How to Test Outdoor Christmas Lights

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(11 Ratings)

Test your Christmas lights before you hang them and save yourself a lot of trouble later in the season.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Inspect every string for damage to the insulation on the wire or smashed light sockets.
Step 2

Plug each string into an electrical socket individually.
Step 3

Replace any bulbs that don't light up.
Step 4

Make sure all of the bulbs are firmly fastened in their sockets.
Step 5

Check to see if the string has a fuse (it will be at the end nearest the plug); try replacing the fuse if the entire string is out.
Step 6

Buy a bulb tester and use it to check any lights you suspect are burned out.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure your lights and extension cords are rated by Underwriter's Laboratories and are designed for outdoor use.
Replace burned-out bulbs immediately. They can cause the other bulbs to overheat and shorten the lives of all the bulbs on the string.
If you find a damaged string, throw it away. The few dollars you might save by keeping it are not worth the risk of a house fire.

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