cut wire with an outdoor/waterproof wire connector. I know some strings will be too long so this is a perfect fix! Nevertheless, it is still possible. Butnot all Christmas lights can or should be customized. Your email address will not be published. Their thicker insulation makes them better for withstanding weather conditions. Now that you know how to shorten string Christmas lights, you can fill in any small gaps of lights on your roof or create custom length string lights to decorate with in your home. Register with an email address and password. Anyone able to help with this? Required fields are marked *. Helpful Hint: Inexpensive Christmas lights purchased in multi-packs are ideal for decorating your whole home for the holiday season. Just visit Users > Your Profile > Biographic info, And everyone said you cant shorten 3 wire harness. This is the "neutral" wire. Only one loose wire and the wire coming from the light bulbs should be connected together. Look for the part of your lights where it tapers off into 2 wires. By connecting the wires this way, the lights will turn on when you plug it in. After twisting the wires together secure with a wires connector. Make sure no loose wire strands are sticking out. Note that these teeth are not aligned. The other is connected (through the socket) to a metal tab running up the side of the socket. Although not an ideal scenario, it is possible to only remove a few bulbs; however, you dont want to remove too many. Dont attach the two loose wires together. You may want to use pliers, or set the socket down and press the backing on with a hard, flat item like a piece of wood. Thanks for the information. If the lights go outdoors be sure to useoutdoor/waterproof wire connectors. Ace Hardware and the Ace Hardware logo are registered trademarks of Ace Hardware Corporation. See our samples below! This will lay the electrical cord across the vampire teeth (again, make sure the ribbed wire is laying on the tooth that's connected to the wide blade or receptacle). If your goal is to remove one or two lights off a strand wired in series it is possible but not ideal. If you have an old set of lights that you no longer require you could cut the Male plug end off leaving a workable length of wire and strip the wires on both ends and wire nut them together just be mindful of polarity. With the lights unplugged cut wires with wire cutters between the bulbs and cap each end with wire connectors.

Christmas festivities arent complete without the presence of Christmas lights. This diagram shows how Christmas lights wired in series are wired. 3) Inside of the plug you'll see two "vampire teeth" set down into the channel that runs along the length of the plug. Most mini Christmas lights and LED Christmas lights are wired as multiple sections of wired in series. We appreciate you supporting this site. How can I know if the lights Im looking at run in a series or not? The wire coating can be stripped, exposing the copper wire within it and then that wiring can be connected to a corresponding wire using any number of techniques like twist-on wire connectors, butt/splice connectors or making a permanent connection with solder. Christmas lights wired in series spread 120 volts coming out of the plug across all the lights. Very helpful. 1) Unplug anything you are going to be working with. If youre only removing a small number of bulbs, this isnt a big deal; however, be cautious of removing too many bulbs. One of them is connected to a metal tab at the bottom of the socket. Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison. You can still receive delivery on qualifying items for a fee. Thanks! Handyman Service is currently not available in your area. Im a bit OCD and it drives me nuts to see the empty sockets running across my roof. When it comes to light wires, there are two options for customization.

WONDERFUL, thank you!!! But if you do, youre probably wondering, Can you cut string lights? The short answer is: yes. Use wire cutters to strip the ends of the two wires cut in the previous step. You may want to use pliers, or set the socket down and press the backing on with a hard, flat item like a piece of wood. Some pressure will be needed to slide the plug in place and you may even need to use pliers. It has been awhile. Ace Rewards members are eligible to receive free delivery on orders of $50 or more. Take time to see the wide variety of bulb shapes and sizes that are available. America's most shopped online Christmas lights store! These teeth bite into the cord when the plug is assembled to connect to electric current. Thats easy! Then, cut the third wire to match the length of the other two wires and cap it with a wire connector. The other is connected (through the socket) to a metal tab running up the side of the socket. Cut the remaining wire the same length as the other two. Well done! Only problem is then fixing a place for the blacked out lights. With the lights unplugged, cut the two wires that enter the last light in the series strand with wire cutters. Now look closely at your electrical cord. We'll reach out to you shortly to discuss your project and answer any questions you may have. 1. Let us know if you have questions in the comments below. a superhero bash for super Connors 4th birthday, It is a good thing we drug our feet on finishing t, all the stars in the sky 2) Slide the backing off of your zip plug. One wire has a slightly raised "rib" along one side (you may have to feel for it). & Outdoor Living.Inspiration, tips and how-tos for a more verdant lifestyle for city dwellers and suburban farmers alike, HappySprout offers a modern take on green living that sparks joy from the roots up. When trimming your lights to fit a particular space, the most ideal scenario would be cutting outdoor hanging lights that are designed to be customized. There are videos and tutorials available to help you, if needed. Shop Ace to buy Christmas tree lights and other seasonal lighting options to add festive flair to your home. (Other than an extra couple of plugs!). Then you'll add either a male or female zip plug to the cut end to finish it off. Can I cut Christmas lights to length? The steps below will show you how to install these types of plugs on a wire. Behind the tree, they're the most important aspect of creating a merry, seasonal environment for your friends and family. Christmas Lights, EtcWholesale and Retail Christmas Lights and Trees - Wholesale & Commercial Sales. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. The process for doing this once for a fix is pretty straightforward, but if you need custom Christmas lights that require numerous splice connections it can be overly time consuming and not advisable. See Details. Ive been looking for a way to shorten some lights for a project Im working on and this is perfect! So to identify each section on the strand, simply remove a bulb and mark the beginnings and ends of where the lights go out. They are one of the easiest and most fun ways to showcase your holiday spirit. Apply gentle force so as not to damage the socket, and make sure the backing is seated firmly all the way around. Cover the newly joined wires with a wire nut connector and secure it with electrical tape. Cut C7, C9, or E26 medium base cords to fit by clipping them with wire cutters and terminating them. This diagram shows that if you connect the wires this way it will short circuit and throw the breaker for the outlet. See the following section for instructions. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Most folks asking this question are interested in Christmas light strings that will be the exact length of the sides of their rooflines and driveways.

As long as everything is done neatly and the proper tools are used, youll be able to hang these lights outdoors with no problem. Great! Sign in for faster checkout and to redeem and earn rewards! Like these! The first one is the safer and easier option as it would only require you to cut away a part of the entire string of lights. ), Get This Look: Romantic Edison Bulbs Light a Tucson Patio, 5-Minute Project: 4th of July Glass Block, Quick and easy backyard fence lighting project.

Step 1: If your budget allows, opt for lights that are designed to be cut to a customizable length. I found some black covers that fit over mini lights so you can reduce any number of lights in a string. Get into the holiday spirit with interior Christmas decorations. Before we start, you first need to find out whether your LED Christmas lights are wired as parallel or as a series. There was an error processing your signup! As you shop, the bulbs are separated into two main categories: C7 and C9 bulbs most traditionally used for Christmas but great used all year on patios and for parties, Bigger, brighter party lights these come in a wider variety of shapes and colors. Free delivery offer excludes same day delivery. Step 6: Once everything is safely cut and the ends are taped over, plug the lights in to make sure they work. As you can see in the diagram, the red wire is not connected at all. It also eliminates any excess wiring at the end of your runs. This is important. This will lay the electrical cord across the vampire teeth. When cutting standard outdoor hanging lights, your best option will be to remove a whole section at a time. 4) Lay your electrical cord into the channel on the back of the socket.

That said, if you have any questions, dont hesitate to research further! Christmas lights are a major part of decorating your home for the holiday season. You can also easily shop our recommended products here. As you can see, removing a few bulbs isnt a huge deal but remove too many and risk burning out all the lights. Step 5: Cover any remaining exposed wire with weatherproof electrical tape. Start by locating both sides of each series section of lights that turn off when a bulb is removed. Please contact customer service. 2020 Stylemotivation.com, Those Texas Summers Are Bound To Get Worse Heres How To Survive Them. Last year my son did the lights and we ended up with a giant clot of ganglion wires over the front door it looked far more Halloween than Xmas, but we were too lazy/busy/disinterested to do anything about it but laugh. Its a somewhat complicated process that well outline as best we can. Wire cutters again, a pair can be purchased in any hardware or electrical supply store. Splicing Means Different Things to Different People. Note that these teeth are not aligned. What you cannot forget to spend a perfect day at the beach, What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents (and How Can You Reduce Your Risks? Any cords that are made with 20, 18, 16, or 14 AWG lamp cord wiring can be cut to fit. Although LED Christmas lights consume less energy and are generally safe for use, they still deal with electricity, so shortening your LED Christmas lights is still a risk. Note that these teeth are not aligned. Since theyre designed to be cut, theres much less of a safety risk, and youll have room to work with if you ever decide you want to cut more. Basic electrical wiring can often be cut. Sorry, fairy lights cannot be shortened or modified. This video shows how easy they are to install! LED Christmas lights are a safer option for festive holiday decorations. Think through your project and you might even be able to use the extra cord for another project.

Step 1: Look at the safety ratings on lights you're interested in purchasing to ensure they are rated for outdoor use. I bet youll ne, #ad | We were long overdue to give our bed an upgr, Currently juggling a hundred projects right now in, Shop the products we used for this project in one place, Painting a Perfect Oil-Rubbed Bronze Finish. Step 4: After youve identified each section, cut the (unplugged!) led bulbs c7 twinkle replacement christmas lights pack twinkling eyez thighs thick pretty

This is the "neutral" wire which connects to the wide blade or receptacle of your plug. Exposed wires can shock you. Make sure to follow all the steps and remember to be careful. Make sure the ribbed wire is laying on the tooth that's connected to the side of the socket. lights christmas outside led curtain fairy light

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